Sick Buildings: Definition, Diagnosis and Mitigation

Published:
November 22, 1994 by CRC Press - 416 Pages
Author(s):
Thad Godish, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA

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Hardback
$189.95
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ISBN 9780873713467
Cat# L346
 

Features

  • Sample questionnaires used in Europe and North America
  • Discussions of possible causes, including poor ventilation, emissions from office furnishings, and biological contaminants
  • Diagnosis and control methods

    • Summary

    This book is a comprehensive examination of the phenomenon of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) characterized as sick or problem buildings. Significant emphasis is given to defining the nature of the problem, the various potential causal and risk factors, problem building diagnostic protocols and contaminant measurements, and the mitigation of IAQ problems, including case histories. The book features a discussion on the potential causal factors studied extensively in Europe and recognized in North America as well.

    Table of Contents

    Chapter 1. Defining the Issues
    Building-Related Illness
    Sick Building Syndrome
    Tight Buildings
    Sick Buildings/Problem Buildings
    Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 2. People-Related Risk Factors
    Personal Characteristics
    Psychosocial Phenomenon
    Tobacco Smoking
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 3. Environmental Conditions/Environmental Systems
    Environmental Conditions
    Environmental Systems
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 4. Office Materials, Equipment, and Furnishings
    Office Materials and Equipment
    Floor Covering
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 5. Gas/Vapor- and Particulate-Phase Contaminants
    Bioeffluents
    Formaldehyde
    Volatile Organic Compounds
    "Dust"
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 6. Contaminants of Biological Origin
    Hypersensitivity Diseases
    Legionnaires' Disease
    Asthma
    Chronic Allergic Rhinitis
    Allergy and Allergens as Risk Factors for SBS Symptoms
    Other Biological Contaminant-Related Health Concerns
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 7. Diagnosing Problem Buildings
    Role of Public and Private Groups
    Role of Industrial Hygiene
    Problem Building Investigation
    Features of Investigative Protocols
    Procedures for Evaluating Problems with HVAC Systems
    Recapitulation
    Appendices
    References
    Chapter 8. Measurement of Indoor Air Contaminants
    Contaminant Measurement Considerations
    Procedures for Commonly Measured Chemical/Physical Contaminants
    Sampling Biological Aerosols
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 9. Source Control
    Chemical Contaminants
    Biological Contaminants
    Surface Dusts
    Recapitulation
    References
    Chapter 10. Contaminant Control
    General Dilution Ventilation
    Local Exhaust Ventilation
    Entrainment/Re-Entry/Cross-Examination
    Air Cleaning
    Recapitulation
    References
    Index

    Editorial Reviews

    "An excellent survey...Recommended."
    -CHOICE, Vol. 33, No. 7, March 1996

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