EHC Minutes 011W

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING
ENGINEERS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE (EHC)

MINUTES
Winter Meeting
January 31, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
1.0
CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS.........................................................1
2.0
REVIEW OF AGENDA ........................................................................................1
3.0
MINUTES FROM PAST MEETINGS ................................................................1
4.0
ACTION ITEM (AI) TRACKING & PRELIMINARY REVIEW ...................1
5.0
CHAIRS REPORT ...............................................................................................2
6.0
VICE CHAIR REPORT........................................................................................2
7.0
BOD EX-OFFICIO/COORDINATING OFFICER ...........................................3
8.0
IAQ CONFERENCES ...........................................................................................3
9.0
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS ............................................................................4
10.0
POSITION DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................7
11.0
STANDARDS ACTIVITIES.................................................................................9
12.0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS ..................................................................................10
13.0
NEW BUSINESS..................................................................................................10
14.0
ADJOURNMENT ................................................................................................10
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Winter Meeting Agenda
Appendix 2 2010-2011 MBOs
Appendix 3 President-Elect Advisory Committee (PEAC) Presentation
Appendix 4 IAQ 2010 Conference Summary Report
Appendix 5 Ozone and Indoor Air Chemistry Emerging Issue Brief
Appendix 6 Draft RTAR 1630
Appendix 7Draft RTAR - Effective ventilation systems for airborne infection isolation
rooms to minimize potential cross infection
Appendix 8 Draft RTAR - Airborne Pathogens and Air Cleaners
Appendix 9 2013 Handbook review assignments
Appendix 10 F10 chapter review assignments
Appendix 11 IAQ PD revision draft
Appendix 12 ASHRAE Guideline 10 presentation
EHC Minutes
2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV
Page ii
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AI
AID
AMORTS
APIC
ASHRAE
BEQ
BOD
CDC
CNV
CV
DOE
DOT
DRSC
EHC
EPA
ETS
EX-O
HAACP
HVAC
IAQ
IEQ
ISIAQ
MBO
MOH
MOP
MTG
NAFA
NIH
PC
PD
PDC
PEAC
RAC
REF
ROB
RP
RTAR
SPC
SRP
SSPC
TAC
TC
TG
TPS
TRP
UCD
URP
VA
WS
EHC Minutes
Action Item
Airborne Infectious Disease
Assistant Manager of Research and Technical Services
Association for Professionals in Infection Control
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers
Building Energy Quotient
Board of Directors
Centers for Disease Control
Chair Not Voting
Chair Voting
Department of Energy
Director of Technology
Document Review Subcommittee
Environmental Health Committee
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Ex-Officio
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Environmental Quality
International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
Management by Objective
Ministry of Health
Manual of Procedures
Multi-disciplinary Task Group
National Air Filtration Association
National Institute of Health
Project Committee
Position Document
Position Document Committee
President-Elect Advisory Committee
Research Administration Committee
Refrigeration Committee
Rules of the Board
Research Project
Research Topic Acceptance Request
Standard Project Committee
Strategic Research Plan
Standing Standard Project Committee
Technical Activities Committee
Technical Committee
Task Group
Title, Purpose, & Scope
Tentative Research Project
Unvented Combustion Devices
Unsolicited Research Proposal
Veterans Administration
Work Statement
Page iii
MOTIONS
PAGE NO.
1. the minutes from the EHC Annual Meeting in Albuquerque be approved..............................1
2. Honors and Awards Committee award the Environmental Health Award to Mr. Sidney
Parsons. ..3
3. Honors and Awards Committee waive ROB 2.411.003.7 in considering Sid Parsons as
the winner of the Environmental Health Award ..... 3
4. the emerging issue brief Ozone and Indoor Chemistry be approved and forwarded to
Technology Council and the BOD... 4
5. a forum program or Montreal on ASHRAE Guideline 10 titled How to meet Standards
62.1, 55, 90.1, & 189.1 in a Healthy, Sustainable Building be approved and submitted
as first priority.....7
6. the seminar on URP-1443, Ventilation and Health be resubmitted as a 2nd priority for
Montreal. .......7
7. the following members be appointed to the Environmental Health in Green Building
Programs Position Document (PD) Committee ....8
EHC Minutes
Page iv
Responsibility
ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM WINTER 2011 MEETING
No.
Page
Schoen
Forward MOP with edits to Zhang to continue work
EHC
Persily
EHC
Prepare to discuss theme, location, chair, committee for IAQ 2013

on spring conference call
Send the list of course topics from the IAQ Design Guide and
example short course proposal form to EHC
Volunteer or recruit authors for IAQ column in ASHRAE Journal
Schoen
Li, Stewart, Zhang,

Thomann, Sekhar,
Persily, Radonovich
Thomann, Li,
Chandra, Lau
Schoen, Li,
Radonovich,
Hodgson
Alevantis
10
EHC
11
EHC
12
Levin
13
EHC
14
Staff
15
EHC
16
Staff
17
Schoen
18
EHC
19
10
Emmerich
20
10
Schoen/Staff
EHC Minutes
Summary
Status
Assure EHC is involved in WS-1579 revision with TC 2.3 and

determine if EHC should cosponsor
Work to develop two draft RTARs proposed in Appendix 7
Work with Sultan to develop draft RTAR for Annual Meeting
Draft letter to respond to MOH stating interest in research project
and a including a plan of how to proceed.
Liaise with McGovern on potential 62.1/CO RTAR to determine
if/how EHC can become involved
Review and comment to Jackson on review of Fundamentals
chapters for environmental health issues
Review assigned chapter F10 section by late March.
Invite chairs of relevant standards to participate in proposed program
for Montreal titled How to meet Standards 62.1, 55, 90.1, & 189.1 in
a Healthy, Sustainable Building
Contact Wargocki if interested in participating on PD committee for
PD on Indoor Air Cleaning Devices
Discuss issue of Lemoff retirement and his role with PD committee
with Document Review Subcommittee (DRSC) to determine and
communicate proper path
Review and comment on draft IAQ PD to Emmerich prior to
February 14th
Forward title, purpose, scope (TPS) on Refrigerants and the Built
Environment PD to Schoen
Forward Ninomuras email summary of issues with AID PD to EHC
for review
Consider request to revise the Airborne Infectious Diseases PD
Consider authoring column on Guideline 10 for standing IAQ
column in ASHRAE Journal
Determine dates for spring conference call
Page v
No.
ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM TECH WEEKEND 2010 CONFERENCE CALL
Responsibility
Summary
Status
Schoen
Make assignments for each 2010-11 MBO and distribute to responsible

parties
Complete
EHC
Review and comment on proposal form for a Indoor Air Cleaning Devices
PD prior to 10.07.2010 call
Complete
Wargocki
Edit Indoor Air Cleaning Devices PD proposal based on input from EHC.
Send new draft to EHC prior to 10.07.2010 call
Complete
EHC
Review and comment on proposal form for Environmental Health in Green

Building Programs PD prior to 10.07.2010 call
Complete
Alevantis
Edit Environmental Health in Green Building Programs PD proposal based

on input from EHC. Send new draft to EHC prior to 10.07.2010 call
Complete
EHC
Forward the names of potential volunteers for the Environmental Health in

Green Building Programs PD committee to Alevantis.
Complete
Staff
Forward the latest doodle poll to Hodgson to indicate his availability for the
next meeting
Complete
EHC
Review and comment on Ozone and Indoor Air Chemistry brief prior to
10.07.2010 call
Complete
Jackson
Edit Ozone and Indoor Air Chemistry brief based on input from EHC. Send
new draft to EHC prior to 10.07.2010 call
Complete
10
Persily
Develop proposal for IAQ Guide short course by Las Vegas meeting
Complete
11
EHC
Review and comment on IEQ metrics document prior to 10.07.2010 call
Complete
12
Persily
revise document based on input from EHC and send new draft to EHC prior
to 10.07.2010 call
Complete
13
Staff
Determine status of WS 1491 and 1579. Report to EHC.
Complete
14
EHC
Review and comment on Li RTAR titled Effective ventilation systems for

airborne infection isolation rooms to minimize potential cross infection.
Complete
15
EHC
Review and comment on Sultan RTAR on airborne pathogens and air

cleaners
Complete
.
16
Jackson/Levin
Continue discussion and propose appropriate wording for Ozone and Indoor
Air Chemistry brief and develop for letter ballot consideration by EHC.
Complete
EHC Minutes
Page vi
No.
ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM ALBUQUERQUE MEETING

Summary
Responsibility
Status
Staff
Assure briefs are reported to Technology Council and the BOD
Complete
Staff
Have briefs posted to EHC page of ASHRAE website
Complete
Jackson
Complete
4
5
Offermann/
Sundell
Persily
to review/revise draft of Ozone and Indoor Air Chemistry brief based on

discussion and send to EHC for comments. Prepare draft for LV
Draft and distribute SVOC brief for Las Vegas meeting.
recruit authors and article ideas for upcoming editions of the Journal.
Complete
EHC
Review WS 1491 and provide comments
Complete
Levin
Complete
EHC
Finalize draft WS 1491 for letter ballot approval prior to RAC August 15th
deadline.
Review chapter F10 and provide comments to Jackson.
Emmerich
submit seminar proposal related to URP-1443 for Las Vegas
10
12
Alevantis
submit program proposal related to Health in Green Buildings Las Vegas.

Propose as Technical Plenary if possible
Prepare TPS and recommended PDC roster for the proposed PD on Indoor
Air Cleaning Devices for Las Vegas
Contact original PDC members for input on potential changes to ETS PD
Complete
11
Alevantis/
Levin
Wargocki
13
Alevantis
Complete
14
15
Bohanon/
Persily/ Levin/
Schoen
Schoen/Staff
Develop revised TPS and potential member list for PD on environmental

health in green buildings for Las Vegas
Help develop a protocol suitable for use in the ASHRAE tools (PMP, BEQ)
to assure minimum IEQ/IAQ considerations
determine dates for future meetings as soon as possible
Complete
16
EHC
forward Jackson information on IEQ policies or programs established by

various programs or organizations.
Complete
No.
Responsibility
Spri
ng9
OR
9
Thomann
LO
2
ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM PAST MEETINGS
Summary
Complete
See LV
AI #10
Complete
Complete
Complete
Ongoing
Status
Ongoing
Emmerich/
Zhang
Provide input per NIOSH plan related to Lis draft RTAR on relative
importance of airborne transmission route comparing to contact routes.
Contact IAQ Guide chair for ideas on research that can fill gaps in
knowledge.
Offermann
Complete 1 page summary of unsafe air effort
Delete
EHC Minutes
Delete
Page vii
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE (EHC)

WINTER MEETING
JANUARY 31, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Larry Schoen, Chair
Jensen Zhang, Vice-Chair
Leon Alevantis
Paul Francisco
Mark Jackson
Yuguo Li
Andy Persily
Lew Radonovich
Chandra Sekhar
Zuraimi Sultan
Jan Sundell
Wayne Thomann
Pawel Wargocki
Eric Werling
Hal Levin, Consultant
Bill Bahnfleth, Coord. Officer
Tim Dwyer, BOD Ex-O
GUESTS:
Charlene Bayer
Hoy Bohanon
Barney Burroughs
Joon-Ho Choi
David Delaquila
Steve Emmerich
Doug Erickson
Ragib Kadribegovic
Rick Hermans
Josephine Lau
Hans Levy
Ross Montgomery
Paul Ninomura
Yong Kong Ng
Roger Pasch
Erica Stewart
Mark Stutman
Shiniche Tanabe
Diotima Von Kempski
Doug Walkingshaw
Lanchi Nguyen Weekes
ASHRAE STAFF:
Steve Hammerling, AMORTS
Claire Ramspeck, DOT
1.0
CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS

Chair Larry Schoen called the meeting of the EHC to order at 2:15 PM. EHC members,
guests and ASHRAE staff introduced themselves.
2.0
REVIEW OF AGENDA
The meeting agenda was reviewed and is included as Appendix 1.
3.0
MINUTES FROM PAST MEETINGS

Draft minutes from Albuquerque were sent to committee prior to the meeting.
It was moved (WT) and seconded (MJ) that,
(1) the minutes from the EHC Annual Meeting in Albuquerque be approved.
MOTION 1 PASSED: 9-0-0, CNV
4.0
ACTION ITEM (AI) TRACKING & PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF ACTION ITEMS

EHC reviewed action items from past meetings. A status summary is shown on page vi.
Action items will be discussed in detail as listed on the agenda.
EHC Minutes
Page 1
5.0
CHAIRS REPORT
5.1 MOTIONS FROM LAST MEETING

Motions to approve a request for the Position Documents (PD) on Air Filtration and
Cleaning and Environmental Health and Green Buildings Programs were approved by
Technology Council and will be considered by BOD ExCom at this meeting.
The motion to reaffirm the PD on Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) was approved.
The revised ETS PD is available at www.ashrae.org.
5.2
NEW/CARRYOVER ACTION ITEMS FOR EHC

There were no Action Items for EHC from Technology Councils Annual or Technology
Weekend meeting.
5.3
NEW INFORMATION ITEMS

Bahnfleth reported on Multidisciplinary Task Group (MTG) structure being set up by
Technical Activities Committee (TAC). MTGs are intended to replace the current technical
steering committees under Technology Council and are formed when the Society has
determined a need for activity in a field of interest that encompasses the expertise of
Technical Committees (TC) from two or more sections and/or from non-TC groups such as
project committees or outside organizations. Each TC and non-TC group whose field of
interest falls within the MTG defined scope, or is added after the MTG starts, shall have a
voting representative on the MTG. The functions of an MTG may include Handbook,
Program, Publications, Research, and Standards as required by their specific charge, but the
customary function of the MTG will be to coordinate those activities within the TCs
represented on the MTG.
Incoming Technology Council chair Montgomery stated that new rules of operation for
Position Documents will be proposed at this meeting. Changes include the automatic
expiration of PDs in 3 years if not reaffirmed or revised. Please consider new procedures in
PDs being developed or currently approved.
5.4
6.0
2010-2011 MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES (MBOS)

A status report on the 2010-2011 Society Year MBOs is included as Appendix 2. Specific
MBOs will be discussed as listed on the agenda.
VICE CHAIR REPORT
6.1
STATUS OF ROB AND MOP

Schoen noted that some proposed revisions to MOP had been made by EHC and a
subcommittee of Technology Council but are still in development.
Action Item 1 Schoen forward MOP with edits to Zhang to continue work
6.2
BUDGET
Zhang noted there was little to report on budget. Fixed costs for travel, staff support, etc.
could get minor adjustments if needed but could be handled by staff. EHC may wish to seek
funding for MTG research efforts
6.3
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AWARD

Zhang referred to email discussions on the Environmental Health Award. ROB 2.411.003.7
notes that Society Level Awards cannot be awarded posthumously.
EHC Minutes
Page 2
It was moved (WT) and seconded (CS) that,

(2) Honors and Awards Committee award the Environmental Health Award to Mr. Sidney
Parsons.
MOTION 2 PASSED: 12-0-0, CV
BACKGROUND: Parsons met the minimum eligibility requirements to be nominated for
the Environmental Health Award. A nomination letter was submitted and distributed to EHC
for consideration.
It was moved (WT) and seconded (CS) that,
(3) Honors and Awards Committee waive ROB 2.411.003.7 in considering Sid Parsons as
the winner of the Environmental Health Award
BACKGROUND: ROB 2.411.003.7 states: It is the policy of the Society not to consider for
approval any Society honors or awards posthumously, other than the Hall of Fame. This
ROB would need to be waived for Mr. Parsons to get the award. EHC felt strongly that Mr.
Parsons should receive the award due to his contributions to the environmental health field.
7.0
BOD EX-OFFICIO/COORDINATING OFFICER

BOD Ex-Officio Dwyer gave a presentation (Appendix 3) from the President-Elect Advisory
Committee (PEAC) to EHC. Highlights included:
New 2010 version of 90.1 published in November. 25% savings vs. 2004 with plug
loads (32% savings without plug loads).
90.1-2013 version is in development already and is expected to include new
equipment or building systems for industrial and manufacturing processes
Aim to develop 90.2 and 100 to make more relevant
52,000+ members with 9,100+ outside US & Canada
Revamped ASHRAE online bookstore up and running
Dwyer encouraged EHC to participate in ASHRAE publications and product development
(BEQ, AEDGs, Standards, etc.) to assure IEQ/IAQ issues are responsibly and adequately
addressed.
Coordinating-Officer Bahnfleth addressed the committee commenting that EHC has
succeeded in becoming an even greater asset to ASHRAE over the last Society Year.
Bahnfleth thanked EHC for work done to organize IAQ 2010. Bahnfleth attended the
conference in Kuala Lumpur and will look forward to attending next IAQ conference.
8.0
IAQ CONFERENCES
Sekhar reported that IAQ 2010, Airborne Infection Control Ventilation, IAQ & Energy, was
held November 10-12, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There were 282 registrants to the
event from 6 continents. Sekhar recognized the steering committee, presenters, the scientific
committee, attendees, and especially the Malaysia chapter of ASHRAE which did an
excellent job hosting this event. A summary report is included as Appendix 4.
Another opportunity arising from the event includes a special edition of the ASHRAE
HVAC&R Research Journal featuring selected papers from IAQ 2010. Also, representatives
from the steering committee discussed with the Malaysia Ministry of Health (MOH) a
EHC Minutes
Page 3
possible research project to jointly study the effectiveness of natural, mechanical, and hybrid
systems on infection control in Malaysian hospitals.
Schoen noted that the schedule for the next ASHRAE IAQ conference would call for the next
conference in late fall 2013. The committee should start thinking about potential themes,
locations, chair, and steering committee members for IAQ 2013. Levin suggested involving
Bill Bahnfleth in discussion as the conference would take place during his Presidential term.
Action Item 2 EHC Prepare to discuss theme, location, chair, committee for IAQ 2013 on
spring conference call.
9.0
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 EDUCATION / RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE

Emerging Issue Briefs
EHC reviewed an Emerging Issue Brief titled Ozone and Indoor Chemistry (Appendix 5).
There were two no votes when this brief was letter balloted in the fall. These issues have been
addressed in the most recent revision to the satisfaction of those who had voted no.
It was moved (MJ) and seconded (JZ) that,
(4) the emerging issue brief Ozone and Indoor Chemistry be approved and forwarded to
Technology Council and the BOD.
No other new or existing briefs were discussed.
Environmental Health Educational Program (Thomann)
Persily reported that a Short Course proposal on envelope tightness was approved. This
proposal, sponsored by EHC, was one of the course ideas generated with EPA funding from
the IAQ design guide. Others include a course on a summary of the IAQ Design Guide by
Hewitt, and another course being developed by Bohanan/McFarland.
Levin encouraged EHC to look at developing more courses to cover the IAQ Design Guide in
general in addition to courses that focus on these specific subjects. Burroughs noted he would
suggest to TC 2.3 and 2.4 to develop a course based on the filtration section in the IAQ
Design Guide. These courses may be able to be packaged for grassroots chapter
presentations.
Action Item 3 - Persily Send the list of course topics from the IAQ Design Guide and
example short course proposal form to EHC.
Environmental Health ASHRAE Journal Column
Persily reported that the standing IAQ column in the ASHRAE Journal started last October.
Columns are committed through April 2011. The draft of the April 2011 article is due March
1st. Editors seek a ~1500 word article and require two months preparation time. Li and
Harriman are to be scheduled for upcoming articles. Francisco volunteered to write an article
on general health and safety guidance related to the Department of Energy (DOE)
weatherization program.
Action Item 4 EHC - volunteer or recruit authors for IAQ column in ASHRAE Journal
EHC Minutes
Page 4
Research Projects
1491
Research Administration Committee (RAC) Liaison Hermans noted that RAC approved
Work Statement (WS)-1491, Literature and Product Review and Cost Benefit Analysis of
Commercially Available Ozone Air Cleaning for HVAC Systems, without comments, a rare
occurrence to be approved so easily. EHC thanked Levin and Hermans for their work and
efforts in getting this through. This project would be prepared to go out for bid in the fall.
1579
WS-1579, Testing and Evaluation of Ozone Filters for Improving IAQ was returned to TC
2.3 by RAC to be reworked. EHC cosponsored the last draft and may wish to sponsor revised
draft.
Action Item 5 Schoen Assure EHC is involved in WS-1579 revision with TC 2.3 and
determine if EHC should cosponsor.
1603
TRP-1603, Role of HVAC Systems in the Transmission of Infectious Agents in Buildings and
Intermodal Transportation, sponsored by TC 9.6 has been approved by RAC and will go out
for bid in Spring 2011.
1596
Alevantis noted a principle investigator was selected for RP-1596, Ventilation and the IAQ in
Retail Spaces. There was a conference call yesterday. A pilot study is anticipated for late
spring and the project will be complete by the end of the year.
1630
Roger Pasch with TC 5.11, Humidifying Equipment, addressed EHC with an RTAR 1630,
Update the Scientific Evidence for Specifying Lower Limit Relative Humidity Levels for
Comfort, Health and IEQ in Occupied Spaces. The RTAR was returned by RAC with
comments to seek input and/or co-sponsorship in developing a Work Statement. The RTAR
is included with minutes as Appendix 6. EHC reviewed the RTAR giving Pasch a number of
comments on the draft RTAR related to the cost, literature, references, other interested
committees, and suggested using RP-1443 methodology as a model for this sort of research.
Research Ideas
Li presented a draft RTAR titled Effective ventilation systems for airborne infection isolation
rooms to minimize potential cross infection (Appendix 7). Li noted there were two research
options described. The 2nd is likely the smaller, easier, more focused project of the two. If
option 1 is desired, some changes would need to be made to draft and some cofounding
would need to be sought from VA, NIH or other sources. Lis emphasis with the draft was
that the CDC design for isolation rooms was not studied adequately enough, nor were
possible alternatives to the CDC method. This project could link to MOH research effort
discussed later on agenda.
Action Item 6 Li, Stewart, Zhang, Thomann, Sekhar, Persily, Radonovich Work to
develop two draft RTARs proposed in Appendix 7.
Sultan presented a draft RTAR titled Airborne Pathogens and Air Cleaners (Appendix 8).
Sultan discussed and solicited comments from EHC members noting that this was still a draft
and was awaiting input from TCs 9.3, 2.4 and 2.9. TC 2.4 is considering co-sponsoring the
RTAR.
EHC Minutes
Page 5
Action Item 7 Thomann, Li, Chandra, Lau Work with Sultan to develop draft RTAR
for Annual Meeting
Schoen reported on a meeting between ASHRAE IAQ 2010 steering committee members and
the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia at the IAQ 2010 Conference in Kuala Lumpur. They
identified an area for collaboration on a potential ASHRAE Research Project related to
ventilation and hospital acquired infection. Malaysian health care facilities employ a wide
range of infection control strategies (mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, hybrid, etc.)
and would be a good place to study the effect of these various strategies on airborne infection
cases. A possible research project could include a document review of various world
strategies in up to four main health care facility space types, set up of various systems and
strategies to understand ventilation, obtaining field data from Malaysia to evaluate
effectiveness, tracking occurrence of events and understanding outcomes.
EHC should reply to MOH while they are interested. Letter should include following points
for discussion:
1. ASHRAE/EHC interested in working together on research project.
2. How are Malaysian hospitals ventilated?
3. What is enforcement mechanism of infection control?
4. Whats infection control reporting? Is there national reporting and statistics?
Action Item 8 Schoen, Li, Radonovich, Hodgson draft letter to respond to MOH stating
interest in research project and a including a plan of how to proceed.
Alevantis reported there have been discussions on SSPC 62.1 on using carbon monoxide as
an indicator for ventilation. There is a change proposal out on the subject. Molly McGovern
is drafting an RTAR and asked if EHC wanted to review or cosponsor the RTAR.
Action Item 9 -Alevantis Liaise with McGovern on potential 62.1/CO RTAR to determine
if/how EHC can become involved.
2010-15 Strategic Research Plan (SRP) Goal #11 - Airborne Infectious Disease Control
Hermans noted there is potential for EHC to work with other TCs to develop research that
addresses SRP goal #11. EHC could lead a MTG to submit research projects to RAC. The
proposed scope of the MTG could be goal #11. A formal request to TAC would be necessary
but this would give co-sponsors a larger role than they currently have and make it easier to
obtain co-funding.
9.2
HANDBOOK/PROGRAM SUBCOMMITTEE
Handbook
Jackson reported that chapter reviews for the 2012 Systems & Equipment volume of the
Handbook were completed and sent to the Handbook Committee for their consideration. The
next volume to review is the 2013 Fundamentals volume. Jackson created list of assignments
for the 2013 volume review (Appendix 9) but is still seeking volunteers. Jackson is looking
for comments before the Annual meeting.
The revision of the Indoor Environmental Health chapter for the 2013 Fundamentals volume
is being led by Sundell. This is a secondary effort to the EHC review of Fundamentals
chapters. Sundell referred to a list of assignments for F10 section reviews (Appendix 10).
Action Item 10 -EHC Review and comment to Jackson on review of Fundamentals
chapters for environmental health issues.
EHC Minutes
Page 6
Action Item 11 various EHC review assigned chapter F10 section by late March.
EHC Program
There were no EHC sponsored seminars approved for the Las Vegas meeting. Levin noted
EHC can improve on selling of EHC programs to Program Committee to help get them
approved by using ASHRAE buzzwords or linking with popular committees and
publications. Track selection can have an impact on the program approval as well. Bohanon
noted that having a paper session is one way to assure acceptance of a program. Seminar
proposals for the Montreal program are due February 14th.
Burroughs suggested a program on the new Guideline 10 with a title that referenced popular
ASHRAE Standards such as How to meet 62, 55, 90, 189 in a healthy, sustainable building.
These committees could cosponsor and/or volunteer speakers. It was suggested the program
identify examples of conflicts between the various standards and examples that can be used to
help market issues that designers struggle with.
It was moved (PF) and seconded (LA) that,
(5) a forum program or Montreal on ASHRAE Guideline 10 titled How to meet Standards
62.1, 55, 90.1, & 189.1 in a Healthy, Sustainable Building be approved and submitted as
first priority.
Action Item 12 Levin invite chairs of relevant standards to participate in proposed
program for Montreal titled How to meet Standards 62.1, 55, 90.1, & 189.1 in a Healthy,
Sustainable Building.
It was moved (JS) and seconded (PF) that,
(6) the seminar on URP-1443, Ventilation and Health be resubmitted as a 2nd priority for
Montreal.
10.0
POSITION DOCUMENTS
10.1 INDOOR AIR CLEANING DEVICES PD

The PD request form approved by EHC last fall was approved by Technology Council and is
awaiting BOD approval. It is being considered for approval at this meeting. The draft
proposal was sent to various ASHRAE TCs that would have an interest. There was a good
deal of feedback received, some positive, some negative, and some with suggested
improvements. EHC will seek potential members for the PD. Wargocki is recruiting members
from TC 2.3, 2.4, 2.9, ISIAQ and other relevant committees.
Action Item 13 EHC contact Wargocki if interested in participating on PD committee for
PD on Indoor Air Cleaning Devices
10.2 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN GREEN BUILDING PROGRAMS PD
The PD request form approved by EHC last fall was approved by Technology Council and is
being considered for BOD approval at this meeting.
It was moved (LA) and seconded (ZS) that,
(7) the following members be appointed to the Environmental Health in Green Building
Programs Position Document (PD) Committee:
EHC Minutes
Page 7
Leon Alevantis, California Department of Public Health (Chair)

Anthony Bernheim, AECom Design
Hal Levin, Building Ecology Research Group
Dennis Stanke, Trane
Erika Stewart, Kaiser Permanente
Jan Sundell, Technical University of Denmark
Eric Werling, US Environmental Protection Agency

BACKGROUND: A request for this PD was approved by Document Review Subcommittee
and is pending approval from BOD Ex-Com at this meeting.
10.3 UNVENTED COMBUSTION DEVICES PD
The Unvented Combustion Devices and Indoor Air Quality PD committee met in Las Vegas
to develop their PD draft. Significant progress was made and many outstanding issues were
resolved. The committee will meet via conference call /web meeting to complete a draft for
consideration by EHC prior to the Annual Meeting.
The issue of Ted Lemoffs retirement was raised. Lemoff retired, is no longer participating
and will not likely vote on final PD approval. The committee asked if he should be removed
or formally replaced on committee.
Action Item 14 Staff Discuss issue of Lemoff retirement and his role with PD committee
with Document Review Subcommittee (DRSC) to determine and communicate proper path.
10.4 INDOOR AIR QUALITY PD
Emmerich reported the revised Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Position Document revision
(Appendix 11) is nearly complete. This IAQ PD was last reaffirmed in 2005 and read more
like a technical primer on IAQ and its issues as opposed to giving background and taking a
position. PD committee seeks input from EHC. Emmerich noted the draft does not show track
changes as it was a complete revision as opposed to edits.
Action Item 15 EHC Review and comment on draft IAQ PD to Emmerich prior to
February 14th.
The PD committee will letter ballot approval of the revised PD after input from EHC is
received. The committee can forward for formal EHC and Tech Council approval once
comments are considered or incorporated.
10.5 ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE PD
The Environmental Tobacco Smoke PD, reaffirmed with minor, editorial changes at the
Technology Weekend Meeting, has been updated and posted on the ASHRAE website. A
decision on reaffirmation, revision, or retirement will be due in 2013.
10.6 LIMITING INDOOR MOLD GROWTH AND MANAGING MOISTURE IN BUILDING SYSTEMS PD
The chair of the Position Document Committee, Lew Harriman, visited EHC. He noted the
roster was approved January 4th with seven members representing a broad spectrum of
interests. The committee has been making progress via email and conference call. The next
conference call is February 15th and the committee expects a draft for April.
10.7 REFRIGERANTS AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT PD
EHC Minutes
Page 8
Schoen reported that this PD committee has been formed and is chaired by William Walter.
The co-cognizant committees are TC 3.1 and Refrigeration Committee (REF). It is unknown
if environmental health is within scope of PD or not.
Action Item 16 Staff forward title, purpose, scope (TPS) on Refrigerants and the Built
Environment PD to Schoen.
10.8 AIRBORNE INFECTIOUS DISEASES (AID) PD
SSPC 170 chair, Paul Ninomura addressed EHC. He noted his committee reviewed the PD
and found a number of improvements and updates that could be made. A representative from
APIC provided edits/comments they wished to offer committee. If the PD was being revised,
Ninomura asked to consider these comments and to be able participate in the revision
process. The goal is to involve interested parties within ASHRAE (TC 9.6, SSPC 170, EHC,
SPC 188, SPC 189.2, etc.) to assure ASHRAE communicates a unified and consistent
message on the subject. TC 2.3 (a NAFA member) had commented on the PD as well.
Action Item 17 - Schoen Forward Ninomuras email summary of issues with AID PD to
EHC for review.
Action Item 18 - EHC consider request to revise the Airborne Infectious Diseases PD.
Possible members for revision committee include Paul Ninomura, Doug Erickson, Judene
Bartlett (or Russ Olmstedt), Lew Radonovich
10.9 OTHER
No ideas for new position documents were brought up at this time.
11.0
STANDARDS ACTIVITIES
STANDARD 62.2
Francisco noted the Standard 62.2 committee is looking at issues including a scope change
related to unvented heating appliances, a CO alarm requirement for all houses, and an IAQ
procedure compliance option for 62.2.
STANDARD 188P/GUIDELINE 12/ LEGIONELLOSIS PD
Li noted there are currently three documents with guidance on legionellosis a 1998 Position
Document, ASHRAE Guideline 12-2000, Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated
With Building Water Systems, and SPC 188P, Prevention of Legionellosis Associated with
Building Water Systems. 188P uses HAACP and underwent an public review last October
with 100+ comments. These public review comments will be discussed at SPC 188 meeting
tomorrow. Levin volunteered to drop into their Tuesday meeting and report to EHC.
GUIDELINE 10
Levin reported on Guideline 10, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable Indoor
Environments, with a presentation (Appendix 12). Emmerich was the proposed chair but
Levin invited all EHC members to participate on the new committee. Burroughs noted that
EHC was well suited as a champion for consistencies in ASHRAE Standards 55, 62, and 90.
Efforts now are to spread the word on the Guideline and make people aware of the
information available. Levins presentation listed the following possible actions by EHC to
consider:
Identification of critical research questions and actions to develop research proposals
through the ASHRAE process and beyond. The Guideline identifies many interactions
based on prior research, but there are many interactions for which very little research
exists and even more for which no research exists to inform the guideline project
EHC Minutes
Page 9
committee as it continues with the elaboration of the document under continuous

maintenance
Identification of potential conflicting requirements within existing ASHRAE standards
and communication with possible recommendations to project committees and cognizant
technical committees
Consideration of initiation of new or revised scopes for existing TGs, TCs, and PCs
within ASHRAE
Consideration of possible future Position Documents
Action Item 19 Emmerich Consider authoring column on Guideline 10 for standing IAQ
column in ASHRAE Journal.
OTHER
Persily noted that many standards of interest to EHC will have addenda go out for public
review in the near future. EHC can pay attention and comment in the development process to
improve standards.
Public review drafts of ASHRAE Standards are available at
www.ashrae.org/technology/page/331.
EHC members can sign up for the Standards Actions listserv at
www.ashrae.org/publications/detail/16150.
12.0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business discussed at this time.
13.0
NEW BUSINESS
EHCs next face to face meeting will be the Annual Meeting in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
EHC will plan to meet in spring for a web/phone conference.
Action Item 20 Schoen/Staff determine dates for spring conference call
Zhang noted the following member are scheduled to roll off after the June meeting and will
need to be renewed or replaced: Jackson, Sultan, Thomann, Sundell, & Levin. Zhang is
looking for recommendations on possible members.
14.0
ADJOURNMENT
Schoen thanked all for their attendance and participation adjourning the Environmental
Health Committee meeting at approximately 6:15 PM.
EHC Minutes
Page 10
AGENDA
EHC Minutes 11.W Appendix 1
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE

Monday, January 31st, 2011
Las Vegas Hilton (H) Ballroom F
ASHRAE Winter Meeting Las Vegas, Nevada
7:00 AM 8:00 AM
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. Chair report from Technology Council & BOD
2. BOD Ex-Officio / Coordinating Officer
3. Subcommittee Chair Reports (reports to be presented at the main EHC meeting in the afternoon)
3.1 Education Alevantis
3.2 Research - Zhang
3.3 Handbook - Jackson
3.4 Program - Levin
3.5 Standards Li (188 & G12)
4. Old/Unattended Business from last meeting
5. New Business
6. Policy Issues (Position Documents)
7. IAQ 2010- Sekhar
8. IAQ 2013
9. Review Action Items and Responsibilities
10. Adjourn
AGENDA

8:00 am12:00 pm
SUBCOMMITTEES
Education
1. Emerging issue briefs
Ozone and indoor air chemistry Jackson
Other/New
2. Position Documents
Indoor Air Cleaning Devices (Wargocki)
Environmental Health in Green Building Programs (Alevantis)
Unvented Combustion Devices (Francisco)
Indoor Air Quality (Emmerich)
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Alevantis)
Limiting Indoor Mold Growth and Managing Moisture in Building Systems (Harriman)
Refrigerants and the Built Environment PD (Werkema)
Airborne Infectious Diseases (Schoen)
Other/New
3. Environmental Health Educational Program (Thomann)
4. Other
Research - Zhang
1. Ozone research projects
WS 1491- Literature and Product Review and Cost Benefit Analysis of Commercially Available Ozone Air
Cleaning for HVAC Systems
TC 2.3 WS 1579 - Testing and Evaluation of Ozone Filters
2. TC 9.6 1603 WS - Cross-committee airborne infectious disease research effort.
3. Draft RTARs and concepts
Effective Ventilation Systems for Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms to Minimize Potential Cross-Infection (Li)
Airborne Pathogens and Air Cleaners (Sultan)
ASHRAE 2010-2015 Strategic Research Plan Goal #11 - Airborne Infectious Disease Control
Potential Research Project Ventilation and Hospital Acquired Infection
4. RP 1596, Ventilation and the IAQ in Retail Spaces (Alevantis)
5. Other
Handbook - Jackson
1. Systems & Equipment Volume (2012) review
2. Fundamentals volume (2013)
Program - Levin
1. EHC sponsored Seminars in Las Vegas
none
th
2. Program for Montreal (February 14 seminar proposals due)
3. EHC Program Ideas
4. IAQ 2010 (Sekhar)
5. IAQ 2013
Standards
1. Standard 189.1 (Schoen/Alevantis/Persily)
2. Standard 62.1/62.2 (Alevantis/Francisco)
3. Guideline 10P (Levin)
4. Standard 188P/Guideline 12/ Legionellosis PD (Li)
5. Other
AGENDA

2:15 PM 6:15 pm
1. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS
2. REVIEW OF AGENDA
3. MINUTES FROM ALBUQUERQUE MEETING
4. ACTION ITEM TRACKING & PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF ACTION ITEMS
5. CHAIRS REPORT (Schoen)
5.1 Motions from Last Meeting Requiring Higher Body Approval
10/07/2010 Conf. Call Motion #1 to approve request for PD on Air Filtration and Cleaning
10/07/2010 Conf. Call Motion #2 to approve request for PD on Environmental Health and Green Buildings
Programs
10/07/2010 Conf. Call Motion #3 to approve reaffirm PD on Environmental Tobacco Smoke
5.2 New or Carryover Action Items Assigned EHC by Tech. Council
none
5.3 New Information Items
5.4 2010 2011 MBOs Status Report
5.5 Other
6. VICE-CHAIRMANS REPORT (Zhang)
6.1 Status of ROB and MOP
6.2 Budget
6.3 EHC Award
6.4 Other
7. BOD EX-OFFCIO & COORDINATING OFFICER (Dwyer & Bahnfleth)
8. IAQ Conferences (Sekhar)
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Education/Research Subcommittee
9.1.1 Report on Action Items & MBOs
9.1.2 Motions from Subcommittee meeting
9.1.3 IAQ column in ASHRAE Journal
9.1.4 Short Course from IAQ Design Guide (Air Tightness)
9.2 Handbook//Program Subcommittee
9.2.1 Report on Action Items & MBOs
9.2.2 Motions from Subcommittee meeting
9.2.3 Other
10. POSITION DOCUMENTS
10.1 Report on Action Items & MBOs
10.2 Motions from Subcommittee meeting
10.3 Other
11. STANDARDS ACTIVITIES
11.1 Report on Action Items & MBOs
11.2 Motions from Subcommittee meeting
11.2 Other
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.1 Next Meeting
Montreal, Quebec June 27, 2011
Schedule Conference Call?
13.2 Other
14. ADJOURNMENT

2010-2011 Management by Objectives (MBOs)
Objective
Partner with other global organizations to

accomplish the objectives below.
Support Chapter and/or on-demand
learning by initiating development of an
EH related educational program.
Planned
Completion
Date
Dec-10
Feb-11
Support conferences / exhibits outside

North America by developing guidance
from IAQ2010 for future conferences
and using material from the conference
to develop educational materials.
Feb-11
Support metrics and their appropriate

use by initiating a research project or
meeting program.
Jun-11
Fiscal
Impact
Responsibility
None
EHC
None
Persily/Thomann
Link to
Strategic
Plan
1.7, 2.5,
4.2, 4.12
2.1, 2.4
None
Sekhar/Schoen
2.5, 4.2,
4.12 4.13
None
Research
Subcommittee
1.3, 1.8
Improve or preserve the focus on IEQ in

net-zero and sustainable buildings
through a seminar, research project,
change proposal to a Standard and/or a
position document.
Jun-11
None
Persily, Li,
Jackson, Zhang,
Sultan
Support ASHRAE Journal and member

education by participating in the
initiation of an IAQ column.
Jun-11
None
Persily
Support education and sustainable

building practices by establishing EHC's
role in maintenance of the IAQ Guide.
Oct-10
None
Levin
1.1, 1.2
1.3, 1.8,
4.9, goal 4
research
1.1, 2.2,
3.1, 3.3
1.1, 1.4,
2.2, 3.3
Status
IAQ 2010 cosponsors CIBSE,

ISIAQ, ACEM, IEM,
MGBC, PAM.
Ongoing. Action item
assigned for Las
Vegas.
IAQ 2010 planned
for Nov. 10-12 in
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Ongoing. 2 draft
RTARs in
development.
Ongoing. Summary
document and plan of
action drafted IEQ
Metrics in Energy
World.
2 RTARs in support
of Goal 11 SRP in
development.
Ongoing effort.
Articles and
assignments made for
next 6 months.
1st article in Nov.
Ongoing.
Standard90.1
EnergyStandardforBuildingsExceptLow
EnergyStandardforBuildingsExceptLowRiseResidentialBuildings
ASHRAEUpdate
2010standardpublishedinNovember
Energysavingsover2004standard
Withplugloads >25%
Withoutplugloads>32%
Contains109addenda
Workon2013standardstarted
Work on 2013 standard started
Canincludenewequipmentorbuilding
systemsforindustrial&manufacturing
processes
Energygoalrevisions
Continuemaingoals?
Technicallyjustified
Simple,enforceable&flexible
Newmetricorcomparisonbasis?
Moreperformancebased?
Standard90.2
EnergyEfficientDesignofLow
Energy
EfficientDesignofLowRiseResidentialBuildings
Goal 30percentmoreefficientthan2004version
IlluminatingEngineeringSocietynowservesascosponsor
Lightingsectionbeingaddedtostandard
Expandedapproachesforcompliance
Expanded approaches for compliance 4alternatepaths
4 alternate paths
ImprovedenvelopewithNAECAminimumefficienciesforequipment
Upgradedequipmentefficienciesoption
Airflowandductleakagereductionoption
Combinationoptionincludingelementsofprevious3options
AdvancedEnergyGuidance
Morethan270,000guides
incirculation
Targetcompletionofnet
zeroseriesis5to7years
80percentUS,8percent
Canada,12percentoutside
NorthAmerican
Standard100 2006R
Standard100
EnergyEfficiencyinExistingBuildings
StandardRewrittentoProvideProcesses
andProceduresforBuildingRetrofit
SetsEnergyTargetsbyBuildingType,
OccupancyandClimateZone
CoversEnergySurveys,Auditingand
gy
y
g
Assessments.BenchmarksagainstCBECS
FollowsFEMPandEnergyStar
RequirementsforEquipment,Appliances
andLighting.
ListsPotentialEnergyEfficiencyMeasures
forRetrofit
IncludesMandatoryCommissioning,
OperationandMaintenanceRequirements
WhatsYourBuildingEQ?
Expectedvalidityperiodof
label
Operational 1year
Asset 5years
BasisofOperationallabel
Basis of Operational label
50percentguidesunderway
Upnext
Assessorcertificationsoffered
at2011WinterConference
FullprogramlaunchinApril
2011
Ratioofsourceenergyof
ratedbuildingtosource
energyofpeergroupof
similarbuildings
Smallmediumoffice final
peerreviewinDecember
K12 projectcommitteefirst
meetinginDecember2010
Othersfor2011include
mediumretailandlarge
hospital
Assetratingpilotprogram
designed inprocessof
launching
ww.ashrae.org/freeaedg
www.buildingeq.com
WhatsYourBuildingEQ?
ResearchStrategicPlan
Currentlyinpilotphaseswithparticipatingorganizations/companies
shownhere
11goals key5focuson
Energyefficiency
IEQ
Buildinginformation
modeling
Methods/measurements
Natural/lowglobalwarming
potentialrefrigerants
www.ashrae.org/research
ASHRAEMembership
Membershipupoverlastyear
52,000+totalmembers
43,000+membersinUSandCanada
9,100+outsidethosecountries
6,000+studentmembers
,
Topindustryclassifications consultingengineers,contractors,
manufacturers
ToolsforYou
New appforiPhones
New HandbookOnline
New VirtualConferencefromASHRAEConferences
New eLearningprogramoperatedbyASHRAE
New OnlineBookstore
OnlineBookstore
EngineersWeek2011
Features
ASHRAE LeadEngineeringSociety
Raytheon CorporateSponsor
www.ashrae.org/new
Fast,accuratesearch
capabilities
PDFsavailableforimmediate
download24/7
Historicalproductinformation
isquicklydisplayedandeasy
tonavigate
Notificationsofnewproducts
andstandards
Event
www.ashrae.org/bookstore
Dates
EngineersWeek
Feb.2026
FutureCityFinals,Washington,DC
Feb.1822
FamilyDayinWashington,DC
Feb.20
GirlDay
Feb.24
GlobalMarathon
March89
IAQ 2010 SUMMARY REPORT

Date: November 10-12, 2010
Location: Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Title: Airborne Infection Control Ventilation, IAQ and Energy
Attendance
There were 282 registrants at IAQ 2010.

212 (75%) were members of ASHRAE or cosponsoring organizations vs. 70 (25%) that were non-members
222 (79%) Pre-registered vs. 60 (21%) registered onsite
40 (14%) were Speakers
17 (6%) were members of the IAQ 2010 International Scientific Committee
14 (5%) were on Local Organizing Committee
13 (5%) were Students
10 (4%) were Sponsor representatives
6 (2%) were members of IAQ 2010 Steering Committee
1 (0%) was ASHRAE Staff
252 (89%) were from outside North America vs. 30 (11%) that were from North America
149 (53%) were from Malaysia
There were registrants from 28 countries on 6 continents.
The following table shows a comparison to recent IAQ conferences:
IAQ 2010
IAQ 2007
IAQ 2004
282
252
134
Registrants
75%
79%
74%
Members
79%
79%
80%
Pre-registered
89%
8%
7%
Outside N. America
5%
6%
2%
Student
IAQ 2001
254
30%
85%
15%
n.a.
Technical Program
The IAQ 2010 conference featured a strong technical program two parallel sessions including 4 workshops, 4 plenary sessions,
and 48 original double-blind peer reviewed technical papers. 12 technical papers were invited and agreed to submit an
expanded paper for a special issue in ASHRAEs HVAC&R Research Journal.
Parallel Sessions
Papers Presentations
Workshop Presentations
Plenary Sessions
Seminar Presentations
IAQ 2010
2
48
4
4
0
IAQ 2007
3
38
5
5
8
IAQ 2004
1
20
3
2
0
IAQ 2001
1
34
0
3
0
Abstracts submitted
Papers invited
Papers presented
120
94
48
118
82
38
51
39
20
103
71
34
Financial Summary
The ASHRAE IAQ conferences are budgeted to be revenue neutral, covering all direct expenses. The early-bird registration
rate for IAQ 2010 was $375, equal to the registration rate for ASHRAEs IAQ 1991. A summary of the budgeted income and
expenses as well as preliminary and estimated totals of actual income and expenses for IAQ 2010 over fiscal years 08/09,
09/10, and 10/11 is shown below:
ASHRAE Budgeted Income

ASHRAE Budgeted Expenses
Budget +/-
IAQ 2010 - FY 08/09, 09/10, 10/11

$83.2k
$77.2k
+ $5.0k
Preliminary Income
Preliminary Expenses
Preliminary +/-
$83,811
$68,045
+ $15,765
This income and expense track very close to our budget. Figures above are not final but are a fairly good estimate.
~$2,700 in ASHRAE bookstore sales were made at IAQ 2010. 1 member application was received.
Co-sponsors
Supporting organizations included international organizations ISIAQ & CIBSE, as well as Malaysian organizations
ACEM, IEM, MACRA, MGBC and PAM.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia sponsored the Welcome Reception covering the cost for the 250+ people that
attended (~$8,930). EHC is working with MOH on a potential ASHRAE research project to study ventilation and
infection rates in Malaysia hospitals.
5 commercial co-sponsors contributed a total of ~$15,260. This was split with the Malaysian chapter so the total
contribution to ASHRAE was ~$7,630.
3 other commercial sponsors covered the cost of the Pre-print USB drives, IAQ 2010 bags and note pads, lanyards and
program printing (~$3,800).
Special thanks are due to the ASHRAE IAQ 2010 Steering Committee chaired by Chandra Sekhar, National University of
Singapore as well as the Malaysian Chapter Organizing Committee co-chaired by Chen Thiam Leong, Primetech Engineers,
and Ng Yong Kong, NYK Engineering.
Environmental Health Committee Emerging Issue Brief:
Ozone and Indoor Chemistry

What is the issue?
Recent research has found that outdoor ozone levels far lower than the current outdoor standard of 75 ppb
(EPA, 2008) contribute to increased mortality as well as an increase in Building Related Illness (Bell et.al.
2006, Levy 2007, Apte et.al. 2007/2008). Levels as low as 20 ppb have been shown to increase mortality and
statistical approaches suggest that safe O3 levels would be lower than 10 ppb (Bell et.al. 2006). Both ozone
and ozone reaction products have been implicated in adverse health impacts from exposure indoors (Weschler
2006, Wisthaler & Weschler 2007). Indoor ozone levels are typically 0.2-0.7 times outdoor levels (Weschler
2000) and vary roughly proportionally to air change rates from 0.5 to 10 per hour respectively and are even
higher at high air change rates not uncommon in naturally ventilated residences and other buildings where
indoor O3 levels approach outdoor levels. People spend more than 90% of their time indoors where more than
50% of their exposure to ozone occurs, but the exposure to reaction products indoors may be an even more
important health concern (Weschler, 2006). This research suggests that the introduction of ozone to indoor
spaces should be reduced to ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) levels..
Methods to decrease the concentration of ozone and its indoor by-products involve steps to limit the
introduction of ozone into an occupied space, whether by internal emission, or entry from outdoors, as well as
steps to reduce ozone reactants (such as terpenes) and by-products of ozone indoor chemistry, such as
carbonyls, secondary organic aerosols (SOA), and ultrafine particles (UFP) (Singer et al, 2006; Morrison,
2008). The selection of surface materials for air-handling equipment, ductwork and interior surfaces can
significantly influence ozone and ozone reaction product concentrations (Morrison et al, 1998; Kunkel 2010;
Wang and Morrison, 2006).
What action should be considered?
To minimize health impacts of ozone and associated by-products, the following actions should be considered
(particularly for individuals and populations at high-risk for adverse consequences, such as infants, the elderly
and those with chronic respiratory illnesses):
1. Remove ozone from outdoor air at the outdoor air intake, or as early in introduction to the occupied
space as possible, using ozone removal technologies that do not result in by-product formation.
2. Minimize indoor ozone emissions by reducing the use of equipment that produces ozone (e.g. laserbased printers, and photocopiers, and some air cleaning technologies).
3. Minimize indoor ozone by filtering or exhausting the ozone produced by pertinent equipment.
4. Reduce concentrations of terpenes and other reactive organic compounds as well as carbonyls and
other products of indoor ozone chemistry in indoor spaces through source reduction and gas phase
removal equipment.
5. Use high efficiency particulate filters (e.g. MERV 13 or greater) to remove ozone reaction products in
the form of SOA and UFP from outdoor and recirculated air (Fadeyi 2009)
References:
Apte M.G., I.S.H. Buchanan, and M.J. Mendell. 2007/2008. Outdoor Ozone and Building Related Symptoms in
the BASE Study, Indoor Air v. 18, no. 2. (also available at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley
CA 94720, LBNL-62419 (available www.lbl.gov).
Bell, M. L., Peng, R.D., Cominici, F. (2006). "The exposure-Response Curve for Ozone and Risk of Mortality
and the Adequacy of Current Ozone Regulations." Environmental Health Perspectives 114(4): 532-536.
Corsi, R. L. (2006). Comment RR-07-1-4 Assessment of Maximum Ozone Emissions in Residential, Office,
and School Buildings. CPSC Health Sciences Staff Report on the Work Product Resulting from CPSC Contract
No. CPSC-S-04-1369, Assessing Potential Health Effects and Establishing Ozone Exposure Limits for Ozone
generation Air Cleaners - Draft - September 26, 2006 CPSC: 21-75.
EPA, 2008, National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html
Fadeyi, M.O., Weschler, C.J., Tham, K.W. (2009). The impact of recirculation, ventilation and filters on
secondary organic aerosols generated by indoor chemistry. Atmospheric Environment, 43: 3538-3547.
Franklin, M., Schwartz, J. (2008). "The Impact of Secondary Particles on the Association between Ambient
Ozone and Mortality." Environmental Health Perspectives 116(4): 453-458.
Kunkel, D.A., Gall, E.T., Siegel, J.A.,, Novoselac, A, Morrison, G.C. and. Corsi, R.G. (2010). Passive reduction
of human exposure to indoor ozone. Building and Environment, Volume 45, Issue 2:445-452.
Levy, J. (2007). "Mortality Risks From Ozone Exposure." Risk in Perspective 15(2).
Morrison,G. et al, (1998). Indoor Air Quality Impacts of Ventilation Ducts: Ozone Removal and Emissions of
Volatile Organic Compounds. J. Air & Waste Manage. Assoc. 48:941-952
Morrison, G. (2008). Interfacial Chemistry in Indoor Environments. Environmental Science & Technology 42
(10) 3495-3499. May 15, 2008
Schwartz, J. (2008). "Ozone and Mortality - An update." Risk in Perspective 16(2).
Singer, B. C.; et al. (2006) Indoor Secondary Pollutants from Cleaning Product and Air Freshener Use in the
Presence of Ozone. Atmos. Environ. 40, 66966710.
Trisch, E. W., Gent, J.F., Holford, T.R., Bealnger, K., Bracken, M.B., Beckett, W.S., Naeher, L., McSharry, J.E.,
and Leaderer, B.P. (2006). "Low-Level Ozone Exposure and Respiratory Symptoms in Infants." Environmental
Health Perspectives 115(6): 911-916.
Wang, H.; Morrison, G. C. (2006) Ozone-Initiated Secondary Emission Rates of Aldehydes from Indoor
Surfaces in Four Homes. Environ. Sci. Technol., 40, 52635268.
Weschler, C. J., and Shields, H.C. (2000). "The influence of ventilation on reactions among indoor pollutants:
modeling and experimental observations." Indoor Air 10: 92-100.
Weschler, CJ, (2000). Ozone in Indoor Environments: Concentration and Chemistry. Indoor Air, Volume 10,
Number 4: 269-288.
Weschler, C. J. (2006). "Ozone's Impact on Public Health: Contributions from Indoor Exposures to Ozone and
Products of Ozone-Initiated Chemistry " Environmental Health Perspectives 114(10): 1489-1496.
Wisthaler, A. and C. J. Weschler (2009). "Reactions of ozone with human skin lipids: Sources of carbonyls,
dicarbonyls, and hydroxycarbonyls in indoor air." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Unique Tracking Number Assigned by MORTS 1630

RESEARCH TOPIC ACCEPTANCE REQUEST (RTAR) FORM
(Sponsoring TC/TG/SSPC: 5.11 Humidifying Equipment
Title: Update the Scientific Evidence for Specifying Lower Limit Relative Humidity Levels for Comfort, Health and
IEQ in Occupied Spaces
Applicability to ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan: The proposed research is directly applicable to the following
goals of the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan:
Goal 4: Significantly advance our understanding of the impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on work
performance, health symptoms and perceived environmental quality in offices, providing a basis for improvements
in ASHRAE standards, guidelines, HVAC&R designs and operation practices.
Objectives: The objectives for this goal are divided into two priority levels: 1) 1st priority must address:
Quantify the impact of outdoor air (OA) ventilation rates and thermal comfort parameters (air temperature and
velocity, radiant temperature, humidity) on the following outcomes: high level cognitive, e.g., decision making,
performance (highest priority); speed and accuracy of simulated office work tasks, e.g., proof reading, typing;
perceived indoor environmental quality (PIEQ); and acute building-related health symptoms.
2) 2nd priority desirable to address: Quantify the impact of particle and/or gas-phase air cleaning, noise
levels and other IEQ conditions or control measures on the same outcomes as listed above.
Goal 11: Understand influences of HVAC&R on airborne pathogen transmission in public spaces and develop
effective control strategies. Needed Research: Engineering data is needed to specify minimum ventilation rates,
humidity limits, air purification and other HVAC&R/ECS parameters to prevent APT in high risk building and
transportation environments.
Furthermore the Strategic Plan communicates ASHRAEs strategic research efforts must support ASHRAEs
mission, which is: To advance the arts and sciences of HVAC&R to serve humanity and promote a sustainable
world.
It should also be noted that, in most buildings, the major purpose of HVAC&R is to provide acceptable IEQ that
maintains the comfort, satisfaction, health, productivity and promotes the education of the buildings occupants.
The primary dimensions of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) are: thermal comfort conditions (temperature, air
velocity, humidity); types of indoor air pollutants, acoustic and vibration conditions; and lighting conditions. On a
broader basis, the IEQ, health and comfort of building occupants is an important function of HVAC systems for
residential as well as office and commercial spaces.
Research Classification: Applied Research
TC/TG/SSPC Vote: Affirmative: 6 No: 0 Abstentions: 0
Reasons for Negative Votes and Abstentions: none
Estimated Cost: $150,000
Estimated Duration: 18 months
RTAR Lead Author: Roger M Pasch, PE
Expected Work Statement Lead Author:

Roger M Pasch, PE
Co-sponsoring TC/TG/SSPCs and votes: Possible are TC 1.12, 2.1, 9.5 and Environmental Health
Possible Co-funding Organizations: AHRI, DOE
Application of Results:
The results of this work will be used to set desirable indoor humidity (relative and absolute) for human occupancy in
homes, offices, health care, and other situations. It will also identify areas where additional research is necessary to
provide factual information and develop methods of best applying the conclusions resulting from this study.
Examples of publications that would benefit: ASHRAE Handbooks, Standard 55, Standard 62, National Green
Building Standard ICC 700-2008, ASHRAE Guideline 10P Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable
Indoor Environments.
TCs and Committees having an interest in humidity research: 1.12 Moisture Management in Buildings, 2.1
Physiology and Human Environment, 2.8 Building Environmental Impacts and Sustainability, 4.10 Indoor
Environmental Modeling, 5.7 Evaporative Cooling, 5.11 Humidifying Equipment, 6.3 Central Forced Air Heating
and Cooling Systems, 9.6 Healthcare Facilities, 9.7 Educational Facilities, 9.11 Clean Spaces, Environmental Health
State-of-the-Art (Background):
Relative humidity has long been considered an important component of human comfort, health and indoor air
quality.1 The effects on skin, eyes and certain diseases are known. Some recent information published indicates that
absolute humidity may be the measure to describe the effect on flu virus.2 Transmission of disease and viability of
organisms can also be effected by relative humidity levels. Some recent research indicates productivity is affected
at low humidity levels in office work environments.3 At the recent ASHRAE meeting in Orlando, Yuguo Li, in his
presentation What can ventilation do? described filtration, UV irradiation and relative humidity as being very
important in the transmission of certain airborne viruses. Skin dryness under low relative humidity is common and
clamminess at high humidity effects comfort. Data are widely used which show a relationship for comfort to change
with relative humidity and it is commonly accepted that one will be more comfortable at a lower temperature if the
relative humidity is higher in the heating season. The typical control range for winter conditions would be 20-40%.
During the cooling season in hot and humid climates relative humidity is normally reduced to about 50% for
comfort.
As a result of increasing energy cost and reduced availability in the last 25-30 years, building have been constructed
more tightly with emphasis on forced ventilation; this is true for residential and non-residential construction. The
result has been an increase in mold growth and deterioration of building products. It has affected both the structure
and occupants who inhabit the mold infested buildings. In dealing with these issues humidity control has become
more closely associated with eliminating mold and structural damage in design and operation, and maintaining
levels below approximately 50% during the times cooling is required. Minimum indoor levels have been eliminated
from ASHRAE Std. 55. There does not seem to be hard data in the literature that helps develop a sound rationale
for setting a minimum level under these conditions.4
Figure 1 from Sterling et al. (1985), indicates the behavior of various particulate substances when subjected to
various relative humidity levels.5,6 Since the time of that work, we estimate there have been about 100-150 studies
world-wide which will be useful in updating the response of these substances to various humidity levels as well as
possibly useful in setting a scientifically based lower limit for comfort, health, productivity and IEQ. Two brief
searches of medical and engineering data bases indicate there should be a rich harvest of studies to evaluate in
relation to this subject. Databases in the fields of ecology and environment are also prime candidates as source
material for this subject.
The importance of this proposed project is underscored by two projects sponsored by government agencies. They
are being conducted because the parameters are believed important to human health and comfort. To better
understand the actual level of relative humidity in homes the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development is
doing a study of homes across the country.
Center for Disease Control is also doing a project on the air
contaminants found in homes. The objectives of these studies are to measure the levels that currently exist and what
contaminants currently exist. They will not provide information about the goodness or badness of the parameters
measured. This RTAR if resulting in a successful research project will provide the data and conclusions on what
levels are important and significant so that proper decisions can be made in future standards, codes and building
operating practices.
Advancement to the State-of-the-Art:

It is expected specific conclusions will be developed in relation to the response of bacteria, viruses, fungi, mites,
chemical interactions, ozone production, disease transmission, and particle generation and adhesion to/from
surfaces. Some of this information will be reduced to graphical form as in the Sterling Chart currently in Chapter
20 Humidification of the ASHRAE Handbook. It is quite likely a special publication, devoted to the above
subjects, will result that can form a strong technical basis for decisions relating to occupancy standards and building
codes.
Justification and Value to ASHRAE:

Spaces are conditioned for occupant heath and comfort as well as energy efficiency. Providing comfortable and
healthy indoor conditions and establishing the correct relative humidity levels based on data as much as possible is
consistent with professional engineering practice.
The growth of LEED buildings will keep increasing. Several recent reports indicate that a LEED building may not
be necessarily healthy. There is movement to energy-neutral or net-zero buildings. These two trends make it even
more important to know how relative humidity contributes to health, comfort and productivity in the future.
Finally, the population of the USA is aging and significant numbers of people will be needing their comfort and
health needs met. Anecdotal evidence and experience suggests that this segment of the population is more sensitive
to temperature, air flow, and relative humidity than the general population.
The outcome of this work will provide the basis for setting new standard levels and defining research that needs to
be done to meet the stated purpose of ASHRAE.
Objectives:
To quantify and determine the effect of low level of relative humidity on the comfort, health, and IEQ for humans
in residences and non-industrial workplaces, including adolescents and the population over 65 years old.
To identify and quantify the effect of relative humidity on the generation and propagation of various specific air
contaminants which include particulates and those specifically shown in the Sterling Chart presented in the
ASHRAE Handbook.
The databases mentioned above, as well as others identified as potentially helpful, will be searched. All studies that
address the effect of low relative humidity levels on bacteria, viruses, fungi, mites, respiratory functions, asthma,
chemical interactions, ozone levels, particulate generation and human health will be analyzed. Conclusions will be
drawn regarding whether relative humidity has a significant effect on the particular parameter, what the effect is, or
whether there is enough research to provide data for a conclusive statement. These conclusions along with the
technical supporting study review should be reported in one or more ASHRAE Technical Sessions and also result in
updating the information in the ASHRAE handbook. Gaps in research for specific areas will be identified and
suggested future work proposed. The estimated expected project cost and time required is to be revised after a work
statement is completed which will provide a more accurate description of the total work required.
Key References:
2. Jeffrey Shaman and Melvin Kohn, 2009, Absolute Humidity Modulates Influenza Survival, Transmission, and
Seasonality College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University
3 Peder Wolkoff, 2008 Healthy eye in office-like environments, National Research Centre for the Working
Environment, Denmark
4.
Hospital Building Safety Board Ad Hoc Committee on Humidification, 2008 Committee minutes-
Sacramento, CA. http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/Boards/HBSB/Meetings/20080930AttA.pdf

5. Sterling, E.M., A. Arundel, and T.D. Sterling. 1985. Criteria for human exposure to humidity in occupied
buildings. ASHRAE Transactions 91(1B):611-622.
6. Sterling Chart, Figure 1 Chapter 20 Humidifying Equipment, 2008 Systems and Equipment Handbook
(note: the CD has the incorrect figure shown. See earlier 2000 issue.)
RMP
8/2/10
Revised 12/14/10

Research Topic Acceptance Requests (RTARs)
Title:
Unique Tracking Number Assigned by MORTS ____________________________

(Sponsoring TC/TG/SSPC: Environmental Health Committee (EHC))
Option 1: Revisiting Ventilation Standards to Achieve Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines that

are Proven to Influence the Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections
Option 2: Effective ventilation systems for airborne infection isolation rooms to minimize potential cross
infection
Applicability to ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan:
Understand influences of HVAC&R on airborne pathogen transmission in public spaces and develop
effective control strategies is one of the 11 Goals (Goal 11) in the ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan
2010-2015. Control of airborne infections for hospitals is also listed as a needed research area in Goal
1 in the ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan 2010-2015.
ASHRAE 2009 position document on Airborne Infectious Diseases suggested that ASHRAE holds a
strong position that engineers play a key role in reducing disease transmission that occurs in buildings.
ASHRAE recommends that a strategic research agenda be developed to address the role of HVAC
systems in the spread of infectious disease; and further research be conducted on engineering controls
to reduce infectious disease transmission.
Research Classification:
Basic and applied laboratory and clinical Research
TC/TG/SSPC Vote:
Reasons for Negative Votes and Abstentions:
Estimated Cost:
Estimated Duration:
US$100,000 - > $1M
36 months 48 months
(Dependent on the extent of human subject studies and research partners)

RTAR Lead Author
Co-sponsoring TC/TG/SSPCs and votes:
TC 5.3 Room air distribution
TC 9.6 Healthcare Facilities
SPC 170 Ventilation for Healthcare Facilities
Expected Work Statement Lead Author

Possible Co-funding Organizations:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
NIH
US VA
US DOD (Large medical system)
Note: The VA may be an important partner to consider they have the largest integrated healthcare
system in the world, have a rich history of clinical research, and are strongly affiliated with many of the
nations strongest medical schools. Although applied studies have been difficult to fund in the past, there
may be mechanisms in place.
ASHRAE, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 170-2008, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. Atlanta: American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 2008.
CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
(MMWR) 2005;54 (No. RR-17): 1-140.
ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Application: Chapter on Health Care Faculties,
Airborne infection isolation (AII) rooms are the first front-line protection environments for infection.
They are recommended for infected patients with airborne diseases such as TB, measles, chickenpox
(CDC, 1994, 2005, ASHRAE 2008) and opportunistic airborne diseases such as SARS and influenza
(WHO, 2007). Proper isolation room ventilation is expected to reduce the airborne exposure of the
infectious pathogens by diluting the airborne droplet nuclei concentration with a sufficiently high
ventilation rate, and a proper airflow pattern can also enhance the removal of large droplets or particles.
The state-of-the-art ventilation system design is the downward ventilation, which has been recommended
in airborne isolation rooms by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 1994) and WHO
(2007). To the best of our knowledge, the recommendation of such an airflow pattern design remains just
a hypothesis, and it has not been proven. There has not been a systematic study of the effectiveness of this
downward ventilation design.
Since the 2003 SARS epidemics, there have been a large number of studies on the performance of
ventilation systems in isolation rooms since the SARS outbreak, such as evaluation of the ventilation
performance in isolation rooms by field measurement (Saravia et al. 2007, Li et al. 2007), numerical
investigation of ventilation performance for removing contaminants (Kao and Yang 2006, Lai and Cheng
2007, Shih et al. 2007), and laboratory experimental studies (Tung et al., 2009, Qian et al., 2006). An
important historic gap in research, including recent years, is in the rigorous human subjects comparative
effectiveness studies and applied field assessments conducted in real healthcare settings.
The challenging engineering aspect of isolation room ventilation is due to the need of simultaneously
purging combined pollutants, i.e. large droplets due to respiratory activities or generated from health care
procedures) and fine droplet nuclei. Ventilation for removal of particles and gaseous pollutants has been
mostly studied separately. . Existing well-studied strategies for offices and schools, such as displacement

ventilation, are not effective in removing particles, and the current downward ventilation strategies used
in isolation rooms are not effective in removing passive pollutants and droplet nuclei.
Regarding research that has been conducted, a number of studies showed that the downward ventilation
could not produce a laminar flow as expected to push down respiratory gaseous contaminants to floor
level and remove them from floor-level exhausts (Qian et al., 2006). Instead, a mixing flow pattern is
created in the room due to the interaction between upward body plumes and downward supply air
streams. The upper-level exhausts have been shown to be efficient in removing gaseous contaminants
when the upward body plumes were considered (Qian et al., 2008). Qian and Li (2010) found using
computational fluid dynamics simulations, and also partly by a full-scale laboratory testing that the
existing design of isolation room ventilation performs very poorly in fine particle removal. They
recommended a ceiling return based new system. However, none of these studies have tested the full
range of possible airflow pattern designs. Hence the optimum isolation room ventilation remains
unknown.
Hence, there has not been a systematic study of the ventilation design in airborne isolation rooms. The
existing studies have demonstrated a great potential in improving the airborne infection control potential
by improving the air distribution design in isolation rooms. Human subject clinical trials are essential if
physicians and clinical infection control practitioners are to be convinced of a need to improve current
practice standards.
The existing limited studies have already demonstrated a potentially significant reduction of infection
risk. For example, for one particular case study, Qian and Li (2010) found that 31 % of the 1 micron
particles remain suspended in air when the downward ventilation is used, compared with only 5 % for the
ceiling-return system, while nearly 50% less large particles (50 microns) deposited on surfaces with the
latter. This suggests a great potential in reducing infection risk due to both airborne transmission and
droplet transmission with a proper air distribution design.
It is also expected that the more effective air distribution design can also reduce the HVAC energy
consumption in isolation rooms with reduced ventilation rate with the same infection protection
performance.
A partnership between ASHRAE and a clinical research organization or professional group may help
foster field research with outcomes that are commonly used by the clinical community. Studies
producing outcomes that are convincing to both engineers and physicians would be ideal.
Engineering control such as ventilation is a part of the integrated infection control measures for airborne
transmitted diseases recommended by CDC and WHO. An improved isolation room ventilation design
will have a very significant impact to the infection control of airborne transmitted diseases.
Currently, ??% of the ASHRAE members work in the health care facilities and health care industry. This
fraction and the total quantity is expected to increase with the growth of the health care industry, the
aging of the population and other demographic trends in the U.S. and other industrialized and emerging
economies.
It is expected that the information from this RP could be incorporated into and referenced by Standard

170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities and would be adopted broadly in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Market penetration is expected to take 3-10 years under normal circumstances, but outbreaks of airborne
infectious disease or fear of them will, of course, speed this process.
Objectives:
The purpose of the proposed project is to advance the science of air-distribution for airborne isolation
rooms, and to provide scientific and engineering evidences for new isolation room ventilation design
guidelines. To achieve this goal, this project is to
Option 1:
To understand and optimize new ventilation/air distribution systems for minimizing the crossexposure of respiratory substances (particles and artificial saliva droplets) between patients or
between patients and health care workers in both single-bed and multiple-bed isolation rooms,
and maximizing the efficient removal of both large and fine respiratory droplets by ventilation
and/or deposition, by using full-scale laboratory modeling and computational fluid dynamics
simulations.
To carry out a field study where at least two air distribution systems are installed and tested in
minimizing the cross-exposure of respiratory viruses/bacteria (non-harmful for the tests), and the
field testing will also allow the observation of the relevant operation and maintenance issues
related to the recommended new ventilation system.
For this project, a multi-disciplinary effort will be needed. In addition to ventilation expertise,
contribution from microbiology, epidemiology and infection control will be needed. Communication with
CDC and WHO will help the consideration of implementing the new system
Option 2:
Level 1 Laboratory and Computer Modeling. To understand problems with existing ventilation/air
distribution systems and explore ways to improve or minimize the incidence of healthcare-associated
infectious diseases. Special attention to airflow and cross-exposure of respiratory micro-organinisms
(droplet nuclei and droplets) between patients and/or health care workers housed in single- and multi-bed
isolation rooms. A wide range of modeling may be useful, including full-scale laboratory models and
computational fluid dynamics simulations.
Level 2 Proof-of-Concept Studies. To carry-out field studies that compare the effectiveness of
ventilation tools/systems using designs that measure meaningful and practicable engineering and medical
outcomes. Where idealized designs (e.g., challenge studies) or outcomes (e.g., laboratory-confirmed
incidence of rare diseases) are not possible, surrogate measures may be necessary.
These types of studies often overlap two or more disciplines and involve more than one type of study
subject. Teams of inter-disciplinary professionals may be most appropriate to achieve meaningful
results. Consistent communication with pertinent governmental and professional society policy-makers
will be the key.
Key References:
AIA (2001) Guidelines for design and construction of hospital and health care facilities. Washington,

D.C., American Institute of Architects.
ASHRAE (2003) HVAC design manual for hospitals and clinics. Atlanta, Ga., American Society of
Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc.
CDC (1994) Guidelines for preventing transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in health-care
settings. Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report 43 (RR-13):1-132, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
CDC (2005) Guidelines for preventing the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in health-care
facilities. Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report 54 (RR-17):1-142, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
WHO (2007) Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory
diseases in health care WHO Interim Guidelines. Geneva, World Health Organization.
Chao CYH & Wan MP (2006) A study of the dispersion of expiratory aerosols in unidirectional
downward and ceiling-return type airflows using a multiphase approach. Indoor Air 16: 296-312.
Chao CYH, Wan MP & To GNS (2008) Transport and removal of expiratory droplets in hospital ward
environment. Aerosol Sci Tech 42: 377-394.
Kao PH & Yang RJ (2006) Virus diffusion in isolation rooms. J Hosp Infect 62: 338-345.
Lai ACK & Cheng YC (2007) Study of expiratory droplet dispersion and transport using a new Eulerian
modeling approach. Atmos Environ 41: 7473-7484.
Li Y, Ching, WH, Qian H, Yuen PL, Seto WH, Kwan JK, Leung JKC, Leung M and Yu SCT (2007) An
evaluation of the ventilation performance of new SARS isolation wards in nine hospitals in Hong Kong.
Indoor Built Environ 16 (5):400-410.
Qian H and Li Y. Removal of exhaled particles by ventilation and deposition in a multibed airborne
infection isolation room. Indoor Air 20(4), 284-297, 2010.
Qian H, Li Y, Nielsen PV, Hyldgaard CE, Wong TW & Chwang ATY (2006) Dispersion of exhaled
droplet nuclei in a two-bed hospital ward with three different ventilation systems. Indoor Air 16: 111-128

(Correction, 16 (3): 256-256; 2006).
Qian H, Li Y, Nielsen PV, Hyldgaard CE, Wong, TW(2008) Dispersion of exhalation pollutants in a twobed hospital ward with a downward ventilation system. Build Environ 43: 344-354.
Saravia SA, Raynor PC & Streifel AJ (2007) A performance assessment of airborne infection isolation
rooms. Am J Infect Control 35: 324-331.
Shih YC, Chiu CC & Wang O (2007) Dynamic airflow simulation within an isolation room. Build
Environ 42: 3194-3209.
Tung YC, Hu SC, Tsai TI & Chang IL (2009) An experimental study on ventilation efficiency of isolation
room. Build Environ 44: 271-279.
Zhu SW, Kato S & Yang JH (2006) Study on transport characteristics of saliva droplets produced by
coughing in a calm indoor environment. Build Environ 41: 1691-1702.

Research Topic Acceptance Requests (RTARs)
Unique Tracking Number Assigned by MORTS ____________________________
(Sponsoring TC/TG/SSPC: __________________
Title: Method to evaluate HVAC filtration performance in removing airborne pathogens
Applicability to ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan: This project directly supports the Goal topic on Study of
Influences of HVAC on Airborne Pathogen Transmission in Public Spaces and Development of Effective Control
Strategies.
Research Classification:
TC/TG/SSPC Vote:
Reasons for Negative Votes and Abstentions:
Estimated Cost:
$150, 000
Estimated Duration:
24 months
RTAR Lead Author

Zuraimi M. Sultan
Zuraimi.sultan@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Expected Work Statement Lead Author

Zuraimi M. Sultan
Zuraimi.sultan@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Co-sponsoring TC/TG/SSPCs and votes:

TC2.4
TC9.3
Health care facilities
Possible Co-funding Organizations:
This research project will provide data as a scientific basis for guidelines on the use of filters in HVAC to control
APT in indoor environments.

Pandemic influenza represents a credible threat to the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
The US Federal government forecasts estimate that up to 40% of the US population may be absent from
their daily routines for extended periods of time as a result of illness or care-giving responsibilities
(IPNSPI, 2006). Infection-control researchers are now devising new non-pharmaceutical intervention
strategies for controlling the spread of airborne infections in healthcare facilities, government,
commercial buildings and residential buildings to protect occupants in case of a pandemic. In the aAmong
various equipments considered, filtration in HVAC system has been proposed to mitigate airborne
pathogen (AP) exposures within these indoor environments.
Interim CDC guidelines on preventing avian or H1N1 flu spread include recirculation of air filtered by a
high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (CDC, 2003; CDC, 2009). However, if filters used in HVAC
are advocated for infection controls, then guidelines must be based on solid scientific evidence that the
devices are effective in reducing pathogens in an air stream or indoor environment. The present state of
the art filtration of AP has only been assessed in theory (Kowalski et al., 1999). Kowalski et al (1999)
noted that microbes differ from particulate matter in terms of their density, microbial properties and
shapes, factors among which may cause filtration efficiency to differ from predictions based on particle
size alone. Very little empirical measurements have been performed to evaluate filter performance in
arresting airborne virus (McDevitt et al., 2008) especially in the ultrafine particle ranges.
Cole & Cook (1998) has reported that the typical diameter of a virus, bacteria and fungal spore is 0.02
0.3, 0.310 and 25 m, respectively. Viruses range in size from 0.02 to 0.2 microns and can be found in
droplet nuclei or attached to other airborne particles (Reponen et al., 2001). Viruses in the
Orthomyxoviridae family include those associated with influenza such as the Avian flu virus range in size
from 0.08 to 0.12 microns (Mandell et al., 2005). Current filtration standards for residential and office
buildings application focus only on removal of inanimate particles greater than 0.3 microns.
Other than residential and office environments, air filtration in environments such as airplanes and buses
has been applied. Recent discussions in transportation environments suggest that due to the very close
proximity of people in these environments, supplementary air filtration methods might be necessary to
minimize the risk of airborne infectious diseases (Zhu et al., 2010; TRB, 2009).
In summary, there is no or little standardized method that evaluates the performance of filtration systems
in removing AP for residential, office, health care or transportation application.
ASHRAE have established well-defined standards and procedures for testing the efficiency of aircleaning devices for HVAC filtration under controlled laboratory conditions. ASHRAE standard 52.21999 establishes a test procedure for measuring particle size efficiency of general ventilation air-cleaning
devices in the laboratory and rates particle size efficiency as a minimum efficiency reporting value
(MERV) from 1 to 20, with the higher values being more efficient. However, it is unclear if these
methods are representative for AP. Further, the standards evaluate the performance of aerosol removal
from 0.3 microns upwards while particle viral sizes range from 0.02 to 0.2 microns. Indeed, performance
curves provided in filter manufacturer catalogs usually dont extend into the size-range of viruses.
The proposed project will provide a standardized method to evaluate filtration systems performance that
moves beyond inanimate aerosols as analogues to AP and determine treatment efficiencies for specific
etiological agents, especially viral agents. It will also provide the filter performance of AP removal well

below the particle size normally tested.
Development of a new test method to evaluate filter performance in removing AP for building and
transportation applications.
Preventable infections cause thousands of deaths annually and cost billions of dollars in societal costs.
Providing scientific research information about filtration performance of filters in HVAC system from
empirical results is important to ASHRAE, its members and other relevant organizations in setting
appropriate guidelines.
Objectives:
The objective of this project is four-fold:

1) Perform a scientific review of the existing literature on AP removal using filtration technologies;
2) Develop a standardized test method to assess filter performance in AP removal and rating scheme
for building as well as transportation applications;
3) Validate the test method and rating scheme using filters of varying performance range; and
4) Compare the removal performance of filters using AP aerosols and inanimate aerosols.
Key References:
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): Gravimetric

and Dust-Spot Procedures for Testing Air-Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing
Particulate Matter. (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.1-1992). [Standard] Atlanta: ASHRAE, 1992.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): Method of
Testing General Ventilation Air- Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size (ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999). [Standard] Atlanta: ASHRAE, 1999.
CDC, 2003. Interim Recommendations for Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities Caring for Patients
with Known or Suspected Avian Influenza. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC, 2009. Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare
Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
(http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm)
Cole E. C., Cook C. E.1998 Characterisation of infectious aerosols in healthcare facilities: an aid to
effective engineering controls and preventative strategies. Am. J. Infect. Control 26, 453464.
Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (IPNSPI). Chapter 9:
IPNSPI : Institutions: Protecting Personnel and Ensuring Continuity of Operations. Homeland Security
Council. May 2006. https://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/nspi_implementation_chap09.pdf
Kowalski, W., W. Bahnfleth and T. Whittam. 1999. Filtration of airborne microorganisms: modeling and
prediction. ASHRAE Transactions 105(2): 4-17
Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin RD. (2004) Principles and practices of infectious diseases. 6th edn.

(Churchhill Livingstone, New York).
McDevitt JJ, MacIntosh DL, Myatt TA. 2008. Removal of influenza viral aerosols by high efficiency
electrostatic air cleaner and implications for household infection transmission. Proceedings of Indoor Air
2008, 17-22 August 2008, Copenhagen, Denmark - Paper ID: 1063.
Reponen T, Willeke K, Grinshpun SA, et al. (2001) Biological particle sampling. In Baron PA and
Willeke K (Eds.). Aerosol measurement, principles, techniques, and applications.(Wiley-Interscience,
New York) pp. 75179.
Sehulster L, Chinn RW, 2003. Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities.
Recommendations of CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
(HICPAC).
MMWR
Recommendations
and
Reports.
(http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5210a1.htm).
Vol.
Erratum
52,
No.
is
found
RR-10.
here
(http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5242a9.htm )
Zhu S, Demokritou P, Spengler FD (2010) Experimental and numerical investigation of microenvironmental conditions in public transportation buses. Building and Environment, 45, 10, 2077-2088.
TRB (2009) Research on the transmission of disease in airports and on aircraft. Summary of symposium.
Conference Proceedings 47. Transportation Research Board of the National Academies.

Chapter
Fundamentals Handbook
F01
Psychrometrics
01.01
NA
F02.1
Thermodynamics and Refrigeration Cycles
01.01
NA
F02.2
TC
EHC Reviewer
08.03
NA
F03
Fluid Flow
01.03
NA
F04
Heat Transfer
01.03
NA
F05
Two-Phase Flow
01.03
NA
F06
Mass Transfer
01.03
NA
F07
Fundamentals of Control
01.04
NA
F08
Sound and Vibration
02.06
Larry Schoen
F09
F10
Thermal Comfort
Indoor Environmental Health
02.01
EHC
Larry Schoen
All - please add name, Hal Levin, Yuguo Li,
Chandra Sekhar, Bud Offerman
F11.1
Air Contaminants
02.03
Mark Jackson
02.04
Mark Jackson
F11.2
F12
Odors
02.01
Pawel Wargocki
F13
Indoor Environmental Modeling
04.10
Zuraimi Sultan
F14
Climatic Design Information
04.02
NA
F15
Fenestration
04.05
NA
F16
Ventilation and Infiltration
04.03
Eric Werling, Chandra Sekhar
F17
Residential Cooling and Heating Load Calculations
04.01
NA
F18
Nonresidential Cooling and Heating Load Calculations
04.01
NA
F19
Energy Estimating and Modeling Methods
04.07
NA
F20
Space Air Diffusion
05.03
Yuguo Li
F21
Duct Design
05.02
Paul Francisco
F22
Pipe Sizing
06.01
Wayne Thomann
F23
Insulation for Mechanical Systems
01.08
Wayne Thomann
F24
04.03
NA
04.04
Jensen Zhang
F27
Airflow Around Buildings

Heat, Air, and Moisture Control in Building Assemblies-Fundamentals
Heat, Air, and Moisture Control in Building Assemblies-Material Properties
Heat, Air, and Moisture Control in Building Assemblies-Examples
F28
Combustion and Fuels
06.10
F29
Refrigerants
03.01
F30
Thermophysical Properties of Refrigerants
03.01
NA
F31
Physical Properties of Secondary Coolants (Brines)
03.01
NA
F32
Sorbents and Desiccants
08.12
NA
F33
Physical Properties of Materials
01.03
F34
Energy Resources
02.08
NA
F35
Sustainability
02.08
Leon Alevantis; Hal Levin
F36
Measurement and Instruments
01.02
NA
F37
Abbreviations and Symbols
01.06
NA
F38
Units and Conversions
01.06
NA
F25
F26
04.04
04.04
Paul Francisco
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Background (Jan Sundell) .................................... 10.1
Descriptions of Selected Health Sciences (Werling) .......... 10.2
Hazard Recognition, Analysis, and Control (Thomann) ......... 10.3
AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS(Wargocki) ............................. 10.4
Particles (Radonovich) ....................................... 10.
Syntetic vitrous fibers, combustion nuclei (Jackson)
Bioaerosols (Thomann, Li)4
Gaseous Contaminants (Alevantis, Zhang)
SVOC (Zuraimi)
Refrigerants (Dwyer) ........................................ 10.8
PHYSICAL AGENTS(Larry) ..................................... 10.12
Thermal Environment (Humphreys) ............................ 10.12
Electrical Hazards (Emmerich) .............................. 10.14
Vibration (Sekhar)
Sound and noise (Fransisco)
Electromagnetic radiation (Werling)
Ionizing radiation (Freihaut)Mechanical Energies ........... 10.14
Electromagnetic Radiation .................................. 10.16
Ergonomics (Bahnfleth) ..................................... 10.18
Indoor Air Quality Position Document

Executive Summary
ASHRAE published a position paper on IAQ in 1989 asserting the importance of IAQ as a public
health issue. Since 1989, accrued knowledge allowed updated statements of far greater certainty about
health effects, exposures of concern, and the broad approach that must be adopted toward IAQ which
were reflected in a new position document that was published in 2001 and reaffirmed in 2005. Once
again, advancing knowledge (such as new knowledge on airborne infectious diseases and other
microbiological hazards), a greater interest in non-commercial building environments (including
residential and transportation environments), and emphasis of other new issues (such as consideration
of IAQ in sustainable buildings during a time of predicted global climate change) warrants a significant
revision to the position document.
IAQ directly impacts occupant health, comfort and work performance. People in buildings frequently
report discomfort and building-related health symptoms, and sometimes develop building-related
illnesses. In recent decades, significant and substantial research has been conducted on the nature,
extent and causes of these comfort and health effects and scientific studies have determined that these
health effects and discomfort are associated with characteristics of buildings, HVAC systems and the
indoor environment. In contrast, providing superior IAQ can improve health, work performance, and
school performance, as well as reduce health care costs, and consequently be a source of substantial
economic benefits.
While some see energy efficiency and IAQ as contradictory goals, an integrated design can lead to high
performing buildings that are both energy efficient and have good IAQ. Passive design features (i.e. the
architectural and envelope aspects) can be optimized before active design strategies (HVAC systems)
are designed for thermal conditioning and source control can be implemented as the fundamental
approach to reducing contaminant levels inside buildings before exposure control, via ventilation and
air cleaning, is designed for IAQ. Furthermore, as the world moves rapidly toward constructing highperformance and sustainable buildings, it should be recognized that sustainable/net zero energy
building efforts will fail if they achieve energy targets but cause significant health or comfort problems
for occupants or impede occupant performance in ways that inhibit the building from attaining the
goals for which it was built.
ASHRAE has a direct interest and concern with IAQ. Designers, builders, and operators of buildings,
who constitute much of the ASHRAE membership, have a large influence on and responsibility for
IAQ and look to ASHRAE for guidance; thus ASHRAE has a responsibility to advance the IAQ arts
and sciences.
ASHRAEs position at the present is that:
IAQ has important impacts on peoples comfort, environmental satisfaction, health, and work
performance, and is thereby central to ASHRAEs purpose.
The health and economic benefits attainable from improved IAQ are uncertain in magnitude but
substantial from a national economic perspective and from the perspective of an individual
building owner, operator or occupant.
IAQ and building energy performance are substantially linked and these linkages must be
considered starting at the very earliest stages and throughout the processes of building design,
retrofit, and renovation.
It is critical to maintain acceptable IAQ as significant changes are made to building design and
operation to dramatically reduce energy consumption in response to the threat of global climate
change.
ASHRAE is committed to:
maintaining and updating ventilation and IAQ standards and guidelines that strike a balance
among IAQ, energy, and first and operational costs,
maintaining up to date ventilation and IAQ information in its Handbooks,
supporting ventilation and IAQ research and professional education, and
fostering partnerships with key domestic and international organizations to fulfill its
commitments.
Further, ASHRAE recommends:

1. Policy development in the following areas is recommended as a high priority:
a. U.S. national and state governments should support the adoption into codes of
ASHRAEs ventilation and IAQ standards.
b. The U.S. government should establish health-based contaminant concentration limits for
commonly occurring chemicals for general population in non-industrial environments.
2. Sustainable (green) building performance codes, programs and standards should be based on
thorough consideration of the many parameters impacting IAQ to ensure that limited resources
are used effectively and IAQ is not compromised for other goals.
3. ASHRAE should continue to strive to have its IAQ-related standards implemented in national
and local building codes.
4. ASHRAE ventilation and IAQ standards and related documents should consider climates
outside North America in setting their requirements.
5. The following education and training efforts are recommended as high priorities:
a. ASHRAE must make more effective use of web based tools for IAQ education as the
internet becomes the primary source of information for consumers and others.
b. ASHRAE should keep the new IAQ Design Guide updated to reflect newly developing
scientific and engineering knowledge.
c. ASHRAE should develop an IAQ design professional certification and should ensure
that all of its related certification programs (e.g., High Performance Building) teach
awareness of IAQ principles.
d. Educational programs should be developed to teach the importance of IAQ and the
fundamentals of achieving good IAQ to non-engineers in the building field.
6. ASHRAE should expand support for interdisciplinary ventilation and IAQ research.
7. A several fold increase is needed in government and foundation support for IAQ research to
address the high priority research agenda described in this document.
1.0 ISSUES
Definition of IAQ
For the purposes of this document, the term indoor air quality (IAQ) represents the indoor air
concentrations of pollutants that are known or suspected to affect peoples comfort, environmental
satisfaction, health, or work or school performance. Although this position document does not address
thermal conditions, they are important for IAQ because temperature and humidity can affect pollutant
emission rates, the growth of microorganisms on building surfaces, the survival of airborne infectious
pathogens, the survival of house dust mites which are a source of allergens, people's perception of the
quality of indoor air, prevalence rates of building related health symptoms, and work performance.
Other indoor environmental factors such as noise and lighting are also not addressed. Important
references for more information on thermal conditions and other indoor environmental factors include
ASHRAE Standard 55, the ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality Guide, Chapters 9 and 10 of the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, and ASHRAE Guideline 10.
1.1 Impacts on health, comfort and performance
IAQ directly impacts occupant health, comfort and work performance. Well-established, serious health
impacts resulting from poor IAQ include Legionnaires Disease, lung cancer from radon exposure,
airborne infection such as TB and SARS (Li et al., 2007), and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
People in buildings frequently report discomfort and building-related health symptoms, and sometimes
develop building-related illnesses (Hodgson and Kreiss 1986; Brightman et al 1997; Committee on
Health Effects of Indoor Allergens 1993; Committee on Asthma and Indoor Air 2000; EPA 1992;
Mendell 1993; Menzies and Bourbeau 1997; DHHS 2005). Excessive dampness or moisture in
buildings is associated with a range of problems including mold, dust mites, and bacteria; and exposure
to damp environments is associated with respiratory problems including asthma attacks (Committee on
Damp Indoor Spaces and Health 2004; WHO 2009; Mendell et al. 2011).
In recent decades, significant and substantial research has been conducted on the nature, extent and
causes of these comfort and health effects. One of the most common health complaints is the
occurrence of building-related symptoms including eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches, fatigue
and lethargy; upper respiratory symptoms; and skin irritation and rashes (WHO 1983; Kreiss and
Hodgson, 1984; Hodgson and Kreiss 1986; Levin, 1989; Mendell and Smith 1990; Mendell 1993;
Bluyssen et al. 1996; Brightman et al. 1997). The term sick bu
ilding syndrome has been used to
describe the excess prevalence of this collection of symptoms, without attribution to specific pathogens
or illnesses. The term b
uilding-related illness refers to a different set of diseases including
hypersensitivity pneumonitis and Legionnaires disease, which are attributed to illnesses acquired as a
result of exposure to pathogens in a building (Hodgson and Kreiss 1986). Other health effects
associated with the indoor environment include symptoms of allergies and asthma (Hodgson and
Kreiss 1986; Committee on Health Effects of Indoor Allergens 1993; Committee on Asthma and
Indoor Air 2000), respiratory illnesses (Fisk and Rosenfeld 1997; Menzies and Bourbeau 1997), and
toxic and systemic effects with known causes (Committee on Indoor Pollutants 1981). Recently, the
WHO (2010) published Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Selected Pollutants, detailing the health
risks of exposures to a short list of common chemicals in indoor air (i.e., benzene, CO, formaldehyde,
naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, radon, trichloroethylene, and
tetrachloroethylene). These and other chemicals have indoor sources and are often found indoors at
concentrations of concern for health.
Scientific studies have determined that these health effects and discomfort are associated with
characteristics of buildings, HVAC systems and the indoor environment (Mendell 1993; Menzies and
Bourbeau 1997; Seppanen et al. 1999, Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health 2004). Failure to
properly design, install, commission, operate or maintain HVAC systems are possible explanations for
the observed association of air conditioning with increased SBS symptoms (Levin 1989; Mendell and
Smith 1990; Mendell 1993). Symptom prevalences vary widely among buildings within and among
different types of HVAC system (Fisk et al. 1989; Zweers et al. 1992), suggesting that the means of
applying HVAC, plus other factors, are determinants of symptoms.
1.2 Economic benefits of good IAQ
Providing superior IAQ can improve health, work performance, and school performance, as well as
reduce health care costs, and consequently be a source of substantial economic benefits (Fisk and
Rosenfeld 1997; Fisk and Seppnen 2007; Mendell et al. 2002; Mudarri and Fisk 2007, Wargocki and
Djukanovic 2005, Wargocki et al. 2006). As discussed elsewhere in this position document, IAQ
improvement measures that have been solidly linked to improved health and/or performance include
better control of indoor temperature or comfort, increases in rates of outdoor air supply, and reductions
in dampness and mold (Sundell et al. 2011). There is also some evidence that reductions in indoor
pollutant sources can improve health and performance (Wargocki et al. 2002) and that increases in
ventilation rates reduce absence from school and work (Milton et al. 2000, Shendell et al. 2004). The
economic benefits accrue from having more productive workers, lower absentee rates, and reduced
health care costs (Seppnen and Fisk 2005, Wargocki et al. 2005, 2006). In work places, measures that
result in only small improvements in performance or absence will often be cost effective because
employee costs far exceed the costs of maintaining good IAQ (Wargocki et al. 2006). Additional
economic benefits are possible through avoidance of costly IAQ investigations and remediation
measures by designing, constructing, and operating buildings in a manner that prevents serious IAQ
problems, such as widespread dampness and mold, from occurring.
1.3 Interactions with energy use
The complex relationship between IAQ and external environmental conditions, coupled with the
effects of climate change, necessitates a paradigm shift towards creating buildings that are not only
comfortable and healthy for the occupants but are also sustainable. It is generally believed that
improved IAQ can only result from increased energy consumption. This may be true under some
weather conditions where improved IAQ is the result of increased dilution ventilation, but other
strategies exist that can both improve IAQ and reduce energy use (Levin and Teichman 1991; Persily
and Emmerich 2010). Improved indoor air quality can also result from source control (such as
selecting construction materials, furnishings, and maintenance products with low off-gassing rates and
restricting the use of fragranced or scented products by occupants), air cleaning (both particulate and
gas phase), increasing ventilation efficiency (such as use of displacement air distribution for cooling),
and using outdoor air
economizers (which, in mild weather conditions, reduce energy usage while
increasing ventilation rate). Other strategies can be used to mitigate the energy impact of conditioning
ventilation air such as energy recovery (such as enthalpy wheels and run-around coils), demand
controlled ventilation (e.g. using carbon dioxide sensors), dynamic reset (e.g. adjusting outdoor air
rates based on real-time measurement of supply airflow in variable air volume systems), and using
dedicated (decoupled) outdoor air systems (particularly effective in hot and humid climates).
An integrated design approach to IAQ and energy can lead to high performing buildings that are both
energy efficient and have good IAQ (ASHRAE 2009). Passive design features (i.e. the architectural
and envelope aspects) can be optimized before active design strategies (HVAC systems) are considered
for thermal, ventilation and IAQ aspects. Likewise, source control is advocated as the fundamental
approach to eliminating or reducing the contaminant levels inside the buildings before exposure
control, via ventilation and air cleaning, is designed for IAQ.
1.4 IAQ in High-performance and Sustainable Buildings
A significant development since the previous version of this Position Document is the establishment
and proliferation of a variety of
Green building standards, programs, guidelines, etc. There are many
green building efforts that collectively are impacting the provision of IAQ in buildings in two primary
ways.
First, green building efforts directly impact the decisions made during design, construction, operation
and maintenance of a building through requirements and options that accrue points towards a rating
(e.g., the USGBC LEED Green Building Program and ASHRAE Standard 189.1). All of these
programs are well-intentioned, but for the most part are not based on thorough consideration of all the
many parameters impacting IAQ to ensure that resources are used effectively.
Second, these efforts have the potential to negatively impact IAQ as an unintended consequence of
placing a very high emphasis on saving energy. This potential impact may be of greatest concern in
efforts to achieve net-zero or very low energy as providing good IAQ may be either taken for granted
or even seen as a roadblock to a more important goal. It should be recognized that sustainable/net zero
energy building efforts will fail if they achieve their energy target but cause significant health or
comfort problems for occupants or impede occupant productivity/achievement in ways that inhibit the
building from attaining the goals for which it was built.
2.0 BACKGROUND
2.1 Overview
ASHRAE published its first position paper on IAQ in 1989 asserting the importance of IAQ as a public
health issue. Since 1989, new knowledge allowed statements of far greater certainty about health
effects, exposures of concern, and the broad approach that must be adopted toward IAQ. These updated
conclusions were reflected in a new position document that was published in 2001 and reaffirmed in
2005. Once again, advancing knowledge (such as new knowledge on airborne infectious diseases and
other microbiological hazards), a greater interest in non-commercial building environments (including
residential and transportation), and emphasis of other new issues (such as IAQ in sustainable buildings
during a time of predicted global climate change) warrants this revision to the position document.
Previous versions of this position document went into great technical detail on a broad range of IAQ
issues. However, that information is today sufficiently covered in other ASHRAE publications such as
the Handbook of Fundamentals (particularly Chapters 9 through 12) and the recent IAQ Guide and thus
will not be included here. Additionally, many specific IAQ issues are not covered here as there are
separate Position Documents that cover specific topics including: Airborne Infectious Diseases,
Environmental Tobacco Smoke, Legionellosis, and Indoor Mold. Instead, this document focuses on
recommendations in several broad areas including Policy, Research, and Education related to IAQ.
2.2 ASHRAEs Role
ASHRAEs mission is to advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and
refrigerating to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. HVAC is critical to maintaining
acceptable IAQ in nearly all occupied spaces. The primary intent of HVAC is to provide for occupant
comfort and health.
ASHRAE fulfills its mission through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
Since 1989 when ASHRAE first published a position paper on the importance of IAQ as a public
health issue, ASHRAE has conducted research to advance fundamental IAQ knowledge, published
documents and provided educational opportunities to spread that knowledge and written standards and
related documents to provide the path for that knowledge to be applied in buildings. ASHRAEs role in
IAQ is to continue to be the leader in all of these activities within the context of a world shifting
rapidly to sustainable design principles.
2.3 Policy (Including Standards and Codes)
ASHRAE has developed and continues to maintain several standards and guidelines related to indoor
air quality. These standards form the foundation of IAQ design requirements in much of the US. The
following are the most well known and commonly referenced:
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. This Standard,
first published in 1973, establishes ventilation and other IAQ related requirements for buildings
other than low rise residential buildings and health care facilities. Its outdoor air ventilation
rate requirements have been adopted into the International Mechanical Code and Uniform
Mechanical Code, the two most common model building codes in the US. The Standard is also
referenced by most Green Building programs including the USGBC LEED program.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise
Residential Buildings. This Standard, first published in 2003, covers low rise residential
buildings. Ventilation requirements from this standard have also been adopted into codes,
including Californias Title 24, and into USGBCs LEED for Homes and EPAs Indoor airPlus
program.
ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170 Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. Standard 170
brought together several ventilation standards used throughout North America into a single
document. It is now referenced almost exclusively in building codes for ventilation
requirements in hospitals and other health care facilities.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices
for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size. This Standard is used to measure and rate the
performance of particle filters.
ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1 Standard for the Design of High-Performance,
Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Developed in conjunction with
USBGC and IES, this Standard provides rigorous indoor air quality related requirements in
sustainable buildings. The Standard was developed so it could be adopted as part of voluntary
green/sustainable rating systems, green building incentive programs and ordinances.
Standards 62.1, 62.2, 170, and 189.1 are under continuous maintenance with updates scheduled to be
published for approximately every three years to coincide with the revision of model building codes.
Other ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines related to indoor air quality include the following (the letter
P after the number indicates

proposed not yet published):
Guideline 10 - Interactions Affecting the Achievement of an Acceptable Indoor Environment.

Developed to highlight important interactions of design/operational relevance among indoor
environmental factors including air quality, thermal conditions, lighting, and noise.
Guideline 24 - Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

Guideline 26 - Guideline for Field Testing of General Ventilation Filtration Devices and
Systems for Removal Efficiency In-Situ by Particle Size and Resistance to Airflow
Standard 145.1 - Laboratory Test Method for Assessing the Performance of Gas-Phase Air
Cleaning Systems: Loose Granular Media
Standard 160 - Criteria for Moisture Design Analysis in Buildings
Standard 161 - Air Quality Within Commercial Aircraft
Guideline 28P - Air Quality Within Commercial Aircraft
Standard 145.2P - Laboratory Test Method for Assessing the Performance of Gas-Phase Air
Cleaning Systems: Air Cleaning Devices
Standard 185.1P - Method of Testing UVC Lights for Use in Air Handling Units or Air Ducts
to Inactivate Airborne Microorganisms
Standard 185.2P - Method of Testing Ultraviolet Lamps for Use in HVAC&R Units or Air
Ducts to Inactivate Microorganisms on Irradiated Surfaces
Standard 189.2P - Design, Construction and Operation of Sustainable High Performance Health
Care Facilities
2.4 Education
Direction 2 of the ASHRAE Strategic Plan commits ASHRAE to
be a world-class provider of
education and certification programs. While the focus of many of ASHRAEs educational efforts is
energy efficiency, clearly this goal needs to include education on the subject of IAQ. Education and
other outreach activities in various forms and at various levels are crucial to ensure sustained
understanding and appreciation of IAQ issues; technological innovation and development of
sustainable IAQ solutions; and industry-wide adoption and implementation of IAQ best practices.
ASHRAEs must continue its core educational activities including continued development of the
Handbook of Fundamentals, presentation of the latest research information through conferences and its
publications, satellite broadcasts on significant IAQ topics, and Professional Development Seminars.
One area in which significant improvement can be made is in online information, as both the
professional and public worlds often look first to the internet when seeking knowledge on any topic.
ASHRAE should take steps to ensure that its leading knowledge on IAQ can be found and accessed
quickly, rather than people finding and acting on information from less reliable sources.
2.5 Research Needs
There are three primary motivations for research on IAQ. First, there are many gaps about IAQ that
need to be filled to provide practical guidance. One example is the almost complete lack of data
relating ventilation rates in homes with the health of the occupants, making it impossible to establish
scientifically-robust minimum ventilation rate standards for homes. Second, IAQ research is needed to
understand how IAQ impacts peoples comfort, health, and work performance, which makes IAQ
important from human well-being and economic perspectives. Third, IAQ is strongly coupled to
building energy performance. Buildings consume approximately 40% of all energy used in the U. S.,
thus, building energy consumption has major implications for climate change, energy security, and
national and world economic performance. Without research, IAQ issues could become an increasing
strong barrier to increasing building energy efficiency. With suitable research, IAQ-related health and
performance improvements could help to stimulate building energy efficiency.
At present, a number of governmental agencies in the U.S. perform or support modest programs of
IAQ research. In the U.S., EPA, DOE, HUD, NIOSH, NIST, and some state agencies support mostly
applied IAQ research, focusing on issues relevant to their mission, but in all cases IAQ is not a central
agency focus. The NIH has supported substantial research on how IAQ factors affect the risks of
asthma, but has not supported a broad portfolio of IAQ research. Applied research questions, such as
the previous example of residential ventilation rates, have not been a part of their research portfolio.
ASHRAE has supported applied IAQ research for many years; however, ASHRAE resources are only
sufficient for modest size efforts. Also, ASHRAE is not well positioned to support and manage the
more basic and health-oriented aspects of IAQ research. Recently, a few other professional
organizations have made small amounts of funding available for IAQ research. Industry supports
research on IAQ product development, but has less incentive to support IAQ research unrelated to the
development of marketable products. In summary, in the U.S., the combination of governmental,
professional, and industry support for IAQ research leaves many large gaps. The situation is similar in
many other countries.
The definition of a specific priority research agenda is outside the scope of this position document;
however, general recommendations are provided subsequently. These recommendations were
developed considering ASHRAEs mission, the status of current research programs, knowledge gaps,
and existing documents (ASHRAE 2009a; EPA 2001; Committee on the Assessment of Asthma and
Indoor Air 2000; Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health 2004; USGBC 2008; Fisk 2009;
NSTC 2008) with information on priority IAQ research needs relevant to ASHRAE.
2.6 International perspective
Much of ASHRAEs past research and standards development in IAQ has been North Americancentric. However, Direction 4 of the ASHRAE Strategic Plan commits ASHRAE to be
a global leader
in the HVAC&R community. While fundamental science doesnt change with geography, many of the
conditions that engineers need to consider do, including climate, resource availability, cultural
expectations, and building practices. To accomplish this strategic direction, ASHRAE needs to
consider global conditions in conducting research, developing standards, and providing education.
ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 and other publications in the domain of ventilation and IAQ, such
as the IAQ Design Guide, Hot and Humid Climate Design Guide and several others, are continuously
referred to as relevant and useful sources of information in the development of local standards and
guidelines in countries around the world. ISO 16814-2008 is an international standard which refers to
ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 and is intended to specify methods to express the quality of indoor
air suitable for human occupancy, to allow several acceptable target levels of indoor air quality,
depending on local requirements, constraints and expectations. Although there are significant
differences compared to Standards 62.1 and 62.2, a key European Standard, EN15251 also makes
reference to them. EN15251 specifies the indoor environmental parameters that have an impact on the
energy performance of buildings. It forms part of a series of standards aimed at European
harmonization of the methodology for the calculation of the energy performance of buildings under the
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Singapore Standards, SS553-2009 and SS54-2009
have had a strong influence from ASHRAE Standard 62.1. SS 553-2009 is the Code of practice for airconditioning and mechanical ventilation in buildings and SS 554-2009 is the Code of practice for
indoor air quality for air-conditioned buildings.
Examples of other international Standards/Codes/Guidelines that reference ASHRAE Standards 62.1 or
62.2 include the following:
Australian Standard 1668.2-2002 sets out design requirements for natural ventilation systems
and mechanical air-handling systems that ventilate enclosures.
Guidance Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality, Hong Kong - 2003 aims to provide
comprehensive guidelines for the total management of IAQ.
Ventilation Requirements for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, SHASE 2003 addresses the
ventilation requirements for both building emissions and occupants.
Indoor Air Quality Control in Public Use Facilities, etc. Act, South Korea, 2004 - a rare
example of a country regulating indoor air quality.
3.0 POSITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Positions
ASHRAE holds the following strong positions:
IAQ has important impacts on peoples comfort, environmental satisfaction, health, and work
performance, and is thereby central to ASHRAEs purpose.
The health and economic benefits attainable from improved IAQ are uncertain in magnitude but
substantial from a national economic perspective and from the perspective of an individual building
owner, operator or occupant.
IAQ and building energy performance are substantially linked and these linkages must be considered
starting at the very earliest stages and throughout the processes of building design, retrofit, and
renovation.
It is critical to maintain acceptable IAQ as significant changes are made to building design and
operation to dramatically reduce energy consumption in response to the threat of global climate
change.
Designers, builders, and operators of buildings, who constitute much of the ASHRAE membership,
have a large influence on and responsibility for IAQ and look to ASHRAE for guidance; thus
ASHRAE has a responsibility to advance the IAQ arts and sciences.
3.2 ASHRAE Commitments
ASHRAE will maintain and update ventilation and IAQ standards and guidelines that strike a balance
among IAQ, energy, and first and operational costs.
ASHRAE will maintain up to date ventilation and IAQ information in its Handbooks.
ASHRAE will continue to support ventilation and IAQ research and professional education.
ASHRAE will continue to foster partnerships with key domestic and international organizations to
fulfill its commitments.
3.3 Recommendations
Policy
Policy development in the following areas is recommended as a high priority:
U.S. national and state governments should support the adoption into codes of
ASHRAEs ventilation and IAQ standards.
The U.S. government should establish health-based contaminant concentration limits for
commonly occurring chemicals for general population in non-industrial environments.
Sustainable (green) building performance codes, programs and standards should be based on thorough
consideration of the many parameters impacting IAQ to ensure that limited resources are used
effectively and IAQ is not compromised for other goals.
ASHRAE should continue to strive to have its IAQ-related standards implemented in national and local
building codes.
ASHRAE ventilation and IAQ standards and related documents should consider climates outside North
America in setting their requirements.
Education
The following education and training efforts are recommended as high priorities:
ASHRAE must make more effective use of web based tools for IAQ education as the internet becomes
the primary source of information for consumers and others.
ASHRAE should keep the new IAQ Design Guide updated to reflect newly developing scientific and
engineering knowledge.
ASHRAE should develop an IAQ design professional certification and should ensure that all of its
related certification programs (e.g., High Performance Building) address relevant teach awareness of
IAQ principles.
Educational programs should be developed to teach the importance of IAQ and the fundamentals of
achieving good IAQ to building code officials, inspectors, construction trades, etc.
Research
ASHRAE should expand support for interdisciplinary ventilation and IAQ research.
A several fold increase is needed in government and foundation support for IAQ research to address
following high priority research agenda:
relationships of ventilation rates to peoples health and work and school performance
effects of particle and gaseous filtration system characteristics on peoples health
acceptable indoor air pollutant concentrations for non-industrial work places and homes
technologies and practices for reducing building moisture problems and associated
health effects
technologies and practices, and their integration into systems, for maintaining
acceptable IAQ in very energy efficient, sustainable buildings
reasons for the apparent increase in risks of health symptoms in buildings with air
conditioning
role of ventilation, filtration, UVGI or other air treatment, temperature and humidity in
transmission of communicable respiratory diseases such as influenza and common colds
an improved technical basis and protocols for developing, labeling, and selecting
materials and products with low emission rates of pollutants that are likely to
significantly affect peoples satisfaction, health, or performance
an improved scientific underpinning for the IAQ-related elements of green building

certification systems
development of modeling and simulation tools for coordinated and integrated building
system design that achieves low energy consumption and high indoor environmental
quality
4.0 REFERENCES
ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2-2007, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning
Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2007, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE. 2010. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality,
ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE. 2010. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 161-2007, Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft,
ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 170-2008, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, ASHRAE,
Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE. 2009a. Indoor Air Quality Guide Best Practices for Design, Construction, and
Commissioning. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers,
Inc.: Atlanta, GA.
ASHRAE. 2009b Handbook of Fundamentals. Chapter 9 Thermal Comfort. Chapter 10 Indoor
Environmental Health. Chapter 11 Air Contaminants. Chapter 12 Odors, ASHRAE, Atlanta,
Ga.
ASHRAE. 2009c ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE. 2009d. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2009, Standard for the Design of HighPerformance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE. 2009e. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 160, Criteria for Moisture Design Analysis in Buildings,
ASHRAE 2011. ASHRAE Guideline 10, Interactions Affecting Achievement of Acceptable Indoor
Environments. ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga.
Bluyssen, P.M., E. de Oliveira Fernandes, L. Groes, G. Clausen, P.O. Fanger, O. Valbjorn, C.A.
Bernhard, and C.A. Roulet. 1996. Eur
opean Indoor Air Quality Audit Project in 56 Office
Buildings. Indoor Air 6(4): 221-238.
Brightman, H.S., S.E. Womble, J.R. Girman, W.K. Sieber, J.F. McCarthy, and J.D. Spengler. 1997.
Preliminary Comparison of Questionnaire Data from Two IAQ Studies: Occupant and
Workspace Characteristics of Randomly Selected Buildings and Complaint Buildings. Proc.
Healthy Buildings / IAQ 97. 2:453-458. Healthy Buildings / IAQ 97, Washington, D.C.
Brightman, H.S., L.A. Wallace, W.K. Sieber, J.F. McCarthy, and J.D. Spengler.
Comparing
Symptoms in United States Office Buildings. Proceedings of Indoor Air '99: The Eighth
International Conference on IAQ and Climate. Edinburgh, Scotland, 1999: 1: 847-52.
Committee on Indoor Pollutants. 1981. Indoor Pollutants. Board on Toxicology and Environmental
Health Hazards, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy
Press, Washington, D.C.
Committee on the Assessment of Asthma and Indoor Air. 2000. Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor
Air Exposures. National Academies of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, National Academy
Committee on Health Effects of Indoor Allergens. 1993. Indoor Allergens: Assessing and Controlling
Adverse Health Effects. Pope, A.M., R. Patterson, and H. Burge, editors. National Academy
Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. 2004. Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. National
Academies of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
DHHS. 2005. Report of the Surgeon Generals Workshop on Healthy Indoor Environment. U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
EPA. 1989. Report to Congress on indoor air quality, volume II: Assessment and control of indoor air
pollution. Report EPA/400/1-89/0001C, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC, August.
EPA. 2001. Healthy buildings, healthy people, a vision for the 21st century. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency: Washington, D.C.
Fisk, W. and A. Rosenfeld. 1997.
Estimates of Improved Productivity and Health from Better Indoor
Environments. Indoor Air 7(3): 158-172.
Fisk, W.J. 2000. Health and productivity gains from better indoor environments and their relationship
with building energy efficiency. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment 25(1): 53766.
Fisk, W.J. and O. Seppnen. 2007. "Providing better indoor environmental quality brings economic
benefits. Paper A01", in Clima 2007 Well Being Indoors. FINVAC ry, Finland: Helsinki.
Fisk, W.J. 2009. Climate change and IEQ. ASHRAE Journal, 51(6): p. 22-23IOM, Clearing the air:
asthma and indoor air exposures, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. 2000,
Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
Hodgson, M.J., and Kreiss, K.K., 1986. Building Associated Diseases: An Update. Proceedings of
IAQ86. ASHRAE Atlanta, GA.
Kreiss, K. and Hodgson, M.J. 1984, Building-associated epidemics. \ In Walsh, P.J., Dudney, C.S. and
Copenhaver, E.D. (Eds), Indoor Air Quality, 87-106. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc.
Levin, H. 1989. Sick Building Syndrome: Review and Exploration of Causation Hypotheses and
Control Methods. Proceedings of IAQ89. ASHRAE, Atlanta, GA.
Levin, H. and Teichman, K. 1991. Indoor Air Quality: Guidelines for Architects. Progressive
Architecture (March).
Li, Y., G.M. Leung, J.W. Tang, X. Yang, C.Y.H. Chao, J.Z. Lin, J.W. Lu, P.V. Nielsen, J. Niu, H.
Qian, A.C. Sleigh; H.-J. J. Su, J. Sundell, T.W. Wong, P.L. Yuen. 2007.
Role of ventilation in
airborne transmission of infectious agents in the built environment a multidisciplinary
systematic review. Indoor Air 17:2-18.
Mendell, M.J. and A.H. Smith. 1990. Consi
stent Pattern of Elevated Symptoms in Air-Conditioned
Office Buildings: A Reanalysis of Epidemiologic Studies. American Journal of Public Health
80: 1193-1199.
Mendell, M.J. 1993.
Non-Specific Symptoms in Office Workers: A Review and Summary of the
Epidemiologic Literature. Indoor Air 3: 227-236.
Mendell, M.J., W.J. Fisk, K. Kreiss, H. Levin, D. Alexander, W.S. Cain, J.R. Girman, C.J. Hines, P.A.
Jensen, D.K. Milton, L.P. Rexroat, and K.M. Wallingford. 2002. Improving the health of
workers in indoor environments: Priority research needs for a national occupational research
agenda. Am J Public Health 92:143040.
Mendell MJ, Mirer AG, Cheung K, Tong M, Douwes J. 2011. Respiratory and Allergic Health Effects
of Dampness, Mold, and Dampness-Related Agents: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence.
Environmental Health Perspectives (available online).
Menzies, D. and J. Bourbeau. 1997.
Building-Related Illness. New England Journal of Medicine
337(21): 1524-1531.
Milton, D.K., P.M. Glencross, and M.D. Walters, Risk of sick leave associated with outdoor air supply
rate, humidification, and occupant complaints. Indoor Air, 2000. 10(4): p. 212-21.
Mudarri, D. and W.J. Fisk, Public health and economic impact of dampness and mold. Indoor Air,
2007. 17(3): p. 226-235.
NSTC. 2008. Federal Research and Development Agenda for Net-Zero Energy, High-Performance
Green Buildings. U.S. National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Technology,
Subcommittee on Buildings Technology Research and Development: Washington, D.C.
Persily, A.K. and S.J. Emmerich. Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable, Energy Efficient Buildings.
Proceedings of The 7th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy
Conservation in Buildings, 2010.
Seppnen, O. and W.J. Fisk, A model to estimate the cost effectiveness of indoor environment
improvements in office work. ASHRAE Transactions, 2005. 111(2): p. 663-669.
Seppnen, O.A. and W.J. Fisk, Summary of human responses to ventilation. Indoor Air, 2004. 14
Suppl 7: p. 102-18.
Seppnen, O.A., W.J. Fisk, and M.J. Mendell. 1999.
Association of Ventilation Rates and CO2
Concentrations with Health and Other Human Responses in Commercial and Institutional
Buildings. Indoor Air 9: 226-252.
Shendell, D.G., et al., Associations between classroom CO2 concentrations and student attendance in
Washington and Idaho. Indoor Air, 2004. 14(5): p. 333-41
Sundell, J., H. Levin, W.W Nazaroff, W.S. Cain, W. J. Fisk, D.T. Grimsrud, F. Gyntelberg, Y. Li,, A.
K. Persily, A. C. Pickering, J.M. Samet, J. D. Spengler, S. T. Taylor, C. J. Weschler, 2011,
Multidisciplinary Review of the Scientific Literature. Indoor Air, 21(3) (in press),
USGBC Research Committee. 2008. A national green building research agenda. U.S. Green Building
Council: Washington, D.C.
Wargocki, P. and R. Djukanovic, Simulations of the potential revenue from investments in improved
indoor air quality in an office building. ASHRAE Transactions, 2005. 111(2): p. 699- 711.
Wargocki, P., et al., "Subjective perceptions, symptom intensity, and performance: a comparison of
two independent studies, both changing similarly the pollution load in an office". Indoor Air,
2002. 12(2): p. 74-80.
Wargocki, P., et al., Indoor climate and productivity in offices: how to integrate productivity in lifecycle analysis of building services. Guidebook No. 6. 2006, Federation of European Heating
and Air-Conditioning Associations: Brussels, Belgium.
WHO, 1983. Indoor Air Pollutants: Exposure and Health Effects. EURO Reports and Studies 78.
Report of the Working Group on Assessment and Monitoring of Exposure to Indoor Pollutants.
Copenhagen: World health Organization, Regional Office for Europe.
WHO. 2009. WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality dampness and mould. World Health
Organization.
WHO. 2010. WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality Selected Pollutants. World Health
Organization.
Zweers, T., L. Preller, B. Brunekreef, and J.S.M. Boleij. 1992. H
ealth and Comfort Complaints of
7,043 Office Workers in 61 Buildings in the Netherlands. Indoor Air 2(3): 127-136.
ISO Standard (ISO 16814:2008 - Building environment design -- Indoor air quality -- Methods of
expressing the quality of indoor air for human occupancy)
EN 15251, Indoor environmental input parameters for design and assessment of energy performance of
buildings addressing indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighting and acoustics, May 2007
AS 1668.22002 (Incorporating Amendment Nos 1 and 2) : The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings - Part 2: Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control
(excluding requirements for the health aspects of tobacco smoke exposure)
Indoor Air Quality Control in Public Use Facilities, etc. Act, 2004. Ministry of Environment, Republic
of Korea.
SINGAPORE STANDARD SS 554 : 2009 - Code of practice for indoor air quality for air-conditioned
buildings (Incorporating Erratum No. 1, November 2009).
SINGAPORE STANDARD SS 553 : 2009 - Code of practice for air-conditioning and mechanical
ventilation in buildings.
Guidance Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Public Places, Hong Kong
2003
Ventilation Requirements for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, SHASE 2003, Japan.
Approved for
publication by
Standards
Committee
January 29, 2011.
From the Foreword

This guideline is intended to provide users with the
currently available knowledge on the effects of
interactions on achieving acceptable indoor
environments. In contrast to ASHRAE Standards 55 and
62 (ASHRAE 2004, 2007a), which address thermal
comfort and ventilation/indoor air quality (IAQ)
respectively but separately, this document emphasizes
interactions among these and other indoor
environmental factors with the intention of increasing
understanding of how to improve the acceptability of
the indoor environment as a whole.
3
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance
regarding factors and their interactions as they affect the
indoor environmental conditions acceptable to human occupants
with regard to comfort and health.
2. SCOPE
2.1 This guideline provides guidance regarding factors and
their interactions and includes thermal comfort, indoor air
quality, sound and vibration, and non-ionizing electromagnetic
radiation (including visible light).
2.2 It applies to the design, construction, commissioning,
operation, and maintenance of buildings.
2.3 It applies to all indoor or enclosed spaces that people
may occupy, with the following exceptions:
a. Areas of buildings intended primarily for manufacturing,
commercial processing, or industrial processing.
b. Parking garages.
c. Storage spaces intended for only incidental human
occupancy.
d. Other such enclosed spaces not designed primarily for
human occupancy.
4
Definitions
acceptable indoor environment: an environment that has
been determined to be acceptable according to the
process that defines acceptability and the individuals
involved in this process. Acceptability of an indoor
environment is the determination of any affected party
that the environment is suitable for the purposes of
the intended occupancy. It should be noted that
acceptability is not identical with the satisfaction of
most or all occupants, which would generally require a
somewhat higher level of environmental quality
4. INTRODUCTION TO THE FACTORS AND

THEIR INTERACTIONS
In order to provide an acceptable indoor environment, it is necessary
not only that each aspect of the environment be at a satisfactory
level but also that the adverse impact of interactions between
these aspects is limited. Four factorsindoor air quality (IAQ),
thermal environment, sound, and light are widely regarded as the
principal categories for classifying or characterizing the
acceptability of an indoor environment. Each of these factors
includes several separate aspects. For example, within the lighting
factor are included the issues of luminance and illuminance levels,
color temperature, color rendering ability, gradients or luminance
ratios, discomfort glare, and disability glare. The number of possible
interactions among the four factors and their several aspects is
therefore very large. This guideline provides a framework based on
the limited available knowledge for considering these interactions
and draws attention to the ones that are currently considered to be
the most important.
8
Figure 1 Example of an occupant satisfaction survey.

Adapted from a figure by Brager and Baker (2009).
4.7 Types of Interactions Among the Aspects

of the Environments
Environmental factors can act in quite complex ways to
produce their combined effects on the acceptability of the
environment to the occupants. The types of interaction may
include one or more of the following:
Independent
Additive
Synergistic
Antagonistic
Prophylactic
Cumulative
Unintended
10
11
The committee should be aware of the issues that emerge from a careful
reading of the Guideline regarding the interactions, gaps, overlaps or intersection
points between the various aspects or factors of the indoor environment and,
specifically, as reflected by the ASHRAE documents that pertain, guide, or govern
the actions of those responsible for the quality of the indoor environment. This
action would lead to a more explicit process to consider the implications by EHC's
subcommittees -- education, research, and program. This would lead to a variety
of possible actions by EHC including the following:
1. Identification of critical research questions and actions to develop research
proposals through the ASHRAE process and beyond. The Guideline identifies
many interactions based on prior research, but there are many interactions for
which very little research exists and even more for which no research exists to
inform the guideline project committee as it continues with the elaboration of
the document under continuous maintenance
2. Identification of potential conflicting requirements within existing ASHRAE
standards and communication with possible recommendations to project
committees and cognizant technical committees
3. Consideration of initiation of new or revised scopes for existing TGs, TCs, and
PCs within ASHRAE
4. Consideration of possible future Position Documents
12
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Atlanta soon
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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE (EHC)

CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS.........................................................1

REVIEW OF AGENDA ........................................................................................1

MINUTES FROM PAST MEETINGS ................................................................1

ACTION ITEM (AI) TRACKING & PRELIMINARY REVIEW ...................1

CHAIRS REPORT ...............................................................................................2

VICE CHAIR REPORT........................................................................................2

BOD EX-OFFICIO/COORDINATING OFFICER ...........................................3

IAQ CONFERENCES ...........................................................................................3

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS ............................................................................4

POSITION DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................7

UNFINISHED BUSINESS ..................................................................................10

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM WINTER 2011 MEETING

Forward MOP with edits to Zhang to continue work

Prepare to discuss theme, location, chair, committee for IAQ 2013

Li, Stewart, Zhang,

Assure EHC is involved in WS-1579 revision with TC 2.3 and

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM TECH WEEKEND 2010 CONFERENCE CALL

Make assignments for each 2010-11 MBO and distribute to responsible

Review and comment on proposal form for Environmental Health in Green

Edit Environmental Health in Green Building Programs PD proposal based

Forward the names of potential volunteers for the Environmental Health in

Review and comment on IEQ metrics document prior to 10.07.2010 call

Determine status of WS 1491 and 1579. Report to EHC.

Review and comment on Li RTAR titled Effective ventilation systems for

Review and comment on Sultan RTAR on airborne pathogens and air

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM ALBUQUERQUE MEETING

Assure briefs are reported to Technology Council and the BOD

Have briefs posted to EHC page of ASHRAE website

to review/revise draft of Ozone and Indoor Air Chemistry brief based on

Review WS 1491 and provide comments

submit seminar proposal related to URP-1443 for Las Vegas

submit program proposal related to Health in Green Buildings Las Vegas.

Develop revised TPS and potential member list for PD on environmental

forward Jackson information on IEQ policies or programs established by

ACTION ITEMS (AI) FROM PAST MEETINGS

Complete 1 page summary of unsafe air effort

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE (EHC)

CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS

MINUTES FROM PAST MEETINGS

ACTION ITEM (AI) TRACKING & PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF ACTION ITEMS

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

5.1 MOTIONS FROM LAST MEETING

NEW/CARRYOVER ACTION ITEMS FOR EHC

NEW INFORMATION ITEMS

2010-2011 MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES (MBOS)

STATUS OF ROB AND MOP

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AWARD

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

It was moved (WT) and seconded (CS) that,

BOD EX-OFFICIO/COORDINATING OFFICER

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

9.1 EDUCATION / RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

2011 Winter Meeting Las Vegas, NV

10.1 INDOOR AIR CLEANING DEVICES PD