READ: Restoring Energy Efficiency Through HVAC Air Distribution System Cleaning

READ: Restoring Energy Efficiency Through HVAC Air Distribution System Cleaning

(2 RC) - This paper covers the specific topics of: A. How cleaning reduces HVAC energy consumption. B. How energy consumption can be calculated with pre‐cleaning and post‐cleaning measurements. C. Mechanical and other issues within HVAC systems that contractors encounter while inspecting and/or cleaning that can be reported and corrected to maximize HVAC energy efficiency… (NADCA, Nov 2016)

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READ: Interior Insulation Applications in HVAC Systems

READ: Interior Insulation Applications in HVAC Systems

(1 RC) - One of the critical aspects of HVAC systems is the insulation used inside metal ductwork, air handlers, mixing boxes, and other components of HVAC systems. Insulation materials need to be understood and handled properly to ensure optimum system performance and compliance with regulations. This paper covers the specific topic of internally insulated sheet metal ductwork and HVAC system components. Related topics, such as flex duct and duct-board, may be discussed in future papers… (NADCA, Nov 2016)

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READ: EPA updates its Indoor airPlus program

READ: EPA updates its Indoor airPlus program

(4 RC) - EPA regularly receives partner questions and comments regarding various aspects of the Indoor airPLUS program requirements. This Policy Record format will be used to provide regular updates on the resolution of future issues, including changes to program requirements and clarifications or refinements to the specifications. The primary purpose of this document is to allow stakeholders equal access to the latest policy issues and resolutions. This document also serves as an official program update… (EPA, Dec 2021)

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READ: EPA issues IAQ construction specifications

READ: EPA issues IAQ construction specifications

(1 RC) - These specifications were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of Indoor Air Quality features. They were developed with significant input from stakeholders, based on best available science and information about risks associated with IAQ problems, and balanced with practical issues of cost, builder production process compatibility, and verifiability… (EPA, Feb 2008)

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READ: NIOSH specifies best practices for dust control in coal mining (part 3)

READ: NIOSH specifies best practices for dust control in coal mining (part 3)

(4 RC) - Respirable dust can be inhaled into the gas exchange region of the lungs and has long been known to be a serious health threat to workers in many industries. In coal mining, overexposure to respirable coal mine dust can lead to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as black lung. CWP is a lung disease that can be disabling and fatal in its most severe form, progressive massive fibrosis. In addition, miners can be exposed to high levels of respirable silica dust… (NIOSH, Aug 2021)

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READ: NIOSH specifies best practices for dust control in coal mining (Part 2)

READ: NIOSH specifies best practices for dust control in coal mining (Part 2)

(4 RC) - Respirable dust can be inhaled into the gas exchange region of the lungs and has long been known to be a serious health threat to workers in many industries. In coal mining, overexposure to respirable coal mine dust can lead to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as black lung. CWP is a lung disease that can be disabling and fatal in its most severe form, progressive massive fibrosis. In addition, miners can be exposed to high levels of respirable silica dust… (NIOSH, Aug 2021)

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READ: NIOSH specifies best practices for dust control in coal mining (Part 1)

READ: NIOSH specifies best practices for dust control in coal mining (Part 1)

(4 RC) - Respirable dust can be inhaled into the gas exchange region of the lungs and has long been known to be a serious health threat to workers in many industries. In coal mining, overexposure to respirable coal mine dust can lead to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as black lung. CWP is a lung disease that can be disabling and fatal in its most severe form, progressive massive fibrosis. In addition, miners can be exposed to high levels of respirable silica dust… (NIOSH, Aug 2021)

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READ: Investigation of IEQ Practices During Renovation Projects

READ: Investigation of IEQ Practices During Renovation Projects

(.50 RC) - The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted several Health Hazard Evaluations [NIOSH 2019] in workplaces with reported health concerns associated with construction and renovation in occupied buildings. During these evaluations, NIOSH investigators identified issues that could affect indoor environmental quality such as a lack of dust control, the use of high emission building materials…(NIOSH, Jan 2020)

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READ: EPA Evaluates Residential Indoor Air

READ: EPA Evaluates Residential Indoor Air

(4 RC) - Possible exposure pathways associated with this site include inhalation of contaminated indoor air as well as dermal exposure to and incidental ingestion of contaminated soil, sediment, and surface water. The indoor air pathway was selected for evaluation first because of the potential for nearby residents to be exposed to volatile chemicals in their homes throughout the year… (ATSDR, Sept 2014)

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READ: EPA Investigates Vapor Intrusion at Elementary School

READ: EPA Investigates Vapor Intrusion at Elementary School

(.50 RC) - The U.S. EPA collected six sub-slab samples and six indoor air samples at Holden Elementary School in July 2011. The primary contaminants of concern at the site are components of the petroleum-based product gasoline and include benzene, hexane, and trimethylbenzenes. In addition, chlorofluorocarbon products were identified… (ASTDR, Apr 2012)

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READ: CDC Investigates Efficacy of Portable Air Cleaners for Reducing COVID Exposure

READ: CDC Investigates Efficacy of Portable Air Cleaners for Reducing COVID Exposure

(.50 RC) - To investigate the effectiveness of portable HEPA air cleaners and universal masking at reducing exposure to exhaled aerosol particles, the investigation team used respiratory simulators to mimic a person with COVID-19 and other, uninfected persons in a conference room. The addition of two HEPA air cleaners that met the Environmental Protection Agency recommended clean air delivery rate… (CDC MMWR, Jul 9 2021)

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READ: CDC Examines COVID-19 Outbreaks in Idaho Correctional Facilities

READ: CDC Examines COVID-19 Outbreaks in Idaho Correctional Facilities

(.50 RC) - As of April 16, 2021, U.S. correctional and detention facilities reported 399,631 cases of COVID-19 in incarcerated persons, resulting in 2,574 deaths (1). During July 14–November 30, 2020, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 382 persons incarcerated in Idaho correctional facilities with work-release programs. Work-release programs (which place incarcerated persons in community businesses) have social and economic benefits, but might put participants at increased risk for bidirectional transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19… (CDC MMWR, Apr 23 2021)

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READ: Research suggests aircraft seating related to SARS-CoV-2 exposure

READ: Research suggests aircraft seating related to SARS-CoV-2 exposure

(.50 RC) - Aircraft can hold large numbers of persons in close proximity for long periods, which can increase the risk for transmission of infectious disease. Current CDC guidelines recommend against travel for persons who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, and a January 2021 CDC order requires masking for all persons while on airplanes. Research suggests that seating proximity on aircraft is associated with increased risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2… (CDC MMWR, Apr 23 2021)

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READ: Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires

READ: Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires

(3 RC) - What can communities do to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke indoors? What interventions are effective for reducing wildland fire smoke exposures and risks? What science is available to support recommendations for communities to develop cleaner air spaces in larger buildings (e.g., schools, community centers)…(EPA, April 2021)

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READ: EPA - Tools for Schools - Asthma

READ: EPA - Tools for Schools - Asthma

(1 RC) - Asthma has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, affecting millions of people of all ages and races. An average of one out of every 10 school-age children now has asthma, and the percentage of children with asthma is rising more rapidly in preschool-age children than in any other age group. Asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic condition, accounting for nearly 13 million missed school days per year… (EPA, Aug 2010)

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READ: EPA - Indoor Environmental Quality and Climate Change

READ: EPA - Indoor Environmental Quality and Climate Change

(3 RC) - Observations show that warming of the climate is unequivocal. The global warming observed over the past 50 years is due primarily to human-induced emissions of heat-trapping gases. These emissions come mainly from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), with important contributions from the clearing of forests, agricultural practices, and other activities… (EPA)

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READ: EPA - Building Codes and IAQ

READ: EPA - Building Codes and IAQ

(3 RC) - Conservation-minded building codes have the potential to reduce naturally occurring air exchange for buildings by tightening the envelope and reducing pressurization of unconditioned spaces (e.g. duct sealing). Indoor moisture, altered airflows, lowered air exchange all have the potential for increasing occupant risk of exposures to indoor generated contaminants..… (EPA, Sep 2009)

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READ: IEQ impacts of World Trade Center attacks

READ: IEQ impacts of World Trade Center attacks

(1 RC) - The draft proposed sampling plan provides an overview of how buildings (residential, office, and public) south of Houston Street, in Manhattan, would be sampled to determine if any remaining WTC-related contamination is present. As proposed, only dust samples would be taken from buildings made available by the owners or managers. Samples would be taken from locations where exposures are likely to occur, such as in elevated horizontal surfaces.… (ATSDR, Mar 2005)

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