Frequently Asked Questions

What is Testing, Adjusting and Balancing?

Testing, Adjusting and Balancing, according to NEBB's published text "Environmental Systems Technologies", is the process of checking and adjusting all the building HVAC or environmental systems to produce the design objectives. It includes: 1) the balance of air and water distribution; 2) adjustment of total system to provide design quantities; 3) electrical measurement; 4) verification of performance of all equipment and automatic controls; and 5) the measurement of sound and vibration.

These are accomplished by: 1) checking installation for conformity to design; 2) measurement and establishment of the fluid quantities (air and water) of the system as required to meet design specifications; and 3) recording and reporting the results. 

            What causes indoor air problems?  

 Indoor pollution sources that release  gases or particles into the air are the primary cause  
 of indoor air quality problems in homes and businesses across the country.  Inadequate 
 ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to
 dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air out of the
 occupied space.  High temperature and humidity levels can increase
 concentrations of some pollutants.

What are some of the pollutant sources?

There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home and place of occupation. These   include combustion sources such as kerosene, gas oil, coal, wood and tobacco products; building materials and furnishing as diverse as deteriorated asbestos containing wet or damp carpet and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices and outdoor sources such as radon pesticides and outdoor air pollution. 

The relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are.  In some cases, factors such as how old the source is and whether it is properly maintained are significant.  For example, an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide is not good (CO) than one that is properly adjusted.

How does outdoor air enter a structure?      

Outdoor air enters and leaves a structure by infiltration, natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation.  In the process of infiltration, outdoor air flows into the structure through openings, joints, and cracks in walls, floors and ceilings and around windows and doors.  In natural ventilation, air moves through opened windows and doors.  Air movement associated with infiltration and natural ventilation is caused by air temperature differences between indoors and outdoors and by wind.  Finally, there are a number of mechanical ventilation devices from outdoor-vented fans that intermittently remove air from a single space, such as bathrooms and kitchens to air handling systems that use fans and duct work to continuously remove indoor air and distribute filtered outdoor air to strategic points throughout the structure.  The rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air is described as the air exchange rate.  When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation, the air exchange rate is low and pollutants can increase to dangerous levels.

Frequently asked questions about allergies from the AAAAI

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is the largest professional medical specialty organization representing allergists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and other physicians with a special interest in allergy. The AAAAI champions programs like the National Allergy Bureau™ to share valuable information about allergies and asthma. Education is key to improved treatment for those suffering from allergies and asthma.

Allergic disease affects one out of six Americans, and costs millions of dollars in medications, physician services and missed days from school and work. Following are some common questions and answers on allergy. If you have any other questions not addressed here or if you need additional information about a related topic, please visit the Academy’s Web Site, for information, and consult an allergist.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen. When an allergen, such as pollen, is absorbed into the body of an allergic person, that person’s immune system views the allergen as an invader and a chain reaction is initiated. White blood cells of the immune system produce IgE antibodies. These antibodies attach themselves to special cells called mast cells, causing a release of potent chemicals such as histamine. These chemicals cause symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, itching and sneezing.

What are some common allergens?

People can be allergic to one or several allergens. The most common include pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander (dead skin flakes from animals with fur); foods; medications; cockroach droppings and insect stings.

Allergic individuals can exhibit a variety of reactions depending on the allergen and the way it was absorbed into the body.

1. Seasonal allergic rhinitis sometimes called "hay fever" is caused by an allergy to the pollen of trees, grasses, weeds or mold spores. Depending on what you are allergic to, the section of the country and the pollination periods, seasonal allergic rhinitis may occur in the spring, summer or fall and may last until the first frost. The sufferer has spells of sneezing, itching and watery eyes, runny nose, burning palate and throat. Seasonal allergies also can trigger asthma.
   
   

2. Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to apply to anyone who has symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose due to allergies. This may be a seasonal problem as with hay fever, or it may be a year-round problem caused by indoor allergens such as dust mite droppings, animal dander, cockroach droppings or indoor molds/mildew. Frequently, this problem is complicated by sinusitis. Patients with constant nasal symptoms should consult their allergist.
   
   

3. Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a non-contagious, itchy rash that often occurs on the hands, arms, legs, and neck, although it can cover the entire body. This condition is frequently associated with allergies, and substances to which a person is sensitive may aggravate it.
   
   

4. Contact dermatitis is a reaction affecting areas of the skin which become red, itchy and inflamed after contact with allergens or irritants such as plants, cosmetics, medications, metals and chemicals.
   
   

5. Urticaria or hives are red, itchy, swollen areas of the skin that can vary in size and appear anywhere on the body. Approximately 25% of the U.S. population will experience an episode of hives at least once in their lives. Most common are acute cases of hives, where the cause is readily identifiable as a reaction to a viral infection, medication, food or latex. Some people have chronic hives that occur almost daily for months to years, with no identifiable trigger. Angioedema is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. It is not red or itchy, and most often occurs in soft tissue, such as the eyelids or mouth. Hives and angioedema may appear together or separately on the body.
   

Frequently asked questions about mold

Understanding and eradicating molds: Several stories about Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxic mold, have appeared in the media over the past few months. The AAAAI developed this fact sheet to help you learn more about mold and how to get rid of it in your home.

1. What is mold?
   There are hundreds of thousands of types of molds. All are fungi, which means they are many-celled organisms that reproduce by sending tiny seeds called spores into the air. Molds need four things to grow: food, air, the right temperature and water. Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. They like dark, damp, warm environments, and can grow on anything from basement walls to garbage pails to house plants.
   
   

2. Why is mold dangerous?
   Mold and its spores are allergens, meaning that in some people their bodies produce an extreme response in an attempt to rid the body of mold. Molds also produce toxins in their battle against bacteria. Penicillin, for example, is a concentrated form of the bacteria-killing toxin produced by the penicillium mold. These toxins also can act as poisons in humans. Certain molds can even cause infection, in the same way bacteria does.
   
   

3. What is stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra)?
   Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that occurs where there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Leaking roofs, leaky plumbing, sewer backups and frequently overflowing washing machines can create environments for this mold. Constant moisture is required for its growth. Stachybotrys grows only on wood, paper and cotton products and can be found in 2% to 5% of American homes. Under specific environmental conditions, stachybotrys chartarum may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. These chemicals are present on spores and small fungus fragments released into the air.
   
   

4. What are the health effects of stachybotrys chartarum?
   If stachybotrys chartarum spores are released into the air, there is a potential for humans to develop symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash or diarrhea. Some people are more susceptible than others, one person may become debilitated by exposure to mold in the home, another person sharing the same environment is essentially unaffected. However, in a small number of infants, stachybotrys chartarum has been associated with pulmonary hemosiderosis which can cause bleeding in the lungs.
   
   

5. What should people do if they have stachybotrys chartarum in their building or home?
   Mold growing in homes and buildings, whether it is Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds, indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem that needs to be addressed. Mold can be cleaned off surfaces with a weak bleach solution. Mold under carpets typically requires that the carpets be removed. Once mold starts to grow in insulation of wallboard the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. In areas where flooding has occurred, prompt cleaning of walls and other flood-damaged items with water mixed with chlorine bleach, diluted 10 parts water to 1 part bleach is necessary to prevent mold growth. Moldy items should be thrown away. For more information on mold, visit the Environmental Protection Agency Web site, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/moldresources.html.