- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is generated in the workplace
through building occupant’s exhaled breath or from other sources,
such as exhaust of combustion engines. Lack of fresh air resulting in
increased CO2 levels may cause symptoms of headache or fatigue. However,
CO2, at low levels, is not a contaminant in itself, but rather an “indicator”
of the adequacy of the fresh air supplied to a space. Measurements are
collected to assist in determining if adequate volumes of outside (fresh,
ambient) air is being delivered into the work space to acceptably dilute
the quantity of CO2 present. Accumulation of CO2 is prevented by either
removing CO2 as it is produced and/or introducing uncontaminated outside
air into the work environment in quantities adequate to lower the CO2
concentration below recommended levels.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is generated from incomplete
combustion of fossil or carbon containing fuels in combustion engines
being brought into or generated within the work environment. Carbon
monoxide is an odorless gas that can accumulate in the workspaces without
employees detecting the gas's presence. Sources of Carbon Monoxide include
unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces;
back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces;
gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile
exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke.
At low concentrations, carbon monoxide may cause fatigue in healthy
people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations
symptoms may cause impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness,
confusion and nausea. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like
symptoms that clear up after exposure to fresh air. Exposure can be
fatal at very high concentrations.
- Temperature and relative humidity limits are evaluated
by comparing them to the guideline standards established by ASHRAE.
Specifically, the values are compared to what is considered a comfort
zone correlation as described in ASHRAE Standard 55- 1981, "Thermal
Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy". The values are based
on conditions where 80% or more of the occupants find the environment
thermally comfortable. An abbreviated list of the ranges established
for the particular seasons are as follows:
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