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• Pollutant source
removal or modification
Periodic cleaning or replacement of
filters; replacement of water-stained ceiling tile and carpeting;
institution of smoking restrictions; venting contaminant source
emissions to the outdoors; storage and use of paints, adhesives,
solvents, and pesticides in well ventilated areas, and use of these
pollutant sources during periods of non-occupancy; and allowing time
for building materials in new or remodeled areas to off-gas
pollutants before occupancy
• Increasing
ventilation rates and air distribution
This often can be a cost effective
means of reducing indoor pollutant levels. HVAC systems should be
designed, at a minimum, to meet ventilation standards in local
building codes.
• Air cleaning
Can be a useful adjunct to source
control and ventilation but has certain limitations. Particle
control devices such as the typical furnace filter are inexpensive
but do not effectively capture small particles; high performance air
filters capture the smaller, respirable particles but are relatively
expensive to install and operate. Mechanical filters do not remove
gaseous pollutants. Some specific gaseous pollutants may be removed
by adsorbent beds, but these devices can be expensive and require
frequent replacement of the adsorbent material. In sum, air cleaners
can be useful, but have limited application
• Education and
communication
These are the most important
elements in both remedial and preventive indoor air quality
management programs. When building occupants, management, and
maintenance personnel fully communicate and understand the causes
and consequences of IAQ problems, they can work more effectively
together to prevent problems from occurring, or to solve them if
they do.
Photocatalytic oxidation can be used
to reduce exposure to low concentration of indoor air pollutants and
improve the quality of indoor air. Low molecular weight organic
compounds were nearly 100% decomposed under minimal
conditions.
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