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Should we install furniture and furnishings before IAQ testing or flushout?

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NC-2009 IEQc3.2:Construction IAQ Management Plan—Before Occupancy

Option 2 fails TVOC - will Retest Pass?

I was the responsible party who ran the baseline IAQ testing event a a newly constructed 6,000 SF teaching facility. The TVOC results came back yesterday and were 4,900 ug/m3. This is ten times the allowable maximum for the LEED credit. The next step is a flush out and re-test, right? I was asked what the likelihood of passing with below 500 ug/m3 TVOC is after completing the flush out. Do you have experience that would lend way to an answer?

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Tristan Roberts
Representative
Vermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
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Sat, 03/08/2014 - 03:08

Sandi, I personally couldn't say. It sounds pretty high—like you have some source within the building that could continue to offgas and cause problems. If I were you I would do some detective work and try to see if there is a source within the building for starters.

Sat, 03/08/2014 - 04:43

Sandi, What method did you use for the TVOC analysis? Did you ask your lab if they can tell you the specific VOCs that make up your TVOC result? If you can find out about the constituents of the TVOCs it can give a clue as to the source or cause of the high levels. For example, pentane can be from exterior styrofoam insulation, petroleum hydrocarbons can be from roof mastics or vehicle exhaust or fuels being entrained into the building, chlorinated hydrocarbons could be from leaking air conditioning coolant or freon used as a propellant for touch up painting, limonene could be associated with citrus based cleaning products, etc. If you can get the main individual VOCs that were detected I'd be happy to look at them and give you an idea as to what may causing the high TVOC reading. This could help you more efficiently remove the source and pass on the re-test.

Mon, 03/10/2014 - 12:32

Thank you Tristan and Dale. The construction had completed the week before the testing including the placement of a tile floor and a composite (paint chip/resin) lab floor. Potentially these products are still off-gassing. I am not in my office today so I do not have the report in front of me, but I do remember the top three VOCs. In order from highest to lowest - ethanol, acetone and pentane. I appreciate the feedback.
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Zach Hoffman
Commissioning Agent/IAQ Technician
MBO, Inc.
LEEDuser Basic Member
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Mon, 03/10/2014 - 14:05

Hello Sandi, It sounds like your culprit may be hand sanitizer. I've had a similar experience in the past with a project that yeilded results with extremely high VOC concentrations. Further investigations pinned down the main offenders to ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone. Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are the main ingredients in hand sanatizer and sure enough, there was a "Costco-sized" jug of the stuff in the testing area. I hope that helps, good luck.

Tue, 03/11/2014 - 19:52

Thanks Zach. We are currently investigating the products that were used to clean the facility the day before. Against advisement- perhaps some sanitizing and disinfectants were used to clean the floors. This could be right in line with your suggestion of hand sanitizer.

Wed, 03/12/2014 - 16:11

In addition to hand sanitizer ethanol can be found in a variety of other products such as cleaners (Window cleaners), personal care products, perfume, etc. It is ubiquitous in the indoor air. Another indicator of cleaning product use is limonene which is the citrus in citrus-based cleaners. Was there any limonene detected? Acetone is a very common solvent and can be found in paints, degreasers, adhesives, and even nail polish remover. Pentane is a “Green” blowing agent (replacing Freons) for Styrofoam and other insulation. Its boiling point is near 100 F, and it may off-gas when exposed to the radiant heat of the sun on the exterior of the building. Styrofoam packing peanuts can be another source. If the exterior insulation is Styrofoam, then a potential solution would be to make sure the building is positively pressurized.

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