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                                          Communicate
                                       • Notify building occupants
                                    (and parents of minors) if the problem
                                  cannot be resolved quickly and the invention
                                          will be ongoing
                                Tovide a final report of the outcome to building occupants
                                       (and parents of minors).
                                     • See EPA publications for more
                                       communication guidance.
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            PROBLEM SOLVING
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  Immediately seek medical or public health assistance
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  • Evacuate affected areas, if warranted.

   •When appropriate, such as for carbon monoxide
    poisoning or chemical spills, ventilate the
     affected areas with large amounts of outside
     air (use temporary fans if needed).
     • Inform building occupants and parents
      of minors of the problem, and maintain
  f    clear communications.

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                                       1 Turn to the symptoms of the pro/,/
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                                     I notes

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                                       Notes
                         May be an allergic reaction, if only a small number
                          are affected (check "Biological Sources" first); more
                          likely to be irritation response if a large number are
                           affected (check "Housekeeping Sources,"
                           "Outdoor Sources," or "Building Sources" first).
                            Symptoms may disappear when occupant is
                            away from the building. Check for strong
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                                      Notes
                        Check for microbial contamination in the Air Handling
                         Unit and ductwork. A medical evaluation can help
                         identify possible causes, such as carbon monoxide
                          poisoning, hypersensrtivity pneumonrtis, or
                          humidifier fever. Also see symptoms to left.

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                                    Notes

                         May be Legionnaire's disease or histoplasmosis
                         related to bacteria or mold found in the building
                         or near outdoor air intakes. Contact your local
                          or state health department for guidance.
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                                 Indoor  Air  Quality
              Problem   Solving  Whee
        Spatial Patterns of Complaints
 Widespread, no  • Check ventilation and temperature for
 apparent spatial   entire building.
 pattern       • Check outdoor air quality and outdoor
             sources.
            • Identify sources that are spread throughout
             the building (e.g., cleaning materials,
             contaminated HVAC systems,
             overcrowding, furnishings).
            • Check for general distribution of a source
             throughout the ventilation system.
            • Consider explanations other than air
             contaminants.
 Localized      • Check ventilation and temperature within
 (e.g., affecting    the complaint area.
 individual rooms, • Identify pollutant sources that may affect
 zones, or air     the complaint area (e.g., copy room, storage
 handling systems)  closet, smoking lounge, mold/moisture).
            • Check for contamination of the local
             HVAC system.
I Individual(s)    • Check for drafts, radiant heat (gain or loss),
             and other localized temperature control or
             ventilation problems near the affected
             individual(s).
            • Check local sources (see above) and
             consider that common sources may affect
             only susceptible individuals.
            • Consider the possibility that individual
             complaints may have different causes. If
             symptoms continue when occupants leave
             the building, there may be non-building
             related causes.
          Important...
This Wheel provides an easy, step-by-step process
for identifying and resolving common indoor air quality
(IAQ) problems. It is important that this Wheel be used
in conjunction with more detailed guidance.
Call 800-438-4318 orvisitwww.epa.gov/iaq for a
free copy of the IAQ TfS Kit or I-BEAM.
  Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools IIAQ TfS) Kit
           EPA402/K-07/008
  IAQ Building Education and Assessment Model
             (I-BEAM)
           EPA402-C-Q1-001
   I-BEAM is comprehensive, state-of-the-art
      software that provides guidance
      for managing IAQ in large buildings.

The tables to the left and right can be helpful in
defining the complaint area and in determining patterns
in the timing of symptoms. The complaint area may
need to be revised as the investigation continues.
Keep in mind that symptoms may result from a
combination of minor problems. Using this Wheel will
not necessarily identify or resolve all problems caused
by indoor air pollution.
Timing Patterns of Comolaints
Symptoms begin and/or
are worst at the start
of the day or occupied
period
Symptoms worsen
over the course of the
occupied period
Intermittent symptoms
Single occurance of
symptoms
Recent onset of
symptoms
Symptoms relieved on
leaving the school, either
immediately, overnight or
(in some cases) after
extended periods away
from the building
• Review the operation procedures
for the HVAC system. Pollutants
from building materials or from
the HVAC system itself may build up
during unoccupied periods.
• Investigate whether ventilation is
adequate to handle routine
activities or equipment operation
within the building, and that
temperature and humidity are
properly controlled.
• Look for daily, weekly, or seasonal
cycles or weather-related patterns
in maintenance or cleaning
activities.
• Check linkage to other events in and
around the school.
• Make sure the HVAC system is
operating property, including during
extreme weather.
• Consider spills and other
isolated events as sources.
• Check for recent changes or events
(e.g., remodeling, renovation,
redecorating, HVAC system
adjustments, leaks, or spills).
• Consider that the problems may
be building- associated, though
not necessarily due to air quality.
Other stressors (e.g., lighting, noise)
may be involved.
                                          rder publications on indoor air quality topics, visit the National Servic
                Center for Environmental Publication Web site atwww.epa.gov/nscep orwww.epa.gov/iaq.
                                                 &EPA
                                  EPA 402/K-09/005 I June 2009 I www.epa.gov/iaq
                                         Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

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