Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

These organisms can affect occupants adversely if fungal spores containing mycotoxinsand allergens or the MVOCs are inhaled. A great deal of research remains to bedone to identify individual metabolic gases, their odors, the microbes that producethem, and the human response to molds and fungi.■ Building envelope.The envelope controls the infiltration of outside air and moisture, and may includeoperable or inoperable windows.■ Ventilation systems.Acoustical materials in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems maycontribute to indoor air pollution in the same way as construction materials, mentionedabove. Ventilation systems also control the distribution, quantity, temperature,and humidity of air.■ Maintenance.Lack of maintenance allows dirt, dust, mold, odors, and particles to increase. The useof high-VOC cleaning agents pollutes air.■ Occupants.The number of occupants and the amount of equipment contribute to indoor air pollution.People and pets are major sources of microorganisms and airborne allergens inindoor environments. 4 Occupant activities also can pollute the air.MAJOR FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INDOOR AIR QUALITYFigure 1