Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

3. International Agency on Research of Cancer (IARC), which classifies chemicalsthat are carcinogenic to humans; 144. National Toxicology Program, which lists chemicals known to be carcinogenic,15 and5. Chemical Cross Index, Chemical List of Lists, which shows listed hazardouschemicals regulated by various state and federal agencies and is publishedby the California Environmental Protection Agency. 16❑ Evaluate the emissions test data.Prepare a simple graph of TVOC and individual VOC data as shown in Figure 4. Foreach IAQ priority material, multiply the emission factor by the area of the productfound in the building to determine the total emission rate and plot micrograms ofemissions per hour (µg/hr). In general, review these graphs to understand the emissionsfrom a material, product, or furniture item over time. If an increase in the emissionrate is indicated, additional investigation may be warranted.SAMPLE GRAPH OF EMISSION RATE OVER TIME FOR A MAT E R I A LVO CFigure 4It is necessary to interpret these emission rates in terms of expected room concentrationsof the contaminant of interest. This is not necessarily a simple conversion andneeds to be done accurately and carefully. Factors such as room air exchanges (ventilationrates), concentration of contaminants in the exchange air, and the time dependenceof the emission rates are essential in this determination. To the degree possible,these projected concentrations should then be compared with target concentrationsfor acceptable IAQ.– Determine the emission factor and rate of the product VOCs to use as a potentialindication of health concerns that may be associated with the use of the product.– Where hazardous VOCs and chemicals are identified by the manufacturer, check theregulatory and guidance lists for the level of hazard (e.g.: “probably not carcinogenic,”“possibly carcinogenic,” “probably carcinogenic,” and “known carcinogen”).– Prepare a chart to tabulate the hazard information for each material, product, or furnitureitem as indicated in Figure 5. It should be noted that the mere presence ofsuch chemicals is not adequate evidence that they might or might not cause a hazardousexposure condition in a building. In any given situation, it is not always certainwhether building occupants are actually exposed to emitted VOCs and, if thereis exposure, whether this presents a risk to human health.