NADCA Position Paper on the Use of Chemical Products in HVAC ...

<strong>NADCA</strong> <strong>Position</strong> <strong>Paper</strong>on the Use of ChemicalProducts in HVACSystems

Chemical Products <strong>Position</strong> <strong>Paper</strong>Task ForceServing under the <strong>NADCA</strong> Education & SafetyCommittee directed by Mike White

Education & Safety Committee• Mike White, Chair• Bill Benito• Brian Critch• Doug Groen• Tommy Gwaltney• Matt Mongiello• Tim O’ConnorO• Eric Scolari• Alan Sutton• Brad Weaner• Steve Willis

Task Force Members• Dan Greenblatt• Bob Baker• John Bently• Tim Hoysradt• Dan Stradford• Tracy Lantz, EPA• Mike White• Joe MacDonald• Larry Robertson• Dave Governo, , Attorney• Richard Lantz• Cole Stanton

PurposeTo provide the membership, the public,and regulatory agencies with an overviewof chemical products used in and aroundHVAC systems and to provide guidance inthe use of these materials.

Concerns of <strong>NADCA</strong> Members• Which products are authorized for use.• Dealing with safety considerations of clients andworkers.• Protocols with Material Safety Data Sheets• Avoiding potential legal confrontations• Understanding the EPA’s s role in authorizing theuse of chemical products

Chem <strong>Paper</strong>• Introduction• Disclaimer• HVAC Contamination• Source Removal• Safety Considerations & MSDS• Risk Management

Chem <strong>Paper</strong> (cont.)• Categories of Chemical Products• Antimicrobial Pesticides (includingdisinfectants and sanitizers)• Sealants• Resurfacing Materials• Coil Cleaning Compounds• Soaps and Detergents• Degreasers• Deodorizers

Info on Each Chemical Product• Product definition• Typical Use• Application Method• Pros and Cons of Use• EPA Requirements• Best Practices

Chem <strong>Paper</strong> (cont.)• Closing Sections• Frequently Asked Questions• References

IntroductionOne topic that has generated both substantialinterest and concern is the use of chemicals,cleaners, sealants and coatings inside airhandling systems. Currently a broad diversity ofinformation exists regarding the use and efficacyof these chemical products. In working with allparties associated with indoor air quality,<strong>NADCA</strong> recognizes the need to providedirection in this complicated and evolving area.

Disclaimer<strong>NADCA</strong> recognizes that differences in opinionwill exist as to how to manage the use ofchemical products. <strong>NADCA</strong> also recognizesthat industry professionals will decide whetheror not a chemical application is appropriate for agiven HVAC system, based on the uniquecircumstances surrounding that system.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not toapply a chemical product in an HVAC system,and the selection of that product, rests with theowner of the system.

Disclaimer (cont.)This document was written in the United Statesof America and is intended primarily for use inthis country. This material may also proveuseful for industry professionals and othersoperating outside of the USA. All users of thisdocument are encouraged to refer to applicablefederal, state/provincial, and/or local authoritieshaving jurisdiction over the subjects addressedwithin this document.

HVAC ContaminationNumerous types of contamination may be foundwithin HVAC systems. Depending on theenvironment and conditions, these contaminantsmay contribute to mold/mildew (i.e., fungalgrowth) and other microbiological growth.Other contaminants may include debris fromoutside air sources, fire damage residue, dust,vermin, etc.

Source RemovalIt is not necessary to apply chemicalproducts to achieve source removal within anHVAC system. However, applying appropriatecleaning compounds may enhance the cleaningprocess (e.g., coils, hard surfaces, blowers).

Safety Considerations & MSDSIn the United States, the Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA) requires that the MSDSbe available at any job site where chemical products arein use. When concentrated products are used at thework site, manufacturers may make available a dilutedsolution MSDS (referred to as a “use solution”), as wellas secondary-use labels for the application container forsuch diluted solutions. All application containers musthave use labels affixed to them.

MSDS (cont.)Other nations may have different regulationsregarding the use of the MSDS and chemicalproducts so this should be taken intoconsideration when delivering service outsidethe United States.

MSDS (cont.)Some people are sensitive to certainchemical products. If there is a reason to believethat the use of a product would create a hazard,information about the potential hazard must becommunicated to the building occupants and/ormanagers. In some circumstances, it may benecessary to perform work when occupants areout of the building and to adequately ventilatethe building. With certain EPA-registeredproducts, building evacuation is mandatory.

Risk ManagementPossible hazards associated with chemical productsinclude, but are not limited to:• Allergic reactions• Chemical burns• Respiratory irritation or damage• Eye injuries• Poisoning• Toxic fumes• Exposure to carcinogens

Risk Management (cont.)It is recommended that the client sign adocument authorizing the use of specificchemical products and acknowledging that he orshe has been informed of risks associated withtheir use.

Antimicrobial Pesticides(including disinfectants andsanitizers)• Most heavily-reviewed part of document.• Must be registered by the EPA as well as withthe state in which it will be sold or used.• Define disinfectant, sanitizer, fungicide, etc.• Define fungistat, bacteriostat, algaestat• These definitions are critical in determining howa product may be used.

Antimicrobial Pesticides (cont.)• Disinfectant: : An agent that eliminates a specificspecies of infectious or other undesiredmicroorganism, but not necessarily bacterialspores, in the inanimate environment only.• Sanitizer: : The term “sanitizer” is often misusedand misunderstood. A sanitizer is a substanceor mixture of substances that kills a highpercentage (99.9%) of, but not necessarily all,bacteria on a surface.

Antimicrobial Pesticides (cont.)• Fungistat: : An agent that inhibits the growthof fungi of economic or aestheticsignificance that are not considered to behuman health related (on environmentalsurfaces) – similar definitions forbacteriostat and algaestat.• “-Stat” comes from the Greek meaning tostand or keep the same.

Antimicrobial Pesticides (cont.)IMPORTANT! Due to the complexity of EPAregulations, the same product can be registeredas a disinfectant or sanitizer for one use and as abacteriostat, fungistat, , and algaestat for anotheruse. Because of this, the same product may beused as a sanitizer within an air handler but onlyas a bacteriostat and fungistat for ductwork.Thus one can cannot claim to use a “sanitizer”for ductwork because the product is notregistered for that use.

Antimicrobial Pesticides (cont.)Example: Oxine is registered with the EPA as asanitizer. However, for its use in HVACductwork it is only registered as a bacteriostatand fungistat.

Antimicrobial Pesticides (cont.)The products which have been accepted by the EPA for usein the ductwork of HVAC systems include the followingclaims:• Fungistatic• Bacteriostatic• Inhibits odor-causing bacteria and fungi• Inhibits stain and damage-causing bacteria, fungi, and algae• Deodorizes• Inhibits fungi and algae• Cleaning (a non pesticidal activity; removal ofcontaminants)

Sealants• Sealants are materials – liquids of varyingviscosity or tapes - used to seal surfaces, joints,connections, gaps and openings.• Most sealants do not make claims ofantimicrobial activity, so do not have to beregistered with the EPA.

Resurfacing Materials• Resurfacing materials (also known as repaircoatings) are coatings that are applied to surfacesthat show signs of damage or degradation.• Some coatings may contain antimicrobialingredients to preserve the integrity of theproduct, but if the product does not makeantimicrobial claims, EPA registration is notrequired.

Coil CleanersCoil Cleaners are a subset of a broadcategory that includes all hard-surfacecleaning agents. These cleaningcompounds differ from general-purposeconsumer products in that the soil thataccumulates on surfaces of refrigerationand air-conditioning coils tends to be moreresistant to removal than soil on walls,floors, counter tops and bathroom fixtures.

Coil Cleaners (cont.)In addition, coil structure (especiallyaluminum fins) can be more easilydamaged than most environmentalsurfaces. For example, dried layers oforganic debris on an evaporator coil can bealmost as difficult to remove as baked-onoven soil, however, while a thin aluminumfin is easily damaged, the porcelain orstainless steel surface of an oven is highlyresistant to damage.

Coil Cleaners (cont.)• Types: Alkaline, Acid, Detergent• Uses for each: Traditionally, acid cleaners are used oncondenser coils because the types of soils that areassociated with their outside location are more easilyremoved by the acid formulation. In a like manner,alkaline cleaners sometimes work better with the greasysoil that is often found on indoor evaporator, chilledwater, or heat pump coils.• Detailed application information.

Soaps and DetergentsSoaps and detergents are technically known assurfactants, a word that comes from "surface"and "active." Soaps and detergents aresubstances that, when added to water, cause thewater to dissolve compounds more easily. Theydo so by changing the properties of the water'ssurface.

DegreasersA chemical product that dissolves fat-based andother water-insoluble substances. Degreasersvary in ingredients from simple surfactants (seeabove) to powerful caustics that can react withother chemicals.

DeodorizersDeodorizers remove or mask unwanted odors insidean HVAC system or building. Four types ofdeodorizers are common:1. Receptor blockers block scent receptors in the nose fromdetecting certain odors.2. Oxidizers chemically combine with (oxidize) sources ofodors on surfaces.3. Air sanitizers inactivate odor-causing microorganisms.4. Masking chemicals overwhelm an odor with anotherscent.

Deodorizers (cont.)Any deodorizers that act as pesticides, such assanitizers that inactivate odor-causingmicroorganisms, must be registered with theEPA.

Frequently Asked Questions• Should the client review the MSDS and ProductLabel before authorizing application?• Should occupants leave the building duringchemical application?• How long should the client stay out of the house orbuilding after chemical application?• What if the client has asthma, allergies, orchemical sensitivities?• What are the advantages to using these products?

Frequently Asked Questions• What are the risks to using these products?• Are there any chemical products used in HVACsystems that can create unintended effects?• Do I need to sanitize my ductwork?• What is the position of the National Air DuctCleaners Association (<strong>NADCA</strong>) regarding the useof chemicals in ductwork?• What does <strong>NADCA</strong> recommend for cleaningheating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)systems?

ConclusionIt is vitally important that <strong>NADCA</strong>members understand the protocols of theuse of chemical products in HVACsystems to avoid customer upsets and legaland regulatory problems and to ensure theyare applying chemical products safely andeffectively.