The buildings and structures at Michigan State University vary in age both for initial construction and renovations. Ventilation systems also differ vastly among the building and structures. While these systems are maintained to a high level by Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, there may occasionally be issues with the indoor air environment. Below is a guide for building occupants to use to assess and address any possible indoor air quality issues.
Chemicals and related odors can be sources of IAQ concerns in buildings. Some chemical odors can be health hazards while others are not. Most chemical contaminants originate from within the building, but chemicals can be drawn into a building from the outdoors as well.
Actions to take:
An odor is something that you can smell. Odors or smells can come from natural things, such as plants, flowers, or animals. They also come from man-made chemicals or substances. You cannot always tell if something is harmful based on odor alone.
Actions to take:
Each drain is equipped with a trap that keeps sewer gases or other volatiles from being able to come back inside the room or building. The trap is filled with water that prevents gases from coming back up the drain. However, if a sink isn’t used for a while, water can evaporate from these traps and cause a dry drain. Once the drain is dry, sewer gas or vapors from improperly disposed chemicals can come up through the drain and cause an odor in a room. This odor is often described as rotten eggs, sulphury, sewer gas or swampy.
Actions to take:
High humidity can make warm temperatures feel even warmer, leading to discomfort. Low humidity can occur in winter when cold air is warmed up to room temperature. Low humidity can cause itchy eyes and skin and general discomfort.
Actions to take:
Although some mold spores are always present indoors, mold will only grow if adequate moisture and appropriate moisture and appropriate food is available.
Actions to take:
The renovation of occupied buildings may impact indoor air quality.
Actions to take:
Proper housekeeping is important to reduce the amount of dust and improve the overall indoor air quality.
Actions to take:
Indoor air is filtered and recirculated, and mixed with varying amounts of fresh air depending on the outside air temperature. Depending on numbers of people in the work area the air may feel stagnant or stuffy. This may be due to the fresh air percentage being added to the building air.
Actions to take:
If you have ruled out the common issues listed above, call 517-355-0153 to request an IAQ investigation.