Indoor Environmental Quality

Sick Building Syndrome describes those situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects linked to time spent in a building but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
In cases of Building related illness (BRI) symptoms are diagnosable and can be attributed to airborne contaminants

Dust Smoke CO2 Material off gasing

Radon Chemicals Particulates

SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractor Association) has a set of indoor air quality guidelines that are used to help manage air quality issues resulting from construction and renovation

A couple of strategies for checking the air :

• Flush out (outdoor air is vested throughout)
• Air quality testing

Secondhand Smoke (Environmental Tobacco Smoke) 

• elimination is a prerequisite for building certification
• causes lung cancer

The exhaust system must create negative pressure to keep air from escaping doors when the door opens.

Reference Standard

• SCAQMD (South Coast Air Management District): Sealants, Adhesives, Primers, Wood finishes, Floor coatings
• Carpet and Rug Institute
• Greenseal: Aerosol Adhesive, paints/coatings
• Greenlabel; Carpets
• FloorScore: Vinyl, linoleum, laminate, wood, ceramic, rubber flooring
• Green Guard: Furniture and Seating

Acoustic Performance is required for LEED Schools.