Laserfiche WebLink
PM2.5 standard requires outdoor air particle levels be maintained below 3 �tg rn over a 24-hour <br /> average US EPA, 2006). Although both the ASHRAE standard and BOLA Code adopted the <br /> P M 10 standard for evaluating air quality, MI PH uses the more protective PM2.5 standard for <br /> evaluating airborne particulate matter concentrations in the indoor environment. <br /> Outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured at 23 gg 3 (Table 1). PM2.5 levels <br /> measured in the wood shop ranged from 30 to 37 4g/m3 (Table 1), which were slightly above the <br /> NA QS PM2.5 level of 35 Rg m3. Elevated PM2.5 levels.in the woodshop were the result of <br /> aerosolized wood dust and debris, which had accumulated on the floor, woad cutting machines, <br /> the univent and flat surfaces (Picture 2). Flexible ductwork attached to a dedicated wood dust <br /> collection system did not appear to be attached properly, allowing sawdust to escape (Picture <br /> 22). Furthermore, MDPH IAQ observed a breach in the wood dust collection system. It is <br /> unclear whether this hole in the ductwork is intentional. Given the uniformity of the breach, it is <br /> likely that additional flexible ductwork was attached previously, but at this point had been <br /> removed. Any breaches in the dust collection ductwork can allow dust to escape the collection <br /> system (Picture 23). The shop also has general exhaust ventilation (Picture 24). M PIS IAQ <br /> staff could not determine hether It was functioning at the time of the assessment. In addition, <br /> an air cleaner system installed in the wood shop was not operating at the time of assessment <br /> (Picture 25). The filter for this system appeared heavily occluded,' hich decreases its <br /> efficiency. Wood dust is a fine particulate that can be easily aerosolized and become irritating t <br /> the eyes, nose,throat and respiratory system. In addition, under certain conditions, good dust <br /> can be a fire hazard. <br /> PM .5 levels measured in all other areas of the building ranged from 2 to 1 tgrn <br /> (Table 1), which were below the IAQS PGI2.5 level of 35 gym ! Frequently, indoor air levels <br /> 1 <br />