Indoor Environmental Quality and Health

This course is cross-listed at the School of Public Health (EH-522). Texts and Reading Materials1. Heinsohn, R. and J. Cimbala. 2003. Indoor Air Quality Engineering: Environmental Health and Control of Pollutants in the Indoor Environment. Monticello NY: Marcel Dekker.2. Spengler, J., J. Samet, and J. McCarthy. 2001. Indoor Air Quality Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill3. Additional handouts to include primarily literature from recently published articles. Electronic links/PDF files of the papers will be available.This course aims to introduce the students to the concepts necessary for investigating indoor environmental quality problems in the modern built environments and their link to health, comfort and occupant productivity. Emphasis is placed on identifying indoor air pollutants and their related health effects and studying the generation and transport of pollutants in the indoor environment. The course also explores specific topics, including: indoor air quality modeling; basic measurement methods and instrumentation for indoor environmental quality applications; building science topics to include Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning systems; air cleaning systems and other air pollution control strategies; IEQ regulations, guidelines and building standards; and procedures for assessing indoor environmental quality issues. Students will be required to participate in class discussions, apply concepts covered in class through assignments and conduct an indoor environmental quality research project.Course objectives Upon completion of this course the student should: * Identify and describe concepts related to indoor environmental exposures to a variety of pollutants including gaseous, particulates and biological pollutants. * Identify and describe concepts related to modern building systems to include ventilation strategies, building materials, energy consumption and sustainable design principles.* Articulate how inadequate environmental quality affects health, thermal comfort and productivity * Describe the analytical and measurement methods used to assess indoor environmental quality problems* Apply mathematical modeling to study the fate and transport of air pollution in the indoor environment. * Effectively conduct an indoor environmental quality assessment and develop recommendations for resolving indoor air quality concerns * Identify and describe the current regulations, standards and guidelines related to indoor air quality.Outcome Measures The course meets every week for 2 hours. This time will be used for a combination of lectures and class work including case study presentations. Active learning through class participation and discussion is an important component of the course. Where appropriate, guest speakers may contribute to the course by presenting case studies and other materials. Class readings will be assigned every week. Course performance will be assessed using homework assignments, a mini IEQ project and a final examination. Mini Indoor Environmental Quality Project: Students will be required to conduct an indoor environmental quality research project during the course. The project will be conducted in a \”real world\” setting and will demonstrate the application of a specific indoor environmental quality assessment method. Students will apply concepts covered in class to assess the indoor environmental quality of a specific built environment, including IAQ modeling and the use of instrumentation techniques. All students will present their project in a student poster presentation. Poster presentation will be similar to the format of professional conferences and the authors will be available simultaneously to answer questions. A week later, students will submit a brief project report for grading. Final Exam: The