IAQ Assessment Manly State School-Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
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IAQ Assessment Manly State
School- Library, GLA 20 &
Music Room
October 2010
Department of Education and
Training
Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Limited
ABN 80 078 004 798
Level 4, Northbank Plaza
69 Ann Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
GPO Box 2907
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Australia
Telephone +61 7 3854 6200
Facsimile +61 7 3854 6500
Email brisbane@pb.com.au
U U
Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS/NZS 4801
RPT005Aaw - Manly State School - IAQ assessment - Stage 3 A+ GRI Rating: Sustainability Report 2009Revision Details Date Amended By
A Original
©Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Limited (PB) [2010].
Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded in this document (the information) is the property of PB. This document
and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in
whole or part for any purpose other than that for which it was supplied by PB. PB makes no representation, undertakes no duty and
accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information.
Author: Anthony Warwick .........................................................................
Signed: .....................................................................................................
Reviewer: Michael Shepherd ........................................................................
Signed: .....................................................................................................
Approved by: Michael Shepherd ........................................................................
Signed: .....................................................................................................
Date: September 2010 ..........................................................................
Distribution: DETA, Manly State School ..........................................................IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
Contents
Page number
Executive summary iii
1. Introduction 1
2. Glossary of terms 2
3. Methodology 4
3.1 Sampling strategy & rationale 4
3.1.1 Overview 4
3.1.2 TVOCs 5
3.1.3 Formaldehyde, Aldehydes and Ketones 6
3.1.4 Amino ethanol compounds 7
3.2 Test Methods 7
3.2.1 Methods for estimating Total Volatile Organic Compounds 7
3.2.2 Screening for the presence of aldehydes and ketones 8
3.2.3 Amino ethanol compounds 9
3.3 Odour thresholds and use of relevant standards for airborne contaminants 10
3.4 Limitations 10
4. Evaluation criteria 12
4.1 Overview of air quality standards 12
4.2 Occupational Exposure Standards (national exposure standards) 13
4.3 Airborne contaminant guidelines 14
5. Relevant legislation 17
6. Results and discussion 18
6.1 Visual inspection 18
6.2 A review of results by sampling location 18
6.2.1 Library & Computer Room 18
6.2.2 B Block GLA-20 19
6.2.3 C Block – Music room areas 20
7. Recommendations 22
8. Summary 24
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page iIAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room 9. References 25 Appendices Appendix A ‐ Results tables – Chemical contaminants Appendix B ‐ Building Product ingredients disclosed in MSDSs PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page ii
IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room Executive summary Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) was commissioned by the Queensland Department of Education and Training (DETA) to undertake comprehensive screening for the presence of the airborne contaminants at Manly State School located at 63 Ernest Street, Manly. Sampling was undertaken within the A Block Library and Computer Room, the B Block GLA 20 Class Room, and C Block Music Room upstairs. These areas were identified for testing by the school employees due to the presence of irritating odours like those in the Uniform Shop tested 31 August 2010. Sampling was undertaken at Manly State School 15 September 2010. Laboratory analysis was undertaken at Leeder Consulting in Melbourne, a NATA accredited laboratory for the methods used. The sampling program included screening for the following groups of materials using sample tube and laboratory techniques: VOCs (e.g. benzene, toluene, styrene, alcohols, alkanes) Aldehydes and ketones (e.g. formaldehyde) Ethanolamines. The results of the sampling and analysis showed that formaldehyde was present at levels greater than those recommended in the rescinded NHMRC publication titled, NHMRC’s Interim National Indoor Air Quality Goals and the Canadian Health publication, titled, Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air in the following locations: B Block GLA 20 C Block Music Room (general class room). The formaldehyde levels were also above the concentration range found in typical Australian dwellings as documented in the CSIRO study report titled, Indoor Air Project Part 1: Main Report Indoor Air in Typical Australian Dwellings, 2010. Levels of formaldehyde above the recommended guidelines were not identified in the A Block (Library and Computer Room) or C Block, (Music Teacher’s Office). In the class rooms the formaldehyde emission sources included MDF panel used in the manufacture of portable shelving units, student desks, pin-boards, and white boards. The concentration levels of TVOCs and amino-ethanol compounds were found be within the range usually found in a residential dwelling or less than the concentration range found in a residential dwelling cited by the CSIRO Indoor Air Project. It is recommended that the rooms found to be affected by formaldehyde concentrations above the recommended guidelines be subjected to off-gassing of formaldehyde by heating of the rooms to above 40 degrees C and increasing the changes of fresh make-up air. At the time this report has been completed, it is expected that this recommendation will be completed. Long term strategies and procedural controls should be implemented to ensure low formaldehyde products are purchased such as E0 MDF panel instead of E1 MDF or higher. PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page iii
IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
1. Introduction
Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) was commissioned by the Queensland Department of Education
and Training (DETA) to undertake comprehensive screening for the presence of the airborne
contaminants at Manly State School located at 63 Ernest Street, Manly.
A third day of sampling was undertaken within the following areas on 15 September 2010:
Library including computer laboratory
Class room GLA-20 (Class 5H)
C Block upstairs, Music Class Room.
These additional areas were selected for testing by Manly State School employees due the
presence of irritating odours like those found in the Uniform Shop, following after-hours
discussions held on site with stakeholders in the school library in July 2010.
The following contaminants were screened for using sorbent tubes designed to collect the
following groups of airborne contaminants:
VOCs (e.g. benzene, toluene, styrene, alcohols, alkanes)
Aldehydes and ketones (e.g. formaldehyde, heptanal)
Ethanolamine.
This report documents the findings of the assessment including sampling methodologies, the
evaluation criteria used to assess the results, a discussion and recommendations for
remediation where required.
The results of previous sampling in the Uniform Shop and ground level of C Block are
provided in the report for the sampling undertaken 31 August 2010.
No one section or part of a section, of this report should be taken as giving an overall idea of
this report. Each section must be read in conjunction with the whole of this report, including
its appendices and attachments.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 1IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
2. Glossary of terms
AHU
Air handling unit
CSIRO
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
E0 MDF
E0 MDF products are medium density formaldehyde resin particle-board with an emission
rate that is less than 0.5 mg/L under AS/NZS 1859.2-2004, measured using AS/NZS
4266.16-2004.
E1 MDF
E1 MDF products are medium density formaldehyde resin particle-board with an emission
rate that is less than 1.0 mg/L under AS/NZS 1859.2-2004, measured using AS/NZS
4266.16-2004.
HVAC
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
IAQ
Indoor air quality
ISO
International Organisation for Standardisation
mg/m3
milligrams per cubic metre
µg/m3
micrograms per cubic metre
NATA
National Association of Testing Authorities
National Exposure standard
An airborne concentration of a particular substance, within the worker’s breathing zone,
which according to current knowledge, should not cause adverse health effects or undue
discomfort to nearly all workers. National exposure standards for the occupational
environment are set by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 2IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NHMRC
National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)
NOHSC
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, redundant organisational name for
the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC), currently called Safework
Australia.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
ppb
Parts per billion
ppm
Parts per million
NES
National Exposure Standard
TWA
Time Weighted Average.
NHMRC
National Health and Medical Research Council
VOC
Volatile organic compound
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 3IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
3. Methodology
The sampling was undertaken 15 September 2010 between 8:15 am and 4:30 pm within the
school uniform shop, change room, uniform shop store room, and within C Block ground
level in the open “class room” and storage areas which are all understood to be in use by
the P&C Committee” for meetings and organising fund raising.
3.1 Sampling strategy & rationale
3.1.1 Overview
The sampling was undertaken with a view to conducting a comprehensive and sensitive
screening process for the presence of substances identified in building products material
safety data sheets provided Dickinson Constructions Pty Ltd. It is understood that the
construction of the class rooms in B Block and Music Room in C Block are similar to the
lower level of C Block. The following groups of chemicals were identified to be present from
a review of the material safety data sheets for the products used in the school:
Volatile organic compounds, including but not limited to the following:
toluene
xylene
methylene chloride
perchloroethylene (dry cleaning fluid)
styrene
alkanes
benzene.
Aldehydes and ketones, including but not limited to the following:
formaldehyde
acetaldehyde
heptanal
acetone.
Aminoethanol compounds were also screened for due to the presence of odours in the
affected areas that are similar in characteristic to these substances which are used in
plastics, foams, adhesives, surface coatings, some paints and cleaning chemicals.
The groups of substances listed above are often emitted from modern building materials
such as particle boards, resins, and adhesives. The substances have the potential to cause
the following symptoms when present in excessive concentrations:
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 4IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
potential allergic reactions, sensitisation or exasperation of pre-existing asthma
central nervous system effects from exposure to elevated levels or prolonged exposures
to moderate or elevated exposure levels
heath effect to the liver following prolonged and repeated exposures to the substances
cancers and leukaemia when exposed to some substances (e.g. benzene) at very high
level or repeatedly over prolonged periods.
Some substances listed (e.g. formaldehyde) are suspected carcinogens believed to be
capable of causing tumours or cancers in humans based on animal studies but these effects
have yet to have been verified in humans.
Persons with pre-existing asthma conditions or other underlying pulmonary disease are
expected to be more sensitive than other healthy persons to acute exposures to indoor air
contaminants and may experience coughing and wheezing at low levels of exposure.
Acceptable airborne concentrations in sensitive persons will vary on the individual.
Synergism may occur between chemical cocktails of contaminants and between exposure to
some contaminants and sensitivity to other unrelated contaminants such as ozone, dusts,
and vulnerability to microbial organisms.
3.1.2 TVOCs
The VOC screen is intended to detect aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene, styrene, xylene,
benzene), alkanes, alcohols, and ethers. The following products used in the building work
were found to contain or likely to contain volatile organic compounds as significant (greater
than 5%) proportions of their disclosed ingredients:
Polymer 265 vinyl floor adhesive, contains:
Between 75-95% of ingredients are trade secret ingredients including methyl
methacrylate
Aliphatic petroleum solvents (e.g. hexanes)
Solvent (not disclosed)
Petroleum light solvent
Aromatic hydrocarbons (not disclosed)
Interact carpet tile adhesive
Ingredients not disclosed by manufacturer
Polymer 1718 A & B (vinyl water resistant epoxy)
Selley’s liquid nails, contains:
n-hexane (1-10%)
Naphtha (light petroleum solvent)
Bostik Roof & Gutter
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 5IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
2-butanone oxime (methyl ethyl ketomine)
Bostik Seal & Flex, contains:
Toluene diisocyanate (IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
exist for all of these substances. Many aldehydes are also not included in the List of
designated hazardous substances published by the NOHSC. Heptanal has no documented
occupational exposure standard or indoor air quality target for comparison.
Within B Block and C Block the class rooms a number of products were found to contain
formaldehyde including the following items and materials:
Smart desk table tops manufactured by Bizfurn which contain urea formaldehyde resin
and melamine urea formaldehyde resin (IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
Sampling Onto Sorbent Tubes. This method is consistent or equivalent to NIOSH VOC
Screening methodology NISOH Method #2549.
Thermal desorption tubes were obtained from Leeder Consulting, a NATA Accredited
analytical laboratory located in Melbourne. The tubes were kept inside a sealed glass
container with activated carbon to protect the tubes absorbing any traces of extraneous
volatile organic compounds and used within two weeks of supply.
Sample pumps flow rates for VOC sampling were pre-calibrated at PB offices against a dry
cell calibrator which had been calibrated against a primary bubble tube calibrator, (similar to
an inverted burette).
At the testing location, the tube and sampling pumps (the sampling train) were set up and
the flow rate of the complete sample train finely adjusted to run as close to 50 mL per minute
as practicably possible. The sample flows for each sample train were noted for each location
and the pumps run for approximately 2 hours each location to ensure a target volume of
around 6.0 L was collected (optimal sample volume and flow rate before theoretical
breakthrough time occurs).
At the end of each sampling period, the sample train flow rate was measured and recorded
to allow the average flow rate and sample volume to be calculated later. The samples were
sealed immediately, and placed in the glass storage container placed in an esky on ice.
Tubes were identified for each location against the serial numbers provided by the
manufacturer. Two tubes were reserved as field blanks for quality assurance purposes.
After returning from site, the samples were packaged, chain of custody form completed and
sent to the laboratory overnight for analysis in accordance with US EPA Method TO-17 using
thermal desorption and gas chromatography and FID. The method allows for a limit of
detection close to as low as 100ng per tube, at this sample volume.
3.2.2 Screening for the presence of aldehydes and ketones
Screening for aldehydes and ketones was undertaken using NIOSH Method # 2539
“Aldehydes Screening”.
Solid sorbent tubes (XAD-2 hydroxy methyl piperidine on XAD-2 tubes) were shipped from
the supplier (SKC) based in the United States using expedited shipping services.
The tubes were kept inside their sealed packagings with the glass seals left intact until the
time of sampling. Tubes were stored in the refrigerator until used within two weeks of receipt
of the sorbent tubes.
Sample pumps flow rates for aldehyde screening were pre-calibrated to run at approximately
50 mL per minute at PB offices against a dry cell calibrator which had been calibrated
against a primary bubble tube calibrator, (similar to an inverted burette).
At the testing location, the glass tube ends were opened just prior to use and the sampling
pumps (the sampling train) were set up with the flow rate of the complete sampling train
finely adjusted to run as close to 50mL/minute as practicable. The sample flows for each
sample train were noted for each location and the pumps run for approximately 1.5 hours
each location to ensure a target volume of just less than 5.0 L was collected (optimal
aldehyde screen sample volume and flow rate before theoretical breakthrough time occurs).
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 8IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
This sample volume (5L) should allow for a limit of detection as low as 2µg of aldehyde per
sample.
At the end of each sampling period, the sample train flow rate was measured and recorded
to allow the average flow rate and sample volume to be calculated later. The samples were
sealed immediately using plastic end caps provided by the manufacturer, and placed in the
sample bags placed in an esky on ice. Tubes were identified for each location against the
serial numbers provided by the manufacturer. Two tubes were reserved as field blanks for
quality assurance purposes.
After returning from site, the samples were packaged, chain of custody form completed and
sent to the laboratory overnight for analysis in accordance with NIOSH Method 2539 using
gas chromatography and FID.
3.2.3 Amino ethanol compounds
Screening for the presence of amino ethanol compounds was undertaken using NIOSH
Method # 2007 “Amino ethanol compounds screening”.
Solid sorbent tubes (hollow glass tubes containing silica gel) were shipped from the supplier
(SKC) based in the United States using expedited shipping services.
The tubes were kept inside their sealed packagings with the glass seals left intact until the
time of sampling. Tubes were stored in the refrigerator until used within two weeks of receipt
of the sorbent tubes.
Sample pumps flow rates for aldehyde screening were pre-calibrated to run at approximately
100mL per minute at PB offices against a dry cell calibrator which had been calibrated
against a primary bubble tube calibrator, (similar to an inverted burette). For the method to
be used correctly, a flow rate of between 0.01 to 0.2 L/min is acceptable.
At the testing location, the glass tube ends were opened just prior to use and the sampling
pumps (the sampling train) were set up with the flow rate of the complete sampling train
finely adjusted to run at approximately 100 mL/minute. The sample flows for each sample
train were noted for each location and the pumps run for approximately 3.0 hours at each
location to ensure a target volume between 18 L to 24 L was obtained (most practicable
sample size and flow rate to minimise contaminant break through whilst obtaining a an
adequate sample size to obtain a low limit of detection).
At the end of each sampling period, the sample train flow rate was measured and recorded
to allow the average flow rate and sample volume to be calculated later. The samples were
sealed immediately using plastic end caps provided by the manufacturer, and placed in the
sample bags placed in an esky on ice. Tubes were identified for each location against the
serial numbers provided by the manufacturer. Two tubes were reserved as field blanks for
quality assurance purposes.
After returning from site, the samples were packaged, chain of custody form completed and
sent to the laboratory overnight for analysis in accordance with NIOSH Method 2007 using
gas chromatography and FID. The estimated limit of detection can be as low as 0.005mg per
sample when the full sample size is obtained.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 9IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
3.3 Odour thresholds and use of relevant standards for airborne
contaminants
It should be noted that many substances have odour thresholds that fall well below the
relevant occupational exposure standards. For example, toluene has a detectable odour
threshold of between only 0.16-37 ppm whereas the 8 hour time weighted exposure
standard workers may be exposed to for 40 hrs a week is 50ppm. Many substances can
elicit odours that are detectable by the human olfactory senses but are at concentrations that
are unlikely to result in health effects. Odour thresholds have been provided below in Table
3.3-1 (AIHA, 1997).
3.3-1 Odour thresholds for selected VOCs
Substance Odour threshold mg/m3 Odour threshold ppm
Formaldehyde 0.033--0.036 0.027-0.029
Hexane (n-hexane) 875 248
Methyl methacrylate 0.057 0.014
MEK 63-70 21-24
Napthalene 0.05-0.055 0.0095-0.0105
Styrene 43-258 10-61
Toluene 3.5-3.6 0.93-0.06
Vinyl acetate 1.4 0.40
3.4 Limitations
The assessment of indoor air contaminants was undertaken with the following limitations:
Observations and sampling results were indicative of the conditions present at the time
sampling for each contaminant was undertaken and may not be representative of
previous or future conditions.
Airborne contaminant levels were tested using static samplers placed within areas and
are not necessarily representative of “breathing zone samples” workers or students are
exposed to. The sampling strategy intended to find the highest possible levels of airborne
contaminants. In all areas where sampling occurred, the rooms were sealed without
HVAC systems or natural ventilation being provided, personnel were prevented from
accessing the rooms and the doors and windows were kept closed. These factors are
likely to over-estimate the contaminants present.
The study was limited to airborne contaminants described in the methodology. It did not
address radiological materials, contaminated land, psychosocial factors or personal
factors. Asbestos and particulate (dusts) were was not included in the survey.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 10IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
No one section or part of a section, of this report should be taken as giving an overall
idea of this report. Each section must be read in conjunction with the whole of this
report, including its appendices and attachments.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 11IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
4. Evaluation criteria
4.1 Overview of air quality standards
Evaluation criteria for indoor air quality assessments are nebulous in nature and few authors
of publications or government agencies are willing to provide tangible reference ranges for
the health and or comfort of the general community (workers and non working persons).
Currently the only legislated exposure levels are provided in occupational exposure
standards referenced under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008. Other local
guidance provided by the Department of Environment and Resource Management in
Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 relate to air quality goals to be
achieved over time, as they pertain to extraneous airborne emissions from facilities off-site.
These goals do not relate or apply to airborne contaminants released within buildings or
within a workplace but may act as a reasonable measure of what the general public are
permitted to be exposed to from extraneous emissions from industry from the boundaries of
a site.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) publication titled, Interim
National Indoor Air Quality Goals Recommended By The National Health And Medical
Research Council, 1996 was used as a valuable reference by environmental and
occupational health practitioners. Regrettably, this publication has been rescinded by the
NHMRC since the 19th of March 2006, with no alternative publication to replace it leaving
many gaps in locally applicable air quality benchmarks requiring other publications and
studies from Australia and abroad to be used as benchmarks.
In addition to the MHMRC Interim Air Quality Goals (1996), the Canadian Health publication
titled, Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air has also been used in this report, as a
guide to determining what formaldehyde and VOC levels should not be exceeded in areas
where the general community (including sensitive individuals) may occupy on a regular basis
or for extended periods. These levels would be acceptable in the home and thus should
represent a stringent benchmark for a school setting.
In this survey the results have also been compared and contrasted against those
contaminant concentration levels found in the “typical” Australian home as reported in the
CSIRO study report titled, Indoor Air Project Part 1: Main Report Indoor Air In Typical
Australian Dwellings, 2010. The study is useful as it demonstrates median, minimum and
maximum mean concentration levels of contaminants found in a large cross section of
sampling undertaking in residential dwellings for an extended period of time. The study
report lists has mean concentration levels for TVOCs and other individual substances
including xylenes, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and formaldehyde. Typical residential
concentration levels of contaminants should be a reasonable benchmark for a school
environment or other area where members of the public are allowed to be present. If
members of the public (i.e. parents, teachers, students) accept that these levels are present
in their homes then the levels should also be acceptable within a school if they do not
exceed the median concentrations.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 12IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
4.2 Occupational Exposure Standards (national exposure
standards)
The values published on the Worksafe Australia’s “Hazardous Substances Information
System” for atmospheric contaminants in the occupational environment are provided with
other indoor air quality guidelines or goals in Table 4.2-1. Substances’ exposure standards
provided in the Hazardous substances Information System (HSIS) are based on updated
exposure standards provided in the publication, Adopted National Exposure Standards for
Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment, 1995.
Under Part 16 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008, workers are not
permitted to be exposed to more than the national exposure standards for any listed
hazardous substances.
An exposure standard represents an airborne concentration of a particular contaminant in
the worker’s breathing zone, exposure to which, according to current knowledge, should not
cause adverse effects nor cause undue discomfort to nearly all workers. Exposure standards
may take three forms listed:
Time weighted average (TWA).
Short term exposure limit
Peak limit.
The “peak exposure limit” means the maximum or peak airborne concentration of a particular
substance determined over the shortest analytically practicable period of time which does
not exceed 15 minutes. Substances with a peak airborne exposure limit do not also have a
time weighted average.
The time weighted average exposure standard - time-weighted average (TWA)' means the
average airborne concentration of a particular substance when calculated over a normal
eight-hour working day, for a five-day working week (up to 40 hours per week).
The short term exposure limit (STEL) means a 15 minute TWA exposure which should not
be exceeded at any time during a working day even if the eight-hour TWA average is within
the TWA exposure standard. Exposures at the STEL should not be longer than 15 minutes
and should not be repeated more than four times per day. There should be at least 60
minutes between successive exposures at the STEL.
The use of occupational exposure standards although applicable to workers employed at the
school are clearly not considered suitable for areas where school children may be present
continuously or for prolonged periods.
Occupational exposure standards are suitable for “nearly all workers”. However, there is
likely to be a sub-set of the working population for whom the exposure standards may not be
effective at preventing discomfort or work caused illness. Occupational exposure standards
do not guarantee protection from exposed to formaldehyde in sensitive individuals or those
who suffer chronic respiratory illness or asthma. Indoor air quality guidelines would be more
suitable criteria for the protection of these persons.
In the case of formaldehyde, which is a suspected carcinogen and known respiratory
sensitiser, respiratory exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 13IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
4.3 Airborne contaminant guidelines
The relevant exposure levels for airborne contaminants are stated in Table 4.3-1.
Table 4.3-1 Relevant Exposure Standards and Air Quality Guidelines
Contaminant Qld DERM National Workplace CSIRO Indoor Air NHMRC Exposure
Air quality Environment Exposure Project – Indoor Air Interim Guidelines for
1
objectives -0F Protection - Air Standards in Typical Dwellings Ambient Air Residential
3
for health Toxics ,mg/m Quality Goals Indoor Air
and well measure (rescinded) Quality
being (Canada)
3 3 3
Total VOC n/a n/a n/a Median: 150 µg/m 500 µg/m 500 µg/m
(TVOC)
Min-max: 56-717
3
µg/m
3
ethanolamine 280 µg/m n/a TWA8hr: 7.5 n/a n/a n/a
(1 week
TWA) STEL: 15
Benzene n/a 0.003 ppm, TWA8hr : 3.2 Median: 0.29 ppb , n/a n/a
3
0.93 µg/m
3
9.57 µg/m ,
(annual Min-max:0.09-1.35
3
average) ppb, (0.29-4.3 µg/m )
Ethyl benzene n/a n/a TWA8hr: 432 Median: 0.19 ppb, n/a n/a
3
(0.82 µg/m )
STEL: 543
Min-max: 0.06-1.7
3
ppb (0.26-7.37 µg/m )
4-isopropyl n/a n/a TWA8hr: 125 n/a n/a n/a
toluene (cumene)
STEL: 375
Naphthalene n/a n/a TWA8hr: 52 n/a n/a n/a
STEL: 79
1
Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008, values at zero degrees Celsius.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 14IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
Contaminant Qld DERM National Workplace CSIRO Indoor Air NHMRC Exposure
Air quality Environment Exposure Project – Indoor Air Interim Guidelines for
1
objectives - 0F Protection - Air Standards in Typical Dwellings Ambient Air Residential
3
for health Toxics ,mg/m Quality Goals Indoor Air
and well measure (rescinded) Quality
being (Canada)
3
Styrene 280 µg/m 1 n/a TWA8hr: 213 n/a n/a n/a
week TWA
STEL: 426
3 3
Toluene 4.1 mg/m 3.77 mg/m (24 TWA8hr: 377 Median: 1.5 ppb, n/a n/a
3
(24 hour hour annual (2.31 µg/m )
TWA) average) STEL: 574
Min-max: 0.73-36.5
ppb, (2.75-137.6
3
µg/m )
3 3
Xylene 1.2 mg/m 1.1 mg/m (24 TWA8hr: 350 Median: 0.97 ppb n/a n/a
3
24 hour hour annual (4.21 µg/m )
TWA average) STEL: 655
Min-max: 0.4-8.7 ppb,
3
(1.73-37.4g/m )
1,2,4-trimethyl n/a n/a TWA10hr: 123 n/a n/a n/a
benzene (NIOSH)
Dichlorodifluorom n/a n/a TWA8hr: 4950 n/a n/a n/a
ethane
Trichlorofluoromet n/a n/a 5620 Peak n/a n/a n/a
hane limitation
3
Tetrachloroethene 0.27mg/m n/a TWA8h: 3450 n/a n/a n/a
(perchloroethylene (1 year
or TWA) STEL:1020
tetrachloroethylen
e)
3
acetaldehyde n/a n/a TWA8hr: 36 n/a n/a 9000 µg/m not
to be
STEL: 91 exceeded, 5
minute
measurement.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 15IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
Contaminant Qld DERM National Workplace CSIRO Indoor Air NHMRC Exposure
Air quality Environment Exposure Project – Indoor Air Interim Guidelines for
1
objectives -0F Protection - Air Standards in Typical Dwellings Ambient Air Residential
3
for health Toxics ,mg/m Quality Goals Indoor Air
and well measure (rescinded) Quality
being (Canada)
3 3 3
formaldehyde 54.2 µg/m 49.2 µg/m TWA8hr: 1.2 Median: 11.7 ppb, 120 µg/m not Action level:
3 3
24 hour (14.39 µg/m ) to be exceeded 120 µg/m not
TWA (0.04 ppm), 24 STEL: 2.5 to be
hr TWA) Min-max: 3.6-24.8, exceeded, 5
3
(4.42-30.5 µg/m ) minute
measurement.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 16IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
5. Relevant legislation
The relevant legislation, codes of practice and industry standards applicable to this
investigation are listed:
Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995.
Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
Environmental protection (Air) Policy 2008.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 17IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
6. Results and discussion
6.1 Visual inspection
The following observations were made on the 15 September 2010:
a. The library was not occupied by any staff or students at the time sampling was
undertaken. The library and computer room within the library was not accessible to any
members of staff of students. Windows and doors within the areas sampled were closed
during sampling without any mechanical ventilation.
b. There were no obvious signs of new furniture or shelving that would give rise to
formaldehyde levels in the library. Based on information provided by the Dickinson
Constructions Pty Ltd the new carpet should not have contained formaldehyde or other
volatile contaminants.
c. The general learning area GLA-20 used by class 5H was not used by staff or students at
the time of sampling with access to persons denied. The room was closed up during the
sampling period without any natural or mechanical ventilation.
d. The GLA-20 was observed to have a discernable, unpleasant odour similar to the uniform
shop. The class room contained new carpets, new loose furnishings (desks made from
laminated reconstituted timbers, plastic chairs, white-boards, fabric pin boards, cardboard
pigeon holes, and student tidy bags on the backs of each chair).
e. The music room was not occupied at the time sampling was conducted. The music room
consisted on a single, open plan class room without chairs or desks. The room contained
new carpet and a variety of musical instruments (xylophone, piano, keyboard instrument,
sound system, drums, etc). At the rear of the music room towards the south, a separate
partitioned office was present which contained older laminated particle board desks, a
bar refrigerator on the floor, sink and windows. There was no evidence of any obvious
signs of VOCs or aldehyde emission sources in this area.
6.2 A review of results by sampling location
The results of airborne sampling undertaken to screen for all major peaks of volatile organic
compounds, aldehydes, ketones and amino ethanol compounds are provided in Appendix A.
The results are tabulated against all relevant exposure standards and indoor air quality
parameters for comparison.
6.2.1 Library & Computer Room
6.2.1.1 VOC levels
The results of the VOC screen within the library and computer room located in the library
demonstrated that none of VOCs or TVOC concentration levels exceeded any of their
respective occupational exposure standards or IAQ guidelines cited from the other literature.
The TVOC concentration levels also fell well below the TVOC target levels recommended in
the NHMRC’s Interim Ambient Air Quality Goals and the Canadian Health’s Exposure
Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air Quality. Both the individual VOC contaminant levels and
the TVOC levels also were found to be within the normal concentration level range found in
typical Australian dwellings as published in the CSIRO Indoor Air Project, (2010). Toluene
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 18IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
was slightly higher than the median value found in residential dwellings but still far less than
the upper concentration limit in homes reported by CSIRO of 36.5 g/m3. The likely source of
toluene is from adhesives.
6.2.1.2 Aldehydes and Ketones
The formaldehyde and other aldehyde levels (acetaldehyde and heptanal) in the library
areas tested were less than the limit of detection and thus ought to have been acceptable for
ensuring indoor comfort and wellbeing of occupants.
6.2.1.3 Amino ethanol compounds
The screening for amino ethanol compounds (ethanolamine) in the uniform shop did not find
these substances to be present at concentration levels above the limit of detection 2 (IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
The median (14.4 g/m3) and maximum concentration range (30.5 g/m3) of
formaldehyde levels found in typical Australian dwellings published by the CSIRO from
their Indoor Air Project (2010).
The Air Quality objectives for “health and well being” stated in the Environmental
Protection (Air) Policy 2008 (although not applicable within a workplace where
emissions are present within the workplace).
On this occasion acetaldehyde was not detected but heptaldehyde (heptanal) was identified
at levels between 85-232 g/m3. There are no published indoor air quality guidelines or
occupational exposure standards for heptanal. Additionally, the CSIRO (Indoor Air Project,
2010) report did not investigate the presence of this substance in dwellings. In the absence
of recommended exposure standards for heptanal, toxicological information indicates that
the product is a strong respiratory irritant and exposure to this substance should be
Detection of formaldehyde in class room GLA 20 was not unexpected due to the high
proportion of formaldehyde containing materials in the class room from melamine-urea-
formaldehyde products used in Smart Desk table tops, mobile shelving units, MDF pin
boards lining the walls, and MDF backing in white boards.
The construction of the class room was undertaken using formaldehyde products compliant
with E1 formaldehyde emission standards. The Customwood E1 MDF panel’s MSDS states
that formaldehyde may be emitted when heated. It also claims that in a well ventilates
environment, formaldehyde is unlikely to exceed the World Health Organisation standard of
0.1ppm (120g/m3) for the general environment. Emission rates are usually stated in terms
of an amount of vapour emitted per square metre of materials. The larger the surface area of
MDF panel placed within an unventilated room volume, then the greater the resultant
concentration of formaldehyde present. Under most situations the claims in the MSDS are
likely to be correct but do not apply to situations such as the testing environment in GLA 20
where the room is closed during sampling, not provided with mechanical or other ventilation
during sampling, and the room contains such a relatively large surface area of MDF products
together in a relatively small room volume. These factors make it likely that areas such as
GLA 20 and the uniform shop (tested on 31 August 2010) will have a relatively higher
formaldehyde concentrations compared with more spacious rooms (e.g. the library) where
formaldehyde is likely to be emitted, but the emissions are diluted below acceptable levels by
the comparatively large room volume.
6.2.2.3 Amino ethanol compounds
The screening for amino ethanol compounds (ethanolamine) within the change room and
storage room did not identify amino ethanol compounds to be present at levels above the
limit of detection (IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
recommended target TVOC levels provided in the NHMRC’s Interim Ambient Air Quality
Goals and the Canadian Health’s Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air Quality.
Within the Music Teacher’s Office, the TVOC levels were found to be 31 g/m3, slightly
higher than the levels in GLA 20. The toluene levels were also higher at 22 g/m3. However,
both of these values are still consistently within typical household concentrations of between
2.75-137.6 g/m3 for toluene and 56 to 717 g/m3 for TVOCs and less than the
recommended limits of the NHMRC and Canadian Health publication of 500 g/m3.
In summary, the TVOC levels do not represent any significant cause for concern and without
exception are consistent with the concentration levels expected in the typical Australian
home and in most cases are lower than those expected in the typical home.
6.2.3.2 Aldehydes and Ketones
The aldehyde and ketone screen undertaken in the Music Room in the upper storey of C
Block was successful in detecting up to 192 g/m3 of formaldehyde in the general music
class room area and up to 102 g/m3 within the separately enclosed, teacher’s office.
The music office formaldehyde concentrations are within the acceptable limits recommended
by the NHMRC and Canadian Health target values and do not warrant further discussion
other than to comment that the furniture in the office was not new and unlikely to emit
formaldehyde.
Levels of formaldehyde in the Music Class Room were found not to exceed the eight hour,
time weighted average (NES TWA 8hr) of 1.2 mg/m3 lawfully permitted under occupational
health and safety legislation in Australian workplaces. However, the concentrations
exceeded the following parameters:
The NHMRC’s Interim Ambient Air Quality Goals which requires that no person be
exposed to a brief exposure of more than 120 g/m3.
An action limit of 120 g/m3 is used by Canadian Health in their Exposure Guidelines for
Residential Indoor Air Quality publication.
The median (14.4 g/m3) and maximum concentration range (30.5 g/m3) of
formaldehyde levels found in typical Australian dwellings published by the CSIRO from
their Indoor Air Project (2010).
The Air Quality objectives for “health and well being” stated in the Environmental
Protection (Air) Policy 2008 (although not applicable within a workplace where
emissions are present within the workplace).
6.2.3.3 Amino ethanol compounds
The screening for amino ethanol compounds (ethanolamine) in the uniform shop did not find
these substances to be present at concentration levels above the limit of detection 3 (IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
7. Recommendations
Based on the results of the survey the following recommendations are provided:
The general learning area GLA-20 in B Block and music room should be subjected to
off-gassing. The following methodology is provided 4: 3F
The class room should be closed and heated to between 40 degrees C to no more
than 50 degrees C, without ventilation, for not less than 4 hours duration.
Once the target temperature has equilibrated throughout the affected areas, the
rooms should be vented using mechanical extraction ventilation or if this cannot be
obtained, forced ventilation should be provided with windows and doors open and
ceiling fans running to try to increase the number of changes of air within the
affected room.
During the off-gassing heating process, personnel may be exposed to elevated
levels of VOCs and aldehydes as well as heat stress. An organic vapour cartridge
respirator is recommended to be worn as a general precaution when entering the
rooms during heating.
Whilst venting the room, the room should be heated to maintain the temperature as
far as practicable within the constraints of the electricity power supply.
During the process a fire watch should be provided to monitor any power overloads
or fire.
After heating and venting the affected area should be left to vent as long as
practicable before allowing occupants to re-enter.
Other general learning areas with the same fixtures and fittings as GLA 20 should be
considered for remediation using the above protocols.
It should be noted that at the time Manly State School purchased its new class room desks,
shelving and other materials used in the construction of the general learning areas, DETA
did not have a formal standing offer in place for the purchase of furniture and building
materials. E1 MDF has been used throughout the new building materials, shelving, white
boards, pin boards and loose class room furniture (desks). These products have collectively
contributed to formaldehyde concentrations that are greater than the concentration levels
recommended in the NHMRC and other indoor air quality benchmarks used in this report.
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) has a current standing offer
arrangement that DETA schools are able to access. It is understood that the standing offer
allows schools to purchase E0 MDF products such as desks and shelving from selected
suppliers. It is also understood that this standing offer is available for schools to utilise but is
not mandatory as schools are able to utilise their own initiative to obtain a better offer. DETA
should consider making the purchasing of all E0 formaldehyde MDF products or non-MDF
products (e.g. natural timber) mandatory as a purchasing policy in an effort to reduce the
potential for exposure to formaldehyde in schools. The use of E0 MDF products do not
guarantee that that formaldehyde levels will be less than the recommended levels suitable
4
At the time of writing this report, remediation of B Block, C Block and other general learning areas are understood to
have undergone remediation prior to school returning from mid-semester recess.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 22IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
for a class room or area where school children are expected to be present. The resultant
formaldehyde concentrations depend of the collective surface areas of materials emitting
formaldehyde, the age of the materials, the ambient temperature in the room, the size of the
room and the numbers of changes of air provided to dilute any emissions. However, the use
of E0 MDF products conforming to AS/NZS 1859.2-2004 provides the most stringent
benchmark available for use as a purchasing control.
Based on the results of the sampling conducted at Manly State School it is evident that when
large quantities of E1 MDF are used in a room together without good ventilation, that
formaldehyde concentration levels can be produced that are above NHMRC Guidelines and
other indoor air quality benchmarks. It is further recommended that E1 MDF not be
purchased for use in new furniture, fixtures or construction materials in schools without a
protocol in place to test for indoor formaldehyde air concentrations to ensure they are below
120 g/m3 prior to occupancy of personnel in that space.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 23IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
8. Summary
In summary, the indoor air quality assessment included screening for the following groups of
materials using sorbent tubes sent for laboratory analysis:
VOCs (e.g. benzene, toluene, styrene, alcohols, and alkanes)
Aldehydes and ketones (e.g. formaldehyde)
Ethanolamines.
The sampling was conducted in the additional areas not initially identified for air sampling for
the testing undertaken 31 August 2010. These areas were identified following additional
people coming forward to volunteer areas they thought might be of concern.
The results of the sampling in B Block (GLA-20), and C Block, (Music Class Room) identified
that formaldehyde concentrations were present in concentration levels greater than those
recommended in the following guidance publications:
the rescinded NHMRC publication titled, NHMRC’s Interim National Indoor Air Quality
Goals Recommended by The National Health And Medical Research Council, 1996
the Canadian Health publication, Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air.
The formaldehyde levels in these areas also were above the concentrations typically found
in Australian dwellings as documented in the CSIRO study report titled, Indoor Air Project
Part 1: Main Report Indoor Air in Typical Australian Dwellings, 2010.
Formaldehyde emission sources are likely to occur from multiple sources including MDF
panels used in pin boards, white boards, portable shelving units, and student desks.
The levels of VOCs and amino-ethanol compounds were either within or less than
acceptable levels typically found in an Australian residential dwelling.
Recommendations provided include the baking out of the formaldehyde from all student
class rooms or other rooms occupied by students and known to be fitted with similar
furnishings, fixtures and fittings containing MDF or particle board. At the time this report has
been completed, it is expected that these recommendations will have been implemented
before students return from mid semester recess.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 24IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
9. References
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Committee, February 2007,
Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice, 26th Edition Chapter 8,
Ventilation Aspects of Indoor Air Quality
American Industrial Hygiene Association, 1997, Odour Thresholds for Chemicals with
Established Occupational Health Standards, AIHA, Fairfax, Virginia
Australia/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS 1668.1:1998, The use of ventilation and air-
conditioning in buildings, Part 2: Ventilation design for indoor air containment control
(excluding requirements for the health aspects of tobacco smoke exposure), Standards
Australia, Sydney.
Australia/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS 4266.16-2004 Reconstituted wood-based
panels-Methods of test Method 16: Formaldehyde emission- desiccators method,
Standards Australia, Sydney
Australia/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS 1859.2:2004 Reconstituted wood-based
panels-Specifications Part 2: Dry Processed fibreboard, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Australia/New Zealand Standard 1668.2-2002, The use of ventilation and air-
conditioning in buildings Part 2: Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control
(excluding requirements for the health aspects of tobacco smoke), Standards Australia,
Sydney.
CSIRO, 2010, Indoor Air Project Part 1: Main Report, Indoor Air in Typical Australian
Dwellings- A report to the Air Quality Section, Environment Standards Branch,
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts. Commonwealth of
Australia, Canberra.
Health Canada, 1995, Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air Quality – A Report
of the Federal-Provincial Advisory Committee on Environmental and Occupational
Health, Minister of Supply and Services Canada.
Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: A Technical Guide, A report of the Federal-
Provincial Advisory Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health, Public
Works and Government Services Canada, 1995
Jon H Ruth, 1986, Odour thresholds and irritation levels of several chemical substances-
A review, Volume 47, American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal.
NHMRC, 1996, Interim National Indoor Air Quality Goals Recommended by the National
Health and Medical Research Council.
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 1995, Adopted National
Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment'
[NOHSC:1003(1995)], in Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the
Occupational Environment: Guidance Note and National Exposure Standards, Australian
Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2006, Fact Sheet – Final Revisions to
the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Pollution (Particulate Matter),
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/pm/s_pm_index.html
U U
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 25IAQ Assessment Manly State School - Library, GLA 20 & Music Room
World Health Organisation (WHO) 2005, WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate
matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page 26Appendix A
Results tables – Chemical contaminants
Appendix A
Results tables – Chemical
contaminants
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page A.1Appendix A
Results tables – Chemical contaminants
Table A-6.2-1 Airborne gas and vapour contaminants
TEST Tube Serial Building Location Substances at Airborne
Method No. detectable Sample Qld DERM National Workplace CSIRO Indoor NHMRC Exposure
levels in screen Concentration
Air quality Environment Exposure Air Project – Interim Guidelines
5
objectives - 4F Protection - Standards Indoor Air in Ambient Air for
for health Air Toxics (8hour TWA, Typical Quality Residential
3
and well measure mg/m ) Dwellings mean Goals Indoor Air
3
being values, µg/m ) (rescinded) Quality
(Canada)
VOC Mi 155369 Library Centre area dichlorodifluorom 7.5 µg/m
3
n/a n/a 4950 n/a n/a n/a
SCREEN
NIOSH ethane
#2549
3
trichlorofluoromet 1.5 µg/m n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
hane
3
toluene 2.9 µg/m 3 3
4.1 mg/m (24 3.77 mg/m 150 Median:2.31 n/a n/a
hour TWA) (24 hour
annual Min-max: 2.75-
average) 137.6
3
Xylenes 1.0 µg/m 3 3
1.2 mg/m 24 1.1 mg/m (24 350 Median: 4.21 n/a n/a
3
hour TWA hour annual µg/m
average)
Min-max: (1.73-
3
37.4g/m )
3
TVOC (major 12.9 µg/m n/a n/a n/a 3 3
Median: 150 500 µg/m 500 µg/m
peaks)
5
Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008, values at zero degrees Celsius.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page A.1Appendix A
Results tables – Chemical contaminants
TEST Tube Serial Building Location Substances at Airborne
Method No. detectable Sample Qld DERM National Workplace CSIRO Indoor NHMRC Exposure
levels in screen Concentration
Air quality Environment Exposure Air Project – Interim Guidelines
5
objectives - 4F Protection - Standards Indoor Air in Ambient Air for
for health Air Toxics (8hour TWA, Typical Quality Residential
3
and well measure mg/m ) Dwellings mean Goals Indoor Air
3
being values, µg/m ) (rescinded) Quality
(Canada)
Min-max: 56-717
VOC Mi Library Computer lab. dichlorodifluorom 7.7 µg/m
3
n/a n/a 4950 n/a n/a n/a
SCREEN 155258
NIOSH ethane
#2549 3
toluene 3.6 µg/m 3
4.1 mg/m (24 n/a TWA8hr: 350 Median: 2.31 n/a n/a
hour TWA)
Min-max: 2.75-
137.6
3
Trichlorofluorome 1.6 µg/m
n/a n/a 5620 Peak n/a n/a n/a
thane
limitation
3
Xylenes 1.3 µg/m 3 3
1.2 mg/m 24 1.1 mg/m (24 350 Median: 4.21 n/a n/a
3
hour TWA hour annual µg/m
average)
Min-max: (1.73-
3
37.4g/m )
3
TVOC (major 14.2 µg/m n/a n/a 3 3
Median: 150 500 µg/m 500 µg/m
peaks)
Min-max: 56-717
VOC Mi Library Veranda dichlorodifluorom 4.0 µg/m
3
n/a n/a 4950 n/a n/a n/a
SCREEN 155276 (outside)
NIOSH ethane
#2549
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF 2160857A-RPT005-A-aw Page A.2Appendix A
Results tables – Chemical contaminants
TEST Tube Serial Building Location Substances at Airborne
Method No. detectable Sample Qld DERM National Workplace CSIRO Indoor NHMRC Exposure
levels in screen Concentration
Air quality Environment Exposure Air Project – Interim Guidelines
5
objectives - 4F Protection - Standards Indoor Air in Ambient Air for
for health Air Toxics (8hour TWA, Typical Quality Residential
3
and well measure mg/m ) Dwellings mean Goals Indoor Air
3
being values, µg/m ) (rescinded) Quality
(Canada)
3
Trichlorofluorome 0.9 µg/m
n/a n/a 5620 Peak n/a n/a n/a
thane
limitation
3
TVOC (major 4.9 µg/m n/a n/a n/a 3 3
Median: 150 500 µg/m 500 µg/m
peaks)
Min-max: 56-717
VOC Mi 155392 B Block GLA-20 dichlorodifluorom 4.9 µg/m
3
n/a n/a 4950 n/a n/a n/a
SCREEN northern
NIOSH aspect ethane
#2549
3
toluene 1.5 µg/m 3
4.1 mg/m (24 n/a TWA8hr: 350 Median: 2.31 n/a n/a
hour TWA)
Min-max: 2.75-
137.6
3
Trichlorofluorome 1.0 µg/m
n/a n/a 5620 Peak n/a n/a n/a
thane
limitation
3
Xylenes 1.3 µg/m 3 3
1.2 mg/m 24 1.1 mg/m (24 350 Median: 4.21 n/a n/a
3
hour TWA hour annual µg/m
average)
Min-max: (1.73-
3
37.4g/m )
3
Total VOC 8.7 µg/m n/a n/a n/a 3 3
Median: 150 500 µg/m 500 µg/m
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