[Bldg-sim] Acceptable CO2 levels

[Andy Hoover]

When it comes to a 'healthcare' facility it is vital to understand what
happens in the facility as patient health can be affected in ways not taken
into consideration by EPA or ACGIH when calculating 'health' effects.  You
may want to have a charette with all the involved parties.  I suspect it is
often overlooked as everyone believes that the controls established for
operating theatres and so on addresses everything but go to a pulmonologist
and a cardiologist and ask them about average visitor/patient sensitivities
and concerns regarding things such as CO2 levels.  As an example, ask them
how CO2 levels impact folks with emphysema or an enlarged heart.  Those are
just two that come to mind and I am sure there are many others.

 

Seldom looked at but it should be all of the time with healthcare.  At the
least, I feel that good work requires you meet the occupant representatives
and ask about concerns AND let them know they do have some options.

 

My 2 cents.

 

Thanks,

 

Andy 

 

Andy Hoover

Principal

The BEST Consultant, Inc.

Cell: 678-793-1159

Office: 678-200-7648

Fax: 678-827-0574

Email: andyhoover at thebestconsultant.com

Web: www.thebestconsultant.com

 

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From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of James V Dirkes
II, PE
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 4:39 PM
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Acceptable CO2 levels

 

Dear Amit,

 

Keep in mind that ASHRAE's "acceptable" level of CO2 has almost nothing to
do with health.  You could describe it as more of a "body odor" or
"pleasantness" index.  When the ambient levels of CO2 exceed their
recommendation (~1000 ppm), people start to feel that the indoor air is less
pleasant or "stuffy".

 

Health does not start to be affected until CO2 exceeds 5000 ppm. (per US EPA
and ACGIH)

 

The Building Performance Team
James V. Dirkes II, P.E., LEED AP
1631 Acacia Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616 450 8653

 

From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of amit bhansali
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 4:24 PM
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Bldg-sim] Acceptable CO2 levels

 

Hi all,

This question is not directly related to the group but i wanted to  throw it
in as many of you might know the answer.

 

What is the acceptable CO2 level for a healthcare facility? Can i find the
number in any ASHRAE standards?

-- 
Thanks

Sincerely,
Amit Bhansali, M.S. , EIT

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