Lesson 3: A Fast Cleanup
Handout 1

Sources for the Pollutants

OUTDOOR SOURCES BUILDING EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS/ FURNISHINGS OTHER POTENTIAL INDOOR SOURCES

Polluted  Outdoor Air

  • Pollen, dust, mold spores
  • Industrial emissions
  • Vehicle and non-road engine emissions (cars, buses, trucks, lawn and garden equipment 

Nearby Sources

  • Loading docks 
  • Odors from dumpsters
  • Unsanitary debris or building exhausts near outdoor air intakes 

Underground Sources

  • Radon 
  • Pesticides 
  • Leakage from underground storage tanks

 

HVAC Equipment

  • Mold growth in drip pans, ductwork, coils, and humidifiers 
  • Improper venting of combustion products
  • Dust or debris in ductwork

Non-HVAC Equipment

  • Emissions from office equipment (volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone) 
  • Emissions from shop, lab, and cleaning equipment 

 

 

 

Components

  • Mold growth on or in soiled or water-damaged materials 
  • Dry drain traps that allow the passage of sewer gas 
  • Materials containing VOCs, inorganic compounds, or damaged asbestos
  • Materials that produce particles (dust)

Furnishings

  • Emissions from new furnishings and floorings 
  • Mold growth on or in soiled or water-damaged furnishings 

 

  • Science laboratory supplies 
  • Vocational art supplies 
  • Copy/print areas 
  •  Food prep areas
  • Smoking lounges 
  • Cleaning materials 
  • Emissions from trash 
  • Pesticides
  •  Odors and VOCs from paint, chalk, adhesives
  • Occupants with communicable diseases
  • Dry-erase markers and similar pens 
  • Insects and other pests 
  • Personal care products 
  • Stored gasoline and lawn and garden equipment