1. Off GassingEnvironmental Quality AssignmentProfessor Pam Haise By Kelsey Sanderson and Jen Buckell Group 020

2. Topic Off Gassing DefinitionsOff Gassing - Off gassing is the evaporation of volatile chemicals in non-metallic materials at normal atmospheric pressure.VOC - volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are quot;compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature.quot; This process is referred to as quot;off-gassingquot;. Major sources of Volatile Organic Compounds in the home to watch out for:Household products like hair spray, perfume, room deodorizerAppliances and electronics such as copiers, printers, computersStructural building components such as blown foam insulation, wall coverings 3. Major sources of VOCs in the home to watch out for 4. Impacts Agriculture Pesticides used for agriculture have been proven to have very harmful effects on health, sometimes causing illness, cancer and death to humans They are a leading cause of poisonings here in Canada and have been estimated to account for thousands deaths each year globally. Not only is pesticide use harmful to humans through off gassing and exposure, it is extremely harmful to the environment causing run off into our water supply and killing animals, which are crucial to the function of the food chain. Children are exposed to potentially carcinogenic pesticides from use in homes, schools, other buildings, lawns and gardens, through food and contaminated drinking water, from agricultural application drift, over spray, or off-gassing, and from carry-home exposures of parents occupationally exposed to pesticides 5. Impacts IndustrialOff gassing occurs with many products used to build industrial warehouses and production factories.Factories then produce many items and products that off gas as well.This creates a cycle of off gassingUsing reduced VOC products, building materials and chemicals can decrease the negative impact on both humans and the environment, but these organic, natural and reduced VOC products are not as common and are more expensive then products, which do off gas.These products include: bamboo flooring, cork flooring, paint (releases no VOCs), floor finishing and stains (non toxic, low VOC), Dura foam sealer (No VOCs, non ozone depleting formula) These products could reduce large amounts of hazardous off gassing and sick building syndrome, as well provide a safer and healthier environment for all occupants and users. 6. Sick Building Syndrome Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) or Building-related Illness may be more common than you think. It's a modern day disease of our airtight energy efficient homes and the stagnant chemical or biological pollutant filled air that may consequently accumulate indoors. Sick Building Syndrome started to become a problem in the early 1970's when increasing numbers of people began reporting allergic-like reactions and headaches from unspecified causes. SBS symptoms result from build up of vapors and particles from off gassing and breakdown of these products in tightly sealed buildings, which are poor in ventilation. 7. Impacts Social and Cultural Off gassing is a part of everyday life. We are at times extremely exposed to off gassing without even realizing it. For example: When we are in our cars, we are being exposed to many chemicals, from our seats, air freshener, glues, plastics and metals that comprise our vehicle. At work not only products such as; whiteout, glue, markers and chalk off gas, but our desks and surroundings in the whole building may be off gassing. At home products for cleaning, insulation, flooring and furniture all create the hazard of off gassing. In a society where we are constantly trying to get more for less, we are putting our health and environment in danger. Products sold in bulk such as paint primer, cleaner, building materials and adhesives all can produce a large amount of off gas when left to sit until further use. 8. Off Gassing in Other CountriesThe United States is using technology such as; spray foam insulation, ThermaPureHeat, and indoor air quality testing to reduce off gassing. Companys such as AM Construction located in the United States specialize in, Foam spray insulation: foam that insulates walls, crawl spaces, roofs, attics, basements, wineries and foundations. It is environmentally friendly because it does not contain ozone depleting chemicals, formaldehyde or asbestos. Toxic substances are not emitted based on current off-gassing tests. ThermaPureHeat offers the following service to decrease the effects of off gassing due to formaldehyde. The ThermaPureHeat process can be used to accelerate the process of off gassing. Our technique for off gassing formaldehyde greatly reduces formaldehyde in any structure. Companys like NTA, Inc. provide air quality testing services which, not only ensure the integrity of your test, but they also help solve any deficiencies identified by the test. They also provide precise documentation of results and methodologies in an easy-to- understand format. all businesses should consider air testing on a regular to annual basis to ensure they are providing a safe working environment for there employees, As well home testing will also help ensure a safe and healthy environment for your family and friends. 9. Off Gassing in Other CountriesCulture Off gassing is not effected by culture. All cultures use products that produce off gassing and cause harm to the environment. Although some highly populated countries such as China produce more off gas because they are manufacturing and using more products that cause off gassing.Agriculture Off gassing effects agriculture in other countries, just as much as it does in Canada. Pesticide use may be greater or less in some countries due to laws and regulations. However in countries with little or no laws on pesticides the effects of off gassing will be greater. Larger populations, higher insect infestation problems and increased food supply and demand all have an impact on the amount of off gassing being produced. 10. Effects Off gassing is effecting the air we breath, indoors and outdoors. Making it harder to breath while doing recreational activities, this can be very discouraging to participants. The participants vulnerability increases significantly through the frequency of exposure to a particular threat, and the intensity of effort exerted in that degraded environment.Recreation facilitys may rely on products for their pools, gyms, outdoor areas and indoor skating rinks, which all create a large amount of off gas. The following gives a brief description of these hazards in relation to their use in areas of a recreation facility. Ice arena air pollution. Indoor air has been shown to contain harmful substances in ice arenas. The problem stems from the machines used for resurfacing, which produce toxic gases, primarily carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Indoor swimming pools. Health risks have been found to result from both air quality and water quality. The most commonly identified risk is posed by gas chlorinators, which are used for disinfecting pools Sports fields and parks use pesticides and herbicides , which can cause negative effects on humans range from allergic reactions and respiratory ailments to nausea, numbness, paralysis, birth defects and even death. 11. Recommendations Prevention of off gassing is one way we can reduce the amount produced and the effects it has on our health and environment. The following are some suggestions, which can and should be used by individuals, businesses and industries to prevent off gassing in current everyday life and the future.Greener cleaning products. Reduced VOC paint and household renovation items. Using little or no pesticides Making sure your home and office has a clean air filtration system or source. Regular air quality testing. Do not buy chemical products in bulk, if they are not going to be used immediately. Products like gas, varnish, stains, paints and other open and unused chemicals can cause a large amount of off gassing, and should not be brought indoors. Dispose of unused and old chemicals by bringing them to a Household Hazardous Waste Depots Participate in recreation activities with reduced off gassing such as; salt water pools, outdoor sports on pesticide free fields, outdoor skating rinks. 12. Although it may seem impossible to avoid off gassing, we can all makechanges to reduce the amount produced and the effects it has on our health and environment. By following the prevention tips and choosing to go green with cleaning and building products we can begin the change. Although this threat may not seem critical to some, it truly is a problem that contributes to our already degrading environment and growing pollution levels. If we havethe opportunity to reduce our footprint and green house gasses, we should take advantage. Our planet and future health relies on the changes we maketoday. 13. Thank you for listening to our presentationBut Please