Occupant health in buildings: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the opinions of building professionals and implications on research

Awada, Mohamad; Becerik-Gerber, Burçin; White, Elizabeth M.; Hoque, Shamia; O’Neill, Zheng; Pedrielli, Giulia; Wen, Jin; Wu, Teresa

doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108440

Cited by 76 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 188 publications

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“…While developing scientific-based consensus guidance is one part of the problem in managing WQ issues in building plumbing systems, its effective translation to practitioners is another challenge. Studies have been conducted to understand practitioner perspectives on risk management for biosolids [53], bioterrorism [54], unconventional gas extraction [55], and the impact of COVID-19 on environmental and occupational health in buildings [56]. However, to the best of our knowledge, facility managers' perspectives have not been considered yet in building water quality management research.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Practitioners’ Perspective on the Prevalent Water Quality Management Practices for Legionella Control in Large Buildings in the United States

Singh

Chauhan

Fogarty

et al. 2022

Water

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Managing building water systems is complicated by the need to maintain hot water temperatures high enough to control the growth of Legionella spp. while minimizing the risk of scalding. This study assessed water quality management practices in large buildings in the United States. Surveys conducted with building water quality managers found that more than 85% of buildings have hot water temperatures that are consistent with scald risk mitigation guidelines (i.e., <122 °F/50 °C). However, nearly two thirds and three quarters of buildings do not comply with the common temperature guidance for opportunistic pathogen control, i.e., water heater setpoint > 140 °F (60 °C) and recirculation loop > 122 °F (50 °C), respectively; median values for both setpoint and recirculation loop temperatures are 10 °F (6 °C) or more below temperatures recommended for opportunistic pathogen control. These observations suggest that many buildings are prone to Legionella spp. risk. The study also found that 27% of buildings do not comply with guidelines for time to equilibrium hot water temperature, over 33% fail to monitor temperature in the recirculation loop, more than 70% fail to replace or disinfect showerheads, more than 40% lack a written management plan, and only a minority conduct any monitoring of residual disinfectant levels or microbiological quality. Given the rise in Legionellosis infections in recent years, coupled with highlighted water quality concerns because of prolonged water stagnation in plumbing, such as in buildings closed due to COVID-19, current management practices, which appear to be focused on scald risk, may need to be broadened to include greater attention to control of opportunistic pathogens. To accomplish this, there is a need for formal training and resources for facility managers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Practitioners’ Perspective on the Prevalent Water Quality Management Practices for Legionella Control in Large Buildings in the United States

Singh

Chauhan

Fogarty

et al. 2022

Water

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“…If yes, then what are the actions of linking? Numerous studies demonstrated the correlations between building design, occupant's health, satisfaction, and productivity ( Awada et al, 2022 , Lee et al, 2019 , Samet and Spengler, 2003 ; Bangwal, 2019b). However, it shall be stated that this type of relationship has not yet been tested to solidly the effect of LEED-certified hotel building design on individual hospitality employee performance through the mediating role of mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hotel building design, occupants’ health and performance in response to COVID 19

Bangwal

Suyal²,

Kumar

2022

International Journal of Hospitality Management

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“…The existence of numerous guidelines established for air quality and ventilation (ASHRAE standards 62.1 and 62.2 [ 8 ]) helped practitioners to widely adopt them in this particular context. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of professionals who are aware of the importance of these building parameters and their effect on occupant health in comparison to other attributes [ 9 ]. Such an opportunity must be taken to support the professionals in improving the indoor air quality in dwellings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Latest Trends in Pollutant Accumulations at Threatening Levels in Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings with and without Mechanical Ventilation: A Review

Niculita‐Hirzel

2022

IJERPH

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Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a major target in developed countries toward decreasing their energy consumption and CO2 emissions. To meet this target, a large number of countries have established energy codes that require buildings to be airtight. While such a retrofitting approach has improved health outcomes in areas with heavy traffic, it has worsened the health outcomes in Nordic countries and increased the risk of lung cancer in areas with high levels of radon emissions. This review highlights the importance of adapting the characteristics of energy-efficient residential buildings to the location, age, and health of inhabitants to guarantee healthy indoor pollutant levels. The implementation of mechanical ventilation in new energy-efficient buildings has solved some of these problems; however, for others, a decrease in the level of outdoor pollutants was still required in order to achieve a good indoor air quality. A good balance between the air exchange rate and the air humidity level (adapted to the location) is key to ensuring that exposure to the various pollutants that accumulate inside energy-efficient buildings is low enough to avoid affecting inhabitants′ health. Evidence of the protective effect of mechanical ventilation should be sought in dwellings where natural ventilation allows pollutants to accumulate to threatening levels. More studies should be carried out in African and Asian countries, which, due to their rapid urbanization, use massive volumes of unproven/unrated building materials for fast-track construction, which are frequent sources of formaldehyde and VOC emissions.

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Occupant health in buildings: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the opinions of building professionals and implications on research

Cited by 76 publications

References 188 publications

Practitioners’ Perspective on the Prevalent Water Quality Management Practices for Legionella Control in Large Buildings in the United States

Practitioners’ Perspective on the Prevalent Water Quality Management Practices for Legionella Control in Large Buildings in the United States

Hotel building design, occupants’ health and performance in response to COVID 19

Latest Trends in Pollutant Accumulations at Threatening Levels in Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings with and without Mechanical Ventilation: A Review

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