Learn the most effective way to prevent indoor pollutants in buildings according to the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam. Detailed explanation provided.
Table of Contents
Question
What is the best way to prevent a building’s indoor pollutant(s)?
A. Test for radon
B. Monitor carbon dioxide
C. Eliminate or control pollutants at the source
D. Remove any pollutants that enter the building
Answer
The best way to prevent a building’s indoor pollutant(s) is:
C. Eliminate or control pollutants at the source
Explanation
The best way to prevent a building’s indoor pollutant(s) is to eliminate or control pollutants at the source. Indoor pollutants are substances or particles that can adversely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a building and the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Indoorpollutants can originate from various sources, such as building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, combustion appliances, outdoor air, or occupant activities.
Eliminating or controlling pollutants at the source can prevent them from entering or spreading in the indoor environment, which can reduce the exposure and risk for the occupants. Some examples of source control strategies are: using low-emitting materials, installing local exhaust ventilation, sealing combustion appliances, implementing green cleaning practices, and prohibiting smoking.
The most effective approach to preventing indoor pollutants in buildings is to eliminate them entirely or control them at their source before they have a chance to enter and spread throughout the building. Some key strategies include:
- Selecting building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products that are low-emitting and do not off-gas harmful chemicals
- Ensuring proper ventilation and exhaust, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms with combustion appliances
- Implementing a smoking ban in the building
- Using walk-off mats and grates at entrances to capture pollutants tracked in on shoes
- Establishing a stringent cleaning protocol to prevent buildup of pollutants
While testing for specific pollutants like radon, monitoring CO2 levels, and removing pollutants that do enter are all important, they are largely reactive measures. Proactively eliminating and controlling pollutants at their source is the top priority and most impactful way to maintain healthy indoor air quality. Source control reduces the introduction of pollutants in the first place, lessening the burden on ventilation and filtration systems to remove them later.
So in summary, while a multifaceted approach is needed, eliminating and controlling pollutants at their source is the best starting point and most effective way to prevent indoor pollutants according to the LEED framework and green building best practices. The other choices can supplement source control but are secondary in importance.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.