Answers Provided By:

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER

The following answers to questions posed during the satellite broadcast represent the opinions of the speakers and are not necessarily the positions of either ASHRAE or the Sloan Foundation. The answers were reviewed by the members of the ASHRAE Homeland Security Committee. For many of the questions and answers not all of the relevant factors were described or known.

ASSESSMENT

1. To what extent should Food Processing facilities consider themselves a High Risk building? Franklin R. Snyder, Jr. Answered on 4-14-04 broadcast by Henderson.

There is increasing concern on the part of the food industry regarding possible contamination of foodstuffs by terrorists. A number of measures are being taken to guard against such an event but the possible threats are many and diverse and the solutions are not simple. A special problem is posed by the fact that our food supply is increasingly industrialized with large volumes of foodstuffs produced in ever fewer facilities. Thus, if contamination does occur, a large number of cases may result.

Fortunately, none of the six agents about which we are most concerned (the so-called Class A agents) could be readily disseminated in our food distribution system with the exception of botulinum toxin. However, botulinum toxin is difficult to produce in quantity and its stability is problematical in solutions that are not in an appropriate range of acidity. Moreover, the toxin acts very rapidly and, since the paralysis produced by the toxin is fairly characteristic, both the disease and the likely source are apt to be reasonably quickly identified, thus permitting most other containers that are contaminated to be recalled from circulation before they can be consumed. In brief, although large outbreaks of various diarrheal disease-producing agents could be generated by terrorist action, none would be serious enough so as to threaten the integrity of our civil structure such as might occur following a large scale release of a Class A agent.

2. Are there resources or tools for accessing risk? Answered on 4-14-04 broadcast by Spielvogel.

There are quite a few techniques available that have been in use in other businesses and industries. It is one of ASHRAE’s responsibilities to translate and adapt those techniques so that they are appropriate for those who design and operate buildings. Probably, the closest techniques are from the insurance industry where they weigh the risks against the premiums. In particular, you have to look at what the potential threats are and what the facilities in a particular building are, in order to be able to weigh those risks.

3. Are there any standardized vulnerability assessment methodologies in place for assessing buildings? A piecemeal approach doesn’t allow for any comparison or prioritization. Answered on 4-14-04 broadcast by Spielvogel.

This is one of the areas that ASHRAE is working on bringing these methodologies to the members in terms that they can comprehend and use. Most of the methodologies out there today are in use by more sophisticated industries such as the chemical, nuclear power, or insurance industries. We are trying to simplify them and provide methods that a broader number of people can use.

4. Does ASHRAE recommend certain buildings, building uses, tenants, or critical nature of the building’s use, be ranked for review or redesign? Answered on 4-14-04 broadcast by Spielvogel and Burroughs.

That is a challenge. You have to remember the mentality of those who would seek to inflict harm. That means to inflict the maximum possible causalities, economic and psychological damage. This means that they are not just going for monumental buildings, but also for daycare centers, schools, etc. Imagine the impact those threats would have on our economy. The way in which we deal with these issues, and how we deal with it in our building stock, has no bearing or relation to the size or type of building. It is a matter of using judgment to determine what the risks and vulnerabilities are regarding the particular building and how to deal with it.

A lot of things that we have said are common sense kinds of things that will make for better building operation, more cost effective buildings and better energy effective operation of buildings.

I don’t believe that there is any particular ranking to that in terms of category of building. I think that all buildings should be looked at from perhaps a new set of eyes that looks at these new challenges and those applications that can and should be cost effective to apply. We should get on with doing some of these things, simply for the purpose of operating buildings better.

5. How does the building owner assess their risk? Answered on 4-14-04 broadcast by Spielvogel and Coad.

There are few resources or tools in the public domain for quantitatively or qualitatively assessing risk or vulnerability in buildings, facilities, and systems. Buildings of all types, sizes, and locations are potential targets to one degree or another. At least two firms have been working for the federal government developing programs that allow building managers, physical security specialists, and HVAC engineers to perform risk assessment for facilities. At least one other firm has developed modeling tools that reevaluate risk as various mitigation methods are pursued. This requires specialized HVAC engineering to be effective. ASHRAE is participating with ASME in developing risk guidance in general. ASHRAE will endeavor to provide guidance for its fields of expertise when it can be done responsibly and comprehensively. It will take the combined efforts of many ASHRAE committees and review by outside experts.

6. Address interaction between security measures and energy codes, possible mutually exclusive properties? Rhamy Morrison

Risk management requires us to deal with the competing factors of energy efficiency vs. chem-bio protection. For example, there is a direct relationship between increased filter performance and energy consumption. Just like we have recommended giving preference and priority to safety issues over security issues, in all but the highest risk areas preference should be given to energy issues, since they will likely have a larger influence on the building over its life.

7. Have churches been considered high risk? Rhamy Morrison

Yes, to the extent that they can be places of assembly for large numbers of people and/or they provide education and day care for children, and/or they can make a statement about religious freedom.

8. From what you describe, our most vulnerable buildings are our hospitals. Could you describe an initial checklist for hospital environments? Ernest A. Wass, P.E., Syracuse, NY

We would not necessarily consider hospitals the most vulnerable buildings. However, in the event of an attack, hospitals would likely serve a very important role in treatment and recovery for anyone injured. Hospitals are also very dependent upon the infrastructure in performing their function, so redundancy of services is important for dealing with attacks as well as natural and accidental incidents.

9. What risk and profile would you assign to public schools? James McClure, P.E.

See the answer to #7. It applies to all schools, both public and private, as well as nursery schools and day care centers. Anywhere that numbers of children could be subject to threats or harm would provide incentive for parents to keep their children at home and stay with them.

10. Has any consideration be given to the protection considerations of industrial ammonia refrigeration plants? Answered on 4-14-04 broadcast by Vallort.

Yes, very much so. You can go to ASHRAE’s website (www.ashrae.org) and check out our technical committees (TCs') and see information available in our handbooks. You may also check out the website for the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) for their bulletins and standards.

11. Is there a critical accumulation mass of Biological contaminants in the filtration system that would pose a greater risk to the inside occupants?

Generally speaking, when dealing with an airborne contaminant, the issue is one of particle “count” or concentration rather than “mass,” since the latter implies a much larger exposure dosage. The critical dosage is variable and highly dependent upon both the potency of the contaminant and the susceptibility of the individual. In the case of tuberculosis, a single bacillus can infect a patient in a nosocomial setting. It also depends upon the route of exposure, such as respiratory versus ingestion versus dermal. In many cases, the specific exposure dosage levels are not known, which leads to the application of the very highest efficiency filtration to assure an ultimate standard of care.

12. What is the micron size for a typical Anthrax powder? Shashi Panat
13. What are the common particle sizes of the biological agents, especially those mentioned in Dr. Henderson’s address? What is the necessary level of filtration needed to remove those common particles of concern?

16. Dr. Henderson mentioned agents such as Tularemia and Botilinium toxin. These are supposedly much more dangerous than anthrax and smallpox. What measures are in place to address these? Answered by Henderson on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Answer to Questions 12, 13, 16
The particle size range of aerosols of biological weapons agents which can infect man range from one up to 10 microns. Larger-sized particles will not remain suspended for long periods and, if inhaled, are usually trapped in the oropharynx and do not penetrate the lung. Bacteria, in general, fall within this range. Viruses are smaller but they may be transported by particles such as dust that are larger than one micron. Thus, a filtration system with a MERV 14 level filter or better would remove more than 95% of the particles. Note, however, that any significant reduction in the concentration of organisms would be of benefit as the likelihood of infection is dependent on the number of organisms inhaled.

There is a general consensus that the two Class A agents of greatest concern are anthrax and smallpox. Smallpox is of concern because it is contagious and anthrax because of its generally ready accessibility and the stability of its spores. Neither botulinum toxin or tularemia spread from person to person. Obtaining suitably pathogenic strains of these two agents is more difficult than for anthrax; production is more difficult; and effective dissemination, especially in the case of botulinum toxin, is far more difficult. The national stockpiles contain quantities of antibiotics suitable for treatment of tularemia and quantities of botulinum antitoxin are under production.

14. Are common gaseous filtration units effective against all of the commonly used Chem/Biological agents?

21. I realize the focus of this teleconference is on biologicals, but an equally important threat is readily available TIC (Toxic Industrial Chem/Bi - icals) used as weapons. Is ASHRAE looking at protection against these? Dr. Robert Stenner

Answer to Questions 14, 21
Yes. ASHRAE has Technical Committees that have been working for many years on particulate and gas phase contaminants.

The question(s) refer to “common” gaseous filtration units and their application for both war gases of concern as well as TICs or Toxic Industrial Chemical. In response, I would not call gaseous filtration units “common” since their application has traditionally been in very specialized and selective areas. Thus, their application and performance technology has been more of an “art form” than routine engineering. This is because of the complexities of molecular sorption and the lack of consensus standards and methods of testing performance. The current commercial products that are applied for gaseous air cleaning in buildings are activated carbon; potassium permanganate treated alumina; and various reagent treated carbons. Of the latter category, specifically ASZM-TEDA treated carbon was developed by the military for War Gases. The acronym designates the reagents that are impregnated into the carbon to maximize its control of the targeted gaseous compounds. Each of the categories of sorbents exhibit properties that enable strong control over specific categories of chemical compounds These properties could include; particle and pore size, polarity, and PH. These chemical properties are altered or enhanced by “treating” the sorbent with other chemical reagents, which is referred to as “chemisorption”. These materials are normally in a pelletized form that is applied in canisters of various bed depths and configuration. The type and configuration of canister has a great deal to do with the actual performance of the filter as this controls airflow and pressure drop, dwell time and efficiency, and media volume and life cycle.

Because of the varying properties and characteristics of the gaseous filters, no single filter or media can control all gases of concern. For example, the treated ASZM-TEDA filter controls specific war gasses. Untreated carbon controls a wide range of high molecular weight VOCs very well. Permanganate treated alumina responds well to acid gases and lower molecular weight organic compounds, like formaldehyde. For thorough protection against a wide array of industrial chemicals, such as the TIC list, a combination of gaseous filter units should be considered.

15. Can you compare relative priority of CBR protective measures versus the risk of explosives and the risk associated with CBR threats and explosives simultaneously? Jim Hoffman, McLean, Virginia. Answered by Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

The potential for each can be great, and there are no known methods for assigning priorities to any of them.

17. Are there biological detectors that can be applied to HVAC systems? Gill Freednam, Harrisonburg, PA. Answered on broadcast by Henderson 4-14-04.
18. Dr. Henderson: How easy is it to detect the presence of anthrax or smallpox? Fort Wayne, Indiana Chapter.

Answer to Questions 17, 18
There are no suitable biological detectors that can be applied to HVAC systems and, based on presently available technologies and the challenges intrinsic to rapid identification of biological agents, I don’t foresee such detectors becoming available for at least 5 years. Should smallpox or anthrax be released, the first evidence of such a release would be clinically ill patients. Smallpox has such a characteristic rash that early diagnosis is probable. Anthrax, likewise, results in an unusual illness in that many of the patients become very ill over a matter of hours to a day or so and experience difficulty in breathing. X-Rays of the chest will disclose unique findings which permit the diagnosis of anthrax within a day or two after onset.

19. What percentage of aerosolized biological pathogens would remain in outside air and would that still present a major risk even if we add filtration to buildings? ASHRAE Chapter in Montreal.

The particle size of most biological agents is relatively large as carried in air, larger than 1 micron. Dependent on the competency of the filter seal, any remaining microbiological particles downstream of filtration will depend upon the efficiency of that filter at the 1 micron size particle fraction. Ergo, if a filter is 95% efficient at 1 micron, and it is well sealed so that there is no bypass of the filter, then the remaining particulate matter will be reduced to just 5% of the challenge.

20. Dr. Henderson mentions that 5,000-10,000 Anthrax spores are required to cause an infection. We have been doing a literature search to find a defensible infectivity dose for Anthrax and have not been able to find a defensible reference. Can Dr. Henderson provide a reference for the 5,000-10,000 Anthrax spore infectivity dose? Sherri Hutchens, Aberdeen Proving Ground.

The ID50 dose for inhalational anthrax is usually stated to be between 5,000 and 10,000 spores, this being based on a substantial number of studies performed at USAMRIID some years ago. A summary reference appears in a Defense Intelligence Agency document of 1986 --Publication DST-161OF-057-86 entitled Soviet Biological Warfare Threat. It offers an even wider range of 2,500 to 55,000 but other summary publications suggest the range I have quoted. It may be that the question relates to what the fewest number of particles might be required to initiate infection. There is no satisfactory way to make that measurement. Some have suggested that even a single particle could possibly initiate infection in an individual although all would agree that the probability is extremely low of a single particle being satisfactorily implanted, adequately sequestered until germination can begin and, ultimately, causing an infection.

22. Are air washer systems as effective or less effective as dry filter systems? Answered by Burroughs on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Air washers and dry filter systems are simply different ways to extract particles from a moving airstream. The dry filter employs a media that both strains and impacts particles and retains them on the media fiber. The air washer cascades water over a high ? LARGE ? surface area collector and particles impact on the wetted surface or are impinged on water aerosol particles and then collected in the water reservoir. Air washers were used in early days of air conditioning, in hospitals for example. They are particularly good for high volumes of particulates. The reason they are not applied in HVAC settings is the moisture and humidity burden that they contribute. Thus, their primary application is for pollution control when the cleansed air can be vented to ambient atmosphere.

23. How do electronic filter fit into the program? Lin Davidson, Norfolk, Virginia. Answered by Burroughs on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Electronic Filters, electrostatic precipitators, or electronic air cleaners (EAC) can be an effective control device for controlling small respirable sized particles under optimal conditions. They were widely applied for high efficiency filtration in healthcare settings in 60s and 70s. However, they grew out of favor because of rigorous cleaning requirements and service issues resulting from their high voltage. The EAC behaves in reverse of the dry impingement media as it declines in efficiency as it ages in its life cycle. The EAC manufactures have not established a consensus end point for service, whether based on loading or time. This is why the EAC cannot be tested using the ASHRAE Standard 52.2 TM (test method ?) to establish a minimum efficiency MERV level. The EAC must also be properly prefiltered to protect the collection plates from lint/fiber build-up that causes cross shorting. More recent research has revealed a tendency for the EAC corona wires to collect microscopic build-up over time that is not removable with routine cleaning. This slowly erodes the collection performance of the filter.

24. Is anyone familiar with the “Strion Air” air filter? John Robusto, Social Security Administration.

I am aware of the “StrionAir” filter; however, I do not have any personal experience with its application or performance. I am not aware of a MERV designation for the filter system.

25. Do you have names of companies that provide filtration systems?

There are a large number of manufacturers of gas phase and particulate filtration equipment. Good sources of listing are the HPAC Engineering Info-dex at www.hpac.com and the HVACR Directory and Source Guide at www.achrnews.com.

26. Won’t simple HEPA filters mitigate biological and radiological attacks? Using Chem/Bioical filters, will they give you a false sense of security? And when depleted, pump contaminants into the building? Pat Fex, Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Yes, HEPA filters properly installed and with proper building air capture will mitigate biological and radiological attacks. The use of chemical filters (HEGA) can do the same if properly selected, installed, and serviced. Either of these approaches can give a false sense of security if they are ignored and not monitored or serviced properly. It is not likely that they would contribute contaminants to be “pumped” into the protected space. However, their failure due to poor maintenance will allow contaminants of concern to enter the building as if there was no filtration.

27. Would you recommend a HEPA filtering system to control entry of anthrax to the building? Shashi Panat, Baldwin Park, CA

HEPA filtration would be an effective deterrent against Anthrax spores. Dependent upon the level of risk, lower MERV filters, such as MERV 16 or even MERV 14 may provide acceptable protection. The selection of the filtration efficiency is always a balance of efficiency and cost. In some instances, the current HVAC system may be able to accommodate MERV 16 filters without extensive modification. Thus, the final filter selection as to type and efficiency has a great deal to with these offsetting issues of cost, system capability, and level of acceptable risk.

28. Regarding your statement (Reality #4) about HEPA filters, I am under the impression that HEPA filters are 99.97% efficient on 0.3 micron particles because 0.3 micron particles are the hardest particles to capture. Are you saying particles below 0.3 microns are not captured by HEPAs? Art Soma, Columbus, Ohio

HEPA filters are rated by an IEST (Institute of Environmental Science and Technology) test that is based on the penetration of 0.3 micron sized particles. Originally, when the HEPA was created by the research team during the WWII Manhattan project, the concern was for the control of condensation nuclei of an Iodine compound. The technology at the time indicated that 0.3 micron was the most penetrating particle size. This is because particles larger were captured by impaction or impingement and particles smaller were captured because of molecular diffusion. Since then, we now know that the most penetrating particle is closer to 0.2 microns. However, particles smaller than this level are still extracted by the HEPA due to the influence of diffusion. Thus, the efficiency curve increases at sizes smaller than the most penetrating particle size.

29. How well does new technology filtration work on the biological based weapons? UV, Ozone, Electrostatic. Ernest A. Wass, PE, Central NY Trane Co., Syracuse, NY

A number of new technologies are under investigation for the control of either and both particulate and gas phase contaminants of concern. Many of these advances are in early stages of development or are confidential. UV exposure and UV exposed catalytic surfaces may exhibit promise for both chemical modification and biological reduction. The use of pure UV tube exposure has indicated some success in biological kill based on research at RTI sponsored by ARI CR-21. The limitations are that the performance is based on multiple UV bulbs, low dwell times, controlled temperatures, and new and clean bulbs. There appeared to be limited success in the control of airborne mold spores. However, better results are occurring with direct and long-term exposure to surfaces such as A/C coils.

The use of ozone for either microbial or chemical control has favorable experience in water systems, but this success has not proven transferable to the gas phase. The O3 ion is unstable and can be destructive to building components and occupants at the concentrations required for impact on the air quality.

30. What is the responsibility of the filtration manufacturer and how can they play an active role in best assisting in educating and providing proactive solutions to the building owner and the design engineer? Vicky Holland, Southern Piedmont Chapter of ASHRAE.

There are several areas that the filter manufacturer can assist in the education of designers and users. The first is in the area of MERV level and its meaning. ASHRAE Standard 52.2 is a relatively new test and entirely different from its predecessor, ASHRAE Standard 52.1, and manufacturers can explain this distinction. The second area has to do with the life cycle costing of filters. Too many filter decisions are based on price—not value. In many cases, the more expensive filter will last longer, save labor, reduce energy and result in lower overall cost. Lastly, the manufacturer could help educate OEM manufacturers and installers that the “seal” is as important as filter efficiency. Often, higher efficiency filters fail to deliver the expected level of cleanliness because of seal, gasketing, or retainer failure—not filter efficiency.

31. Knowing that the symptoms of inhalation of anthrax or smallpox spores can take several days to several weeks to manifest themselves in the human body; do you know of any system currently in place to examine/test the HEPA/HEGA filters after being removed from service? Rhamy Morrison, East Texas Ashrae Chapter.

I am not aware of any current systems of examining expended HEPA/HEGA systems for levels and types of exposure.

32. Has ASHRAE taken into account the condition of most air handling unit retainer systems and their ability to limit bypass of contaminants downstream in “extraordinary events?” Most retainer systems currently installed allow various amounts of particulates to bypass filters and migrate into occupied spaces. Bob Mangiaforte.

The retainer system, gasketing, tracking, and other elements of the filter cartridge seal are critical to the performance of the filter system. As I indicated in the broadcast, proper sealing and retention is the first investment that should be made in upgrading the filtration performance. Air bypass around the filter will negate any increase in efficiency and may even worsen the downstream cleanliness if the filter upgrade has slightly higher static loss. Tracking should be gasketed. Retainers should be caulked and re-gasketed using an elastomeric gasket such as neoprene. Any by-pass at access doors should be corrected. Filter cartridges should be ordered from the distributor with inherent gaskets on the seal edge and on vertical matching surfaces.

33. Have guidelines for security design been developed to provide better integration with community protection services, e.g. Fire and police response agencies? If so what?

Efforts to develop guidelines are too numerous to list here, and are under way in federal, state, and local governments, as well as organizations like ANSI, NFPA, and others. For more information and links to information about some of those efforts, visit ASHRAE’s website at http://www.ashrae.org/template/AboutLinkLanding?category=1561.

34. What should be done short-term before building modifications are undertaken? Answered by Coad on 4-14-04 broadcast.

The vast majority of building systems were built solely for the purposes of environmental comfort and not life safety. Care has been given so they just operate adequately. No thought has been given to replacement filters or the efficiency of the original ones. Nor have such issues as the control of the flow of air, or if air leaks from one place to another been considered.

Now, when we go out to test buildings, we "usually" find that nothing is operating as it should. How can you put a plan in place to control the flow of these microbes, when you don’t know where things are going and if systems are operating improperly? Ergo, the first step we need to take is to recommission the building. Then start doing a retrofit. The existing building stock is the first target.

35. If efforts are passive, such as very good filtration, doesn’t this imply that filter load could be contaminated at any time? Should there be guidelines on precautions taken when removing and disposing of dirty filters? Bruce Benedict. Answered by Coad on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Yes. The fact is that this is an entirely new technology. When filtering the outside air intake, such as through a dedicated ventilating system, which is probably the best way economically and we only get one pass at it, we want to put in very good filters. The filters have to be installed properly, sealed properly, and secured.

If they are there to filter out biological agents, you can’t allow anyone who is not knowledgeable to have access to the filters for inspection and cleaning. The filters should be tested for the purposes of changing and be removed under a totally controlled and secured environment. You cannot put in chemical and biological filters and then have an unprotected maintenance person change the filters. If filters are found to be contaminated, they must be properly disposed of.

36. When protecting critical facility air intakes, what priority should we assign for funding purposes? Should we pay for it right away, or can it wait a year to two? Stewart, Portland, OR. Answered by Coad and Henderson on 4-14-04 broadcast.

For critical facility intake, you must make sure that you know where all the air is going to come in – possibly in a so-called “dedicated” outdoor air system that would bring in the ventilation air. Next, you would want to put in high quality filtration, to bring in the cleanest air possible. Again, you have to know where the air is coming from. That is under the control of the designer.

37. What are some low cost and start up items you can do right now – such as filters or sensors? Justin Ladis, Harrisonburg, PA. Answered by Coad and Henderson on 4-14-04 broadcast.

If you are talking about an existing building – Find out how the system is operating and make sure that you understand it. Next, start tightening things up or contemplate retrofitting. Consider replacing the existing HVAC system with one that has a dedicated outdoor air ventilating system that cleans, filters, dehumidifies, and treats any air coming into the building. If you have contamination on the outside, clean it up on the way in, then you won’t have a contaminated building to retrofit.

Short of a retrofit, which is expensive, you simply have to do the best you can with what you have. That means understanding how it’s working. You cannot just put in absolute filters or HEPA filters where you’ve had very low efficiency filters before, because the fans will not handle it. However, you can put in something better than just low efficiency filters.

First, recommission the system (at a very low cost). After that, do a basic retrofit. Clean the air when it comes in, clean it when it goes out (so as not to contaminate the neighborhood), and understand where the filtration system fits in the recirculation process, so that it will take out contaminants.

38. How can consulting engineers reduce any liability concerns? Answered by Coad and Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

By staying abreast of, documenting the basis for design, applying the evolving literature and standard of care in the industry, and getting written approval from the Owners.

39. Dr. Henderson or Larry Spielvogel: Concerning filtration of outside air, have any satisfactory solutions been proffered for disposal and removal of filters that may have removed chemical, biological or radiological contaminants in a critical facility protecting air intakes? Stewart, Portland, OR. Answered by Coad and Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

It is important to realize that when we talk about filtration, some or all (and other) of these questions must be asked:

• What is going to happen to the air as it starts to be circulated around?
• Where is the filter going to be located?
• Are we filtering the outside air as it comes in?
• Are we filtering the contaminated air as it goes out?
• Are we trying to reduce the amount of contaminant in the recirculated air?

We can’t look at filtration as the key to all the problems, until we have addressed where the filter is. We have learned some important lessons in dealing with filters that have been used in buildings used for hazardous research. These filters are either chemically decontaminated or incinerated. To avoid injury, it is very important to properly equip those persons who handle the filters. There are some techniques available. However, that information needs to be more widely disseminated.

40. What guidelines does ASHRAE have for cost effectiveness of retrofit of buildings for CBR protection? Bob Hollingsworth, Bellingham, WA.

ASHRAE’s January 26, 2003 document titled “Risk Management Guidance for Health, Safety, and Environmental Security under Extraordinary Incidents” addresses the assessment of risk and the range of measures to be considered in retrofit of existing buildings. Proper consideration and application of the guidance will lead to cost-effectiveness. This document can be obtained through the ASHRAE website at http://www.ashrae.org/template/AboutLinkLanding?category=1561.

41. What requirement will make manufacturers build proper filter retainers, and make installers responsible for installation? Robert Buss, Jacksonville, Florida.

The retainer system is as important as the filtration efficiency selection. Thus, designers, specifiers, and users should specify acceptable sealant aspects of the filtration system. Further, this aspect of the filter performance should be included in the commissioning requirements of any new construction or renovation activity.

42. If filters are effective, how do you monitor filters to tell that you have a problem before you send someone to change them? Rhamy Morrison, Trane/East Texas Ashrae Chapter.

Filters that may have removed chemical, biological, or radiological particulate contaminants in a critical facility protecting air intakes should be considered contaminated. Hazardous waste regulations exist for these conditions. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) provisions apply and can be found in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Basically, these requirements require double bagging the suspected filters and disposing of them the same way as friable asbestos.

It is highly unlikely that a terrorist exposure would occur without the community, the building, or occupants being aware so that service personnel would be precognitive of exposed particulate filters. Regardless, service personnel should routinely wear respiratory protection during filter changes simply because of the fine nuisance dust. It is unlikely that viable bacterial particles will survive for more than a few minutes in a moving airstream because they will desiccate. If there is a high likelihood of exposure or if there is a high level of risk, special bag-out units are available as an accessory for HEPA side-load units.

43. You have highlighted the external threat – how do you recommend dealing with internal release of an agent? Tom Hinton, Rockville, MD.

68. If you don’t have an advanced filtration system would shutting off the ventilation be the most effective means of handling an external CBR release? Dave Yelle, Allied Security, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

79. In a commercial building, if a biological agent was dispersed would it be wise to treat it as smoke in a smoke evacuation system? Joe Fellmeth, ASHRAE Gold Coast Chapter, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Answered by Persily on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Answer to Questions 43, 68, 79
There are two critical issues that must be considered in responding to these questions. First, one is assuming that they know a release has occurred and where it has occurred. This is a big assumption given the current state of detection technology and the characteristics of many of the CBR agents of concern. Second, as stressed in the satellite broadcast, it is extremely difficult to generalize on the best response to a release as it depends strongly on the building configuration, the HVAC system design, and the nature and location of the agent release. In general, if the agent is released outdoors, the objective is to limit its entry into the building. This can be done through pressurization strategies if the system has that capability or by reducing the outdoor air intake by closing dampers or shutting down the system. However, any of these strategies needs to be developed for the specific building in question and evaluated as to its feasibility before being relied upon in a real event. If the release occurs indoors, the objective is to limit its transport beyond the release location and if possible to remove it from the occupied space through filtration or exhaust. In these situations, the principles of smoke control systems can be useful, where exhaust from the release area can achieve the desired end. Again, the details of how to implement such an approach are inherently building and system specific.

The ability of any HVAC-based strategy in limiting occupant exposure to a CBR agent will depend on the level of filtration, the envelope airtightness, and the system capabilities. These should all be investigated as part of the planning process. The effectiveness will depend on all of the details referred to, and other strategies merit consideration including evacuation and shelter-in-place.

44. What is the role of CBR escape masks to protect personnel in buildings from extraordinary events? P. Spahn, Arlington, Virginia. Answered by Goldman on 4-14-04 broadcast.

The CBR escape mask gives you a short term air supply and it is usually in the form of a hood rather than a breathable nose face because of the difficulty in fitting individual faces, as the human face has a wide variability. Having the mask fit is a major problem. The hood is short term, probably the most effective way to get someone away from an immediate source of contamination, supplying about 15-20 minutes of air.

45. For personnel going in to shut off ventilation systems, should they wear PPE and at what level is recommended? Becky Foible, Niceville, Florida.

This is really three questions:

1) Should ventilation systems in contaminated buildings be shut off?
2) Should personnel entering contaminated buildings wear PPE?
3) If so, what level PPE should be worn?

Specific answers:

1) Since dilution is often a reasonable solution to pollution, it may well be the case that the ventilation systems should not be shut off, depending on the agent involved, its concentration, and the nature of the area where the ventilation discharge would be dispersed.
2) When in doubt, wear PPE; the only reason not to is if the potential time in the PPE is long enough (greater than 30 to 45 minutes), and the air temperatures warm enough (greater than 60 °F) that there might be a significant risk of heat exhaustion collapse; this would convert a mission to turn off ventilation systems to a much more challenging mission to rescue a heat illness victim.
3) Again, when in doubt, wear the best PPE available – i.e., Level A.

46. Once a terrorist event has occurred, containment and hospitals will be an immediate concern. Are there any guidelines being developed for hospitals to prevent further spread of contaminants? Thomas Spears, Tucson, Arizona.

77. In adding new rooms to a hospital, what do you recommend for additional isolation rooms? Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, WA.

Answer to Questions 46, 77
Hospital ventilation systems traditionally have been designed for infectious disease and contaminant control, using 100% outside air, HEPA filters, and pressure differentials for spaces such as isolation and operating rooms. Likewise, the military-industrial complex has adopted similar design criteria for clean rooms using HEPA filtration, laminar flow, and pressure differentials. Filtering exhaust air has been proposed in some cases, but this is utilized in areas where pathological agents are prepared or known to exist. Such additional filtration for normal occupancy has not been widely adopted for normal occupancy because of the energy losses associated with additional filtration, and/or treatment of outside air.

47. With higher filtration (HEGA and HEPA) do any of the ASHRAE Standards allow for lower amounts of outside air, due to higher quality re-circulated air? It seems in many locations that highly filtered re-circulated air may be higher quality than that of outside air. Nick Hinman, Syracuse, New York. Answered by Burroughs and Persily on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Once high efficiency HEPA and HEGA filtration is employed on the recirculation air in a building, the facility is a favorable candidate for ASHRAE Standard 62’s Indoor Air Quality Procedure of determining outdoor air requirements rather than the tabular methodology of the Ventilation Rate Procedure. Obviously, the required make-up air and the required positive pressurization air cannot be eliminated, but the excess air used for dilution can be substituted cost effectively.

48. Will ASHRAE provide guidance documents that give more specific guidance on new building design? Existing building retrofit? Answered by Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Yes, when it can be done in a technically correct, balanced, and responsible manner. Publications and programs are planned by this Committee and many Technical Committees to do just that.

49. The integrated design of new buildings requires professionals from many disciplines. How is ASHRAE working with AIA, NFPA, and IEEE to coordinate design recommendations? Richard Rucker.

ASHRAE has existing strategic alliances through MOUs, memberships, and other agreements with organizations that include the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Energy, AIA, TISP, ANSI, U.S. Green Building Council, and others. As activities in homeland security develop, more alliances pertaining specifically to infrastructure protection will evolve. At the conception of each homeland security-related activity, ASHRAE committees consider the organizations and agencies with which they should partner in order to develop and disseminate the most authoritative and effective technical information for each specific project. ASHRAE is currently working with an ever-broadening cross-section of government agencies and associations. The end goal of coordinated building design recommendations is common throughout the associations related to building design and operation, and to a large extent also throughout federal, state, and local government agencies. The realization of that goal will not be easy or fast.

50. How leaky are typical commercial buildings? How tight can a new building be realistically built?

54. What sources of data regarding commercial building envelope leakage rates exist? Answered by Persily on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Answer to Questions 50, 54
The envelopes of several hundred commercial and institutional buildings have been tested for leakage using the fan pressurization method. Some of these tests are described in a paper in the March 1999 issue of the ASHRAE Journal (Myths About Building Envelopes). These and other tests reveal that U.S. commercial buildings have envelope leakage rates similar to U.S. homes when normalized by envelope area, which are not particularly tight. However, there is significant variability among buildings that isn’t explained by age, building type or construction. Tight commercial buildings can and are being built in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere, and such tightness levels require attention to detail in design and construction.

In response to concerns about tight buildings and indoor air quality problems, that is why we have mechanical ventilation systems with outdoor air intake. A properly designed, installed and operated mechanical system will bring in adequate amounts of outdoor air, filter it, and deliver it to the occupied space, reducing the likelihood of indoor air quality problems. In fact, envelope infiltration can lead to indoor air quality problems as the outdoor air entry via this mechanism is uncontrolled as to rate and distribution, unfiltered, and can contribute to moisture problems.

51. Is it realistic to expect that an existing building can be pressurized sufficiently to keep wind-driven CBR agents out of the buildings?
52. What systems are available to accurately measure pressurization of buildings in relation to atmosphere/outdoors? Patrick Fex, Pensacola, Florida.

55. Strategy to maintain indoor pressure higher than outdoor to prevent inflow of contaminants. Is this achievable during moderate to high wind conditions? Bruce Benedict.
56. What amount of outside air is recommended to pressurize a building to 0.01 inches positive pressure? And what building pressure does he recommend? Patrick Fex, Pensacola, Florida.

59. What are the actual pressures needed to isolate specific rooms and positive building pressurization? For instance, if we wanted to isolate a mailroom, what type of negative pressure would we need? In addition, it is my understanding from your presentation that to ensure optimum building filtration of outdoor air, the entire building should be under positive pressure compared to outdoors, more supply than exhaust. Is this correct? If this is the case, how much positive pressure is needed? Edward F. Kucskar Jr.

Answer to Questions 51, 52, 55, 56, 59
While there have been some suggestions of recommended pressurization levels on the order of 5 Pa to perhaps 10 Pa (0.02 to 0.04 inches of water), no standard requirements have been developed. In theory, as long as the pressure is higher indoors than outdoors, pressurization will be successful. However, in practice the level of pressurization needs to be based on the pressures that need to be overcome, primarily those due to wind and stack effects in addition to those induced by system operation. Therefore, each building’s pressurization strategy should be designed based on the climate, the building height, and the envelope leakage. And while providing more supply airflow than exhaust is necessary to pressurize a building, it may not be sufficient. One must determine the amount of oversupply based on the design pressure differences, and consider the pressures over the entire building envelope as a function of height as well as local effects such as those associated with return air plenums that are negatively pressurized relative to the occupied space.

The pressures and airflows required to isolate specific rooms, such as mailrooms, again must be based on considerations of the pressures that must be overcome as a function of weather and system operation. The use of a dedicated air handler or exhaust system in such spaces, along with real-time pressure monitoring and control, can help ensure the success of such strategies. There are many available devices for monitoring pressure differences in buildings, including several that are commonly employed in laboratory and healthcare ventilation systems.

53. One recommendation was to seal the envelope. This will be relatively effective for biological agents, but our past recent experience has shown tight buildings can result in other IAQ problems. What is being done to consider this? Jerry Manford, Austin, Texas. Answered by Persily on 4-14-04 broadcast.

The issue there is that you just don’t seal the envelope. You have a ventilation system to bring in controlled amounts of outdoor air, distribute it as intended by the design and condition and filter it. Build it tight and ventilate it right – that is the objective.

57. What is the recommended Pascal pressure for a public building? I understand 2 – 3 is adequate. Barney said, "5 – 7 is recommended". Tom Longacre, Jacksonville, Florida. Answered by Persily and Burroughs on 4-14-04 broadcast.

I am not aware of any specific pressurization standards that have been developed. I have seen as little as single digit Pascals and as much as hundreds, however, there is no standard. What you really have to look at are the pressures you’re fighting against. That might be induced by the wind, the environment around the building, the height of the building as it determines the stack pressure as it exits.

The 5-7 really comes out of guidance from the military standards, however, based on countering about a 15 mph wind. Obviously seasonal changes would vary that and obviously, internal conditions such as stack effect and other points would change the need.

60. In the event of a biological agent being released into a given HVAC system, what decontamination is suggested? Jim Klenner, Indianapolis Chapter of ASHRAE. Answered by Henderson on 4-14-04 broadcast.

One of the most difficult quandaries at present is endeavoring to determine how to destroy spores in a building after a release, what sampling methodologies are most appropriate to detect spores and what measures need to be taken to assure that a building is safe to be reoccupied. Anthrax spores are very hardy and can persist for decades. There are no easy answers to these questions: however, there is a lot of work being done by different agencies.

61. Is there any move towards the use of UV lights or is there a specific reason why not? Chris Smith.

There is further discussion of this issue in the response to question 59.

63. Does the implementation of UVC sterilizing lights in a ducting system or air handler have any impact on the stated Biological contaminants?

(From George Glavis.) Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection has been explored for many years as one of several mitigation approaches. Several issues that have been examined include intensity degradation over lamp life, lamp failure, uniform exposure across airstream, particulate interference, and adequate contact time vs. energy to ensure pathogen destruction. Thus far, there do not seem to be any definitive studies on airborne destruction of non-vegetative spores of concern at airstream velocities approaching 400 fpm.

(From Barney Burroughs.) Refer to answer 29 for general discussion of UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation). Although UVGI has a long history of usage in the healthcare industry for the control of airborne bacterial contaminants, such as TB bacillus, the application was primarily to upper room air. The more recent activity and promotion regarding UVGI is for in-duct installation. The performance of UVGI in high velocity air streams of the distribution system is not as well documented scientifically. The driver of this trend is the control of viable mold spores and the control of fungal contamination in HVAC systems and moving air steams serving conditioned space. There is good evidence that long term UV irradiation of surfaces, such as wet coils, can retard fungal growth. However, research performed at the Research Triangle Institute (published at the ARI CR-21 web site) indicates some areas of concerns and variability. These variables that affect microbial control efficacy for in-duct application include: air velocity (which limits dwell-time and exposure); air temperature (lower temperatures affect UV bulb performance; bulb count, cleanliness, age, and location; and microbe species (some species are more resistant than others). In addition to these variables, there is an indication from prior research that higher relative humidity may impair the efficacy of the UVGI. The science is also vague on the control of airborne virus particles. Furthermore, there is indication that the best usage of UVGI is in conjunction with other systems, such as High Efficiency Particulate Filtration.

62. Please comment on the effectiveness of lithium chloride spray systems and UVC light against aerosol biotoxins. Richard Rucker.

The lithium chloride system can have positive affect on biological particles in the air. However, such systems have problems inherent to themselves, such as corrosiveness, that limit their application in commercial buildings.

64. Can you recommend any low maintenance and mechanically simple methods of protecting ground level fresh air intake? Terese Bear, Austin, TX. Answered by Burroughs and Persily on 4-14-04 broadcast.

I will assume that the question implies that you are not prepared to move the intake, as sometimes there are practical and economic constraints that make that an unattractive option. The alternative is to create some type of barrier to limit access to street traffic, if that is possible; another, less useful, option is the use of surveillance cameras.

Obviously, filtration can come into play but one would ask whether they (routinely) wouldn’t have a containment problem in the building, if they don’t have some kind of enhanced filtration installed. Street level air is dirtier by orders of magnitude than air 30 or 40 feet higher. So it becomes simplistic that enhanced filtration would add value to the building, whether an event would occur or not, these are day-to-day operational issues.

65. Given the need for more filtration, and tight damper shut-off, does this preclude the use of unit ventilators in future design? Mac Stewart.

As noted during the satellite broadcast, the appropriate strategies for a given building depend on the building layout, the system type and configuration, and the level of threat to which the building is likely to be exposed. From a chem-bio security perspective, not all buildings will require high levels of filtration and airtight, fast-acting dampers. In such cases, all else being equal, unit ventilators are not any more or less appropriate based on chem-bio vulnerability. In buildings where a high level of protection is required, unit ventilators may not be as appropriate as they would be otherwise. However, again, it is very difficult to generalize and one must consider the full range of factors before ruling any particular technology in or out.

Recent developments of pleated filters in 1" depths are making available higher efficiencies (in the MERV 6, 8, and 11 range) using newly developed fiber technology and pleating manufacturing techniques. Though higher in cost, these filters provide enhanced efficiency with an acceptable pressure drop in a wide range of filter sizes. Thus, they can be applied in categories of equipment, such as fan-coil units and residential furnaces where enhanced filtration was not previously possible or practical. Furthermore, the usage of dual systems is increasing with an independent ventilation system providing ventilation, pressurization, high efficiency filtration, and latent humidity control. Since the ventilation system delivers neutral air, this enables the usage of fan-coil and other lighter duty equipment alternatives for sensible control of recirculated air.

66. What recommendations can be made for exhaust energy recovery that can still allow for proper safety concerns? Are heat wheels now a bad idea for critical buildings? Nick Hinman, New York Trane. Answered by Persily on 4-14-04 Broadcast.

Partial answer –I wouldn’t say that they are necessarily a bad idea, there are issues that need to be addressed – in terms of carry over and similar issues. I am not an expert on the subject of heat pipes and other strategies for heat exchange where the two air streams are kept well separated.

67. In your opinion for a small release of an agent, is it better to leave the ventilation system running in an effort to diffuse and disperse the agent to a point that reduces the likelihood of "sickness"? In the theory that if the ventilation system is stopped, the agent will be stuck or concentrated in one area and increase the likelihood of infection. Kevin Wallace from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. Answered by Persily on 4-14-04 broadcast.

I will assume that an agent has been released and that you have time to impact the exposure of the occupants through a change in the ventilation system operation. That is a big assumption, given where we are with detector technology today. It also depends on where it has been released. If it is somewhere near an exhaust vent location and being drawn from the building, it would probably be best to leave it be. There are a lot of ifs. There is a lot of advance knowledge assumed in terms of where it occurred, how the system is running, and other things. Re-emphasizing the point of understanding what your system is intended to be doing and making sure that it is doing it.

69. Are you aware of filtration systems available for buildings that could be applied to commercial aircraft HVAC systems? George Robinson, Transportation Safety Administration.

The critical component or media ingredients employed in HEPA and HEGA equipment can be sized and applied for other structures, such as aircraft cabins. The latter application imposes special size and air velocity constraints, but these can be overcome with filter canister configuration engineering.

70. Mr. H. E. Barney Burroughs: I thought your presentation was excellent and would like to find out how I can get a copy of your slide show. Please e-mail to me, if possible. Edward F. Kucskar Jr.

89. Is the Power Point Presentation available to be used as handouts for the attendees? Steve Miclette, New Orleans, LA. Answered by Vallort on 4-14-04 broadcast.
90. This was an extremely informative and valuable broadcast. Will ASHRAE be doing more such broadcasts in the future? And where can I go to get more information on ASHRAE? Answered by Vallort on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Answer to Questions 70, 89, 90
Yes, we will. Go to the ASHRAE website (www.ashrae.org) for more information.

71. The recommendation is that we not prescribe solutions in code so that we do not signal the provided features. How does this coordinate with the fact that in most jurisdictions the construction documents are public documents filed at the permitting office. During construction they are also spread among the trades. Is there a recommendation to restrict public access to documents? Tom Matthias -- Tallahassee, FL

Providing generic design information for Indoor Air Quality allows the construction industry to build adequate infrastructure without all the design information associated with Chem-Bio protection. ASHRAE has published general information which includes basic design criteria for elevated air intakes, enhanced filtration, and pressure differences where feasible.

72. Are there any special measures or strategies being developed for buildings making up telecommunication networks? Mario Czaramicoli, Montreal Canada.

Years ago the telecommunication industry designed networks and support facilities with standby power as a key survivability requirement. Filtration was addressed also where smog and poor air quality impacted fine mechanisms in the switching equipment. Enhanced indoor air quality with much better filtration, temperature, and relative humidity control was incorporated as electronic switching systems replaced electro-mechanical relay equipment. De-regulation removed some design criteria such as the Bell System Standards, but if the underlying precepts are retained they should be adequate for modern communication facilities.

73. Ralph Goldman: Has he tried “Cool Vest” with gel packs? Rob Hollingsworth, Bellingham, Washington.

Yes, as well as innumerable similar systems. Most, including cool vest, offer, at best, inadequate cooling, both in terms of the rate of heat removal and the duration of effectiveness. In addition, many add to the wearer’s heat production by their weight (metabolic cost is 2 calories per pound carried even at normal walking speed), hobbling of motion (metabolic cost increases ~ 4% for each additional layer worn) and many require re-supply of cooling agent or replacement of pre-frozen heat sinks, thus adding a requirement for additional personnel who might better be used otherwise. Finally, many such systems, although not cool vest, are not rugged enough for practical field use having been developed and tested in laboratory settings.

74. Other than filtration, what other effective means of treating potentially contaminated outdoor air are available? Matt Nelson, Cleveland, OH.

Depending on the volume of air to be treated and the nature of the agent, decontamination of specific agents by passing the air through a chlorinated bath, or by superheating the air to decompose the agents have been used in the field; e.g., contaminated Russian tanks were swabbed with bleach or passed though pairs of jet engine exhaust to eliminate the off gassing of agent from their surface. Of course, this is very site specific, and might be impossible for large volumes of contaminated air; for these, natural settling or dispersion to sub-lethal levels by air motion may be the only solution.

There are a number of other techniques. Many are highly specialized, expensive, currently under development, or useful in only small confined space. Currently, commercial particulate and gas phase filtration represents the most economical, dependable, and applicable to large commercial conditioned buildings.

75. What other protective measures are available against radiological agents, besides building filtration systems, if any?

Interposing a complete barrier system, e.g., a surface totally impermeable to gases, vapors, liquids and particulates (e.g., a Level A garment material). Of course, prompt removal of any surface contamination by washing with bleach, mopping and/or scrubbing to ensure removal of anything adhering to the surface before it can begin to permeate into the outer surface, migrate through the material and be released at the inner surface is essential since, although bacterial agents can be excluded by such materials, no non-massive barrier is impermeable by nuclear radiation and even the best materials suffer breakthrough by many chemical agents given enough time; i.e., “breakthrough time”.

76. It is widely advertised that the world is “free of Smallpox”. Since there are secretly operating labs for smallpox, does it mean that we are still open to danger worldwide? Shashi Panat, Baldwin Park, CA. Answered by Henderson on 4-14-04 broadcast.

Yes. It has been 26 years since the occurrence of the last case of smallpox, which, incidentally, occurred in the United Kingdom as a result of a laboratory accident. No cases have occurred in nature. Two laboratories, one in Russia and one in the United States, are sanctioned by the World Health Organization to retain and do research on the virus. There is no way to know whether, or if, other countries have secret laboratories. Such laboratories could be very small, employing only a few people and using ordinary equipment that would be found in any virological laboratory. Because vaccination stopped world-wide more than 20 years ago, there are many susceptible people who could become infected with smallpox. Smallpox kills 30% of its victims and there is no treatment. We believe that it is unlikely that smallpox would be released but the problem is that it could be a catastrophe if it were.

78. What role does humidity play in the toxicity of the biohazards that have been discussed today? Mark Brinser, Central PA Chapter ASHRAE

(From George Glavis) Higher relative humidity generally contributes to spore vegetation. Depending on the organism, it may contribute to higher toxicity.

(From Barney Burroughs) Although not a complete answer to the question, there is indication that higher humidities are beneficial to airborne bacterial contaminants. This is because they are vulnerable to desiccation, which is more likely in low relative humidity environments. There is further indication that higher humidities may influence the efficacy of UVGI; although there is further research underway on this area.

80. If you have a building that does not have efficient filtration to clean outside air and/or leakage is so great to prevent pressurization, what is recommended for response to an external release? Don Hadley, Richland, Washington. Answered by Persily on 4-14-04 broadcast.

I assume from this question that you have a choice between tightening the building and/or enhancing the filtration. The sealing issue should be taken care of before you handle the filtration. Envelope leakage is a form of filter bypass. Take care of the filter bypass whether it is in the filter housing or in the cracks of the wall. You will be enhancing the overall filtration system efficiency by fixing the leaks, wherever they are.

81. Are there any control devices that can detect the presence of Biological contaminants? Franklin R. Snyder, Jr., Lancaster, PA

We are not aware of devices that can detect many of the potential biological contaminants that likely would be used, nor are we aware of devices that can detect most biological contaminants in sufficient time to reduce or eliminate the impact on the occupants.

82. What Homeland Security upgrades for buildings add to the building quality in non-emergency building operation? Answered by Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

The extent to which these upgrades enhance building quality depend on the use of the building and the particular upgrades used. Two salient features warrant highlighting - a. Enhancing tightness and pressurization where possible reduces moisture encroachment and b. Better filtration improves IAQ. The judgment of the designer and agreement by the Owner will determine which upgrades provide the benefits desired.

83. Can the insurance industry add helpful assessment of risk in demonstrating that new design is adequate? Answered by Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

We are not aware of any wide spread insurance industry risk assessment methods, except for those applications that are potentially high priority targets. Even then, there is fortunately little actuarial basis for setting insurance risk.

84. Do you expect tax incentives for upgrading building security as there was for fallout shelters in the 1960s? Answered by Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

To our knowledge, there are none now, and none being proposed. There has been legislation that deals with insurance and limiting the liability of those who sell products and services or who advise on terror risk mitigation.

85. If the risk for a building (like a State Capitol building) is assessed privately and kept private then how can building owners know what the standard of care is for the industry? Or, how can we in the industry share this information? Jim Butler, ASHRAE Central Illinois Chapter. Answered by Spielvogel on 4-14-04 broadcast.

We believe that Designers and Owners should jointly study and agree on the specific techniques to be implemented in each situation, based on the published and presented literature. These should be documented and kept confidential.

86. What work is being done for underground transportation systems?

The ASHRAE Technical Committees with expertise in this area are presenting programs and preparing publications.

87. NIOSH has published guidance for various building styles, is ASHRAE working with and sharing information with them? Art Soma

Yes. ASHRAE promptly convened a presidential working group following 9-11 that provided initial HVAC guidance four months later during the ASHRAE annual conference and in the ASHRAE Journal. NIOSH built upon this initial ASHRAE framework, drawing in large part from committee representatives that were ASHRAE members. This information exchange continues with ASHRAE members on NIOSH and Homeland Security committees.

88. Question for Larry from Curtis Anderson at the Minnesota Chapter: Have you asked the Air Force and Army Corps of Engineers for technical information and lessons learned? DOD facilities in foreign countries have had some experience with security. Richard D. Hermans, PE

Yes, a great deal of the information and advice we provide comes from years of experience in situations that have been at risk for a long time. In addition to the Military Agencies, we also interact with the State Department and other engineering societies and construction industry organizations.