scope:

THIS chapter introduces the field of environmental health as it pertains to the indoor environment, briefly covering problem identification, control, and regulations. The role of HVAC professionals in delivering clean, appropriately conditioned air and removing contaminants is vital, both in industrial and nonindustrial environments, making some knowledge of indoor environmental health helpful. Architectural, structural, cleaning, maintenance, materials use, and other activities that affect the environment often are outside engineers' control; nevertheless, whenever possible, the HVAC professional should encourage features and decisions that create a healthy indoor environment.