Indoor Air Quality - Security and Health Risks
Date: Wednesday, 16 November 2005
Venue: York Hotel
Fees: SGD150 (BEMA Alumni) or SGD 180 (Non-BEMA Alumni)
Closing Date for registration: 7 November 2005
For enquiries on registration, please contact MsZainon
Email: bdgzbaa@nus.edu.sg or Tel: (65) 65163440 Fax: (65) 67755502
Please make the cheque payable to “BEMA, NUS” and send it by post to:
Building and Estate Management Alumni
c/o Departments of Building & Real Estate
School of Design and Environment
National University of Singapore
4 Architecture Drive
Singapore 117566
Attention : Ms Zainon
Cancellation and transfer: Payment must be received before the event. BEMA reserves the right to cancel or postpone
the event due to unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation or withdrawal will not be entertained upon confi rmation
from BEMA. However, substitution of participants is permissible at no extra charge.
Overview
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has taken significantly new perspectives in the light of recent events, thus necessitating
a re-look at the performance indicators. Beyond the comfort and environmental quality, challenges have been posed
in the form of 9/11 type threats, SARS and infectious agents, and even more mundane concerns of occupant
acceptance of indoor environment and productivity. This seminar adopts the position that these challenges have become
issues that need to be effectively tackled in today’s facilities management. It examines the gaps between current
practice and desirable performance targets, and discusses technologies and strategies that may be suitable to manage
the security and health risks.
The seminar speakers are from the Indoor Air Quality Research Unit of the Department of Building, including an
adjunct faculty from the Ministry of Health. They have been intimately involved in the development of indoor air
quality guidelines and standards, both locally and internationally, have held significant positions in the
International Society for Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ), ASHRAE Technical committees on ventilation and
thermal comfort, conducted numerous indoor air quality audits, provided input to Singapore Civil Defence Force’s
In-Place Protection schemes, played significant roles in SARS outbreak management in Singapore, and served as
members of the International Academy of Indoor Air Sciences. Their research have been regularly featured in important
journals in the field including the Lancet, Indoor Air and ASHRAE publications.
TOPICS
• Security Risks
The design and management of buildings post 9/11 is very challenging. Security considerations and threats
need to be recognized and dealt with effectively. What forms of such risks exist? What are plausible scenarios of
episodes that directly, or indirectly, challenge the performance and ability of ventilation, cleaning and filtration
systems? How vulnerable is the indoor env i ronment, and how would chemical and biological agents be
transported within buildings? These issues are discussed to provide a broader understanding and appreciation of
the risks involved in facilities design and management.
• Health Risks
Advance s in environmental science, engineering, medicine and public health have all contributed towards
eliminating many of the hazards posed to city dwellers just a generation ago but as we move into the knowledge
economy, we fear a whole range of new threats. Building-related disease, infectious bioaerosols, SARS, sick building
syndrome - the list goes on. While man continues to modify his built env i ronment, few actually understand
the existing balances with nature that can be so easily overturned. Research shows that fears often do not match the
facts. Where are the dangers? What can we do? An appreciation of these issues can help us sort out and make sense of
what we need to be concerned about.
• Today’s Environment - An Assessment
In the light of the security and health risks, a multi-faceted approach is needed to effectively meet the challenges.
Are building regulations and codes adequately identifying and providing sufficient protection to such risks?
What are the gaps between current design practice & building operation, and the desirable level of protection
and per formance of facilities? What are indicators of per formance of the ventilation and air-conditioning
systems? This discussion attempts to assess the adequacy of today’s environment and provisions and identify
what needs to be addressed.
• Technologies and Strategies to Combat Security and Health Risks
A suitable response to the challenges involves knowledge of the technologies and strategies that are available.
What are effective ventilation strategies, filtration, air cleaning and alternative technologies? Why would
they be effective? What are the considerations and difficulties in adopting these? Are there ready solutions
that could be considered? Par ticipants should develop an appreciation of the possibilities for addressing
security and health risks.
Download registration form & programme details