Human health risk assessment and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems hygiene

Abstract

The tropical climate (high heat and relative humidity) of Singapore is one that requires building owners to install and maintain ACMV systems to ensure that airborne contaminants are kept at acceptable levels, to maintain a conducive temperature and humidity for building occupants to be comfortable and productive. Most components (filters, fans, cooling coils etc.) in the ACMV systems are inspected and maintained at scheduled intervals based on requirement but the ducting network of these systems are not required to be cleaned or serviced, leading to dust accumulation and possibly increased likelihood in building occupants developing Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).