CMI Indoor Air Quality Assessment 3

Question 1

The term 'sick building syndrome' (SBS) differs from 'building-related illness' (BRI) primarily because:

Accepted Answer

SBS symptoms resolve after leaving the building while BRI has a diagnosable cause that persists

Answer

SBS has an identifiable specific cause while BRI does not

Answer

SBS only affects industrial workers and BRI affects residential occupants

Answer

SBS is caused exclusively by mold while BRI is caused by chemicals

Question 2

When collecting settled dust for mycotoxin analysis, which laboratory technique is most commonly employed?

Accepted Answer

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

Answer

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Answer

Direct light microscopy spore count

Answer

Infrared spectroscopy

Question 3

An inspector finds that spore trap samples show elevated Penicillium/Aspergillus counts in one office but not others. The most methodical next step is:

Accepted Answer

Investigate the HVAC supply zones and local moisture sources serving that specific office

Answer

Immediately recommend full remediation of the entire floor

Answer

Dismiss the result as lab contamination

Answer

Collect additional outdoor samples only

Question 4

Which ventilation standard published by ASHRAE specifies minimum outdoor air delivery rates for acceptable indoor air quality in commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

ASHRAE 62.1

Answer

ASHRAE 55

Answer

ASHRAE 90.1

Answer

ASHRAE 189.1

Question 5

A particulate matter (PM2.5) reading elevated well above EPA outdoor standards in an indoor space with no identified chemical source most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Infiltration of outdoor pollution or an indoor combustion or resuspension source

Answer

Adequate building pressurization bringing clean air in

Answer

Normal seasonal variation in biological particle counts

Answer

HVAC system operating in maximum recirculation mode

Question 6

During an IAQ walkthrough, an inspector detects a musty odor but finds no visible mold. The best explanation for this finding is:

Accepted Answer

MVOCs (microbial volatile organic compounds) can be present when mold is hidden inside walls or under flooring

Answer

The odor is always from building materials off-gassing, not mold

Answer

Outdoor pollen is entering through a leaky window

Answer

The HVAC filter needs replacement, causing odor recirculation