Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality Modeling and Exposure Assessment
Beyond conducting field investigations and IAQ measurements, GEOMET has strong credentials in the area of IAQ modeling. For example, we developed the Multi-Chamber Concentration and Exposure Model (MCCEM) and the Wall Paint Exposure Model (WPEM) for the USEPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (available at the EPA website www.epa.gov. We also developed the California Population Indoor Exposure Model (CPIEM) for the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This model provides Monte Carlo simulation routines for estimating inhalation exposure in one or more of eight indoor environments (plus outdoors), and also provides the capability to estimate indoor pollutant concentration distributions using a mass-balance model. CPIEM also can be used to determine appropriate mitigation methods including combined impact analysis of various approaches to solving a particular IAQ problem.We recently conducted a comprehensive literature review for the American Chemistry Council, concerning the state-of-the science of microenvironmental model development. The ultimate goal of the project was to facilitate and integrate modeling approaches that are tied to fundamentals or first principles, that have been adequately evaluated or demonstrated, and are not overly demanding in their input requirements. Such progress will lower the need for reliance on conservative assumptions in the face of model uncertainty, as well as the need for resource-intensive monitoring in cases where suitable models do not exist.
GEOMET staff have nationally recognized skills in assessing the magnitudes and associated risks of human exposure to airborne contaminants, using both models and monitoring data. For example, we have performed both residential and occupational exposure assessments for clients such as the USEPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics and the American Chemistry Council. A number of these assessments have concerned exposures by multiple routes, including dermal contact and ingestion in addition to inhalation.