Relates to protecting indoor air quality in state owned, leased or operated buildings

2 Co-sponsors

• Neil D. Breslin
• Velmanette Montgomery

BILL NUMBER:S6484

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to protecting indoor air quality in state owned, leased or operated buildings

Summary of provisions

To protect public health by ensuring that building occupants have an adequate supply of fresh air, to provide that the ventilation system of buildings be operated and maintained according to design, that activities affecting indoor air quality be coordinated, and that persons experiencing adverse health effects have some means of having these problems addressed.

Existing law

Requires that state owned, leased or operated building have in place an indoor, environment plan, which includes a description of the buildings heating ventilation and air conditioning system and documentation of its operation and maintenance. Also provides for an inventory of hazardous substances used in the building, and that renovation projects include an assessment of the effect on indoor air quality. Requires that state owned, leased or operated buildings have in place a system for responding to requests for information and for investigating and responding to complaints about indoor air quality problems. Provides for the issuing of regulations that establish indoor ventilation standards which shall take into account building structure, size, use, age, and occupancy. The Department of Health may issue different regulations for new buildings, existing buildings, and buildings that are being substantially renovated, and may issue variances in cases where strict compliance would entail practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship. Requires that state owned, leased or operated buildings respond to complaints concerning indoor air quality and that the Department of Health shall investigate complaints and make recommen- dations concerning corrective measures. Directs the Department of Health in consultation with other agencies and professional associations to develop model courses in the operation and maintenance of heating ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Justification

Indoor air problems are responsible for a variety of chronic and acute public health problems ranging from mild irritations to life threatening diseases. These conditions represent an important public health threat affecting millions of workers, school children, and other members of the public. The costs from degraded quality of life, lost productivity, and health care expenses are enormous and growing. The magnitude and sources of indoor air problems vary greatly. Sources include the buildup of carbon dioxide and irritant substances due to inadequate ventilation; toxic substances released from office machines, furniture and carpets; pesticides; biological contamination in ventilation systems; second hand cigarette smoke; pollutants drawn from outside air; radon; and asbestos. Other reasons for indoor air quality problems include efforts to conserve energy through better insulation and lower ventilation.

The provisions of this bill, while modest, is an appropriate first step to addressing these ongoing problems.

Legislative history

A9686 - 2007-08, A2076 - 2009-10, A3122 - 2011-12

Fiscal implications

Minor costs associated with the Health Department promulgating ventilation standards, costs incurred by owners to carry out air quality inspections, should more than be offset by productivity gains.

Local fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

September 1, in the year after it shall have become law.