Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

According to IICRC S520, what is the minimum recommended air changes per hour inside containment?

1. 8 ach

2. 2 ach

3. 4 ach

4. 12 ach

The correct answer is: 4 ach

The minimum recommended air changes per hour (ach) inside containment, as stated in IICRC S520, is set at 4 ach. This standard is established to ensure adequate ventilation within a contained area, which is critical for maintaining air quality during remediation processes and preventing the accumulation of contaminants. Having 4 air changes per hour helps in diluting potential airborne contaminants, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful particles, spores, or gases that might be present due to mold or other remediation efforts. This level of ventilation is also instrumental in regulating humidity and temperature, further aiding the drying process and overall effectiveness of the cleanup. In contrast, the other options suggest either lower or higher ventilation rates that may not align with the safety and effectiveness protocols defined in the IICRC S520 guideline for containment during remediation activities. While higher rates might seem beneficial for increased air exchange, they could also lead to unnecessary energy costs and potentially disrupt the containment area, which is counterproductive to the goals of the remediation process. Therefore, 4 ach strikes a balance between maintaining air quality and ensuring efficient containment.