Industrial hygiene activities at UMES are organized to distinguish between environmental evaluation functions and the control programs used to prevent or reduce occupational exposure. This page provides a high-level overview of the primary exposure assessment and environmental evaluation activities that support the protection of building occupants and compliance with applicable regulatory standards, procedures, and best practices. While these activities are primarily intended for occupational and campus operational settings, certain evaluations may also apply to campus-controlled environments, including residential facilities.
The topics covered on this page were selected because they represent commonly encountered exposure hazards across laboratory, maintenance, residential, and facilities operations involving students, employees, and other campus occupants. This page is intended as a quick reference resource to help users identify applicable evaluation and risk mitigation guidance. For detailed requirements, procedures, and regulatory criteria, refer to the Industrial Hygiene Plan located within the Safety Manuals and Policies page.
Indoor Air Quality
Identification & Indicators
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of air within campus buildings and its potential impact on occupant comfort and health. IAQ concerns may arise from inadequate ventilation, contaminant accumulation, moisture intrusion, or HVAC system performance issues. These concerns may occur in laboratories, classrooms, offices, mechanical spaces, and residential facilities. Common indicators of potential IAQ issues include:
- Occupant reports of stuffy, stagnant, or poorly ventilated air conditions
- Unusual or persistent odors without an identifiable source
- Thermal discomfort not consistent with thermostat settings or outdoor conditions
- Symptoms reported by multiple occupants (e.g., headaches, eye, throat, or respiratory irritation)
- Visible signs of ventilation deficiencies or building system performance issues
Assessment & Response
IAQ concerns are evaluated through a combination of occupant interviews, visual inspections, and environmental monitoring as appropriate to the conditions observed. Typical assessment methods may include:
- Evaluation of ventilation performance and air exchange effectiveness
- Air sampling for airborne contaminants such as particulates, vapors, gases, or biological agents as warranted
- Assessment of HVAC system operation in coordination with Physical Plant
- Moisture and water intrusion evaluations where applicable
- Review of space use, occupancy patterns, and potential contaminant sources
Initial response actions may include:
- Coordination with Physical Plant for HVAC adjustment, repair, or system evaluation
- Identification, control, or removal of potential contaminant sources
- Temporary relocation of occupants if conditions warrant further evaluation
- Implementation of corrective actions such as ventilation improvements, filtration adjustments, or source mitigation
Mold
Identification & Indicators
Mold refers to fungal growth that develops in areas with excessive moisture or water intrusion. It is typically associated with building materials or contents that have been exposed to prolonged damp or humid conditions. Mold-related conditions may occur in laboratories, classrooms, offices, mechanical spaces, and residential facilities. Common indicators of potential mold conditions include:
- Visible fungal growth on building materials, furnishings, or structural surfaces
- Musty or persistent odors in enclosed spaces
- Evidence of past or ongoing water intrusion (leaks, condensation, flooding)
- Occupant reports of respiratory irritation or discomfort in affected areas
- Discoloration or deterioration of building materials consistent with moisture damage
Assessment & Response
Mold-related concerns are evaluated through visual inspection, moisture assessment, and environmental evaluation as appropriate to the conditions observed. Typical assessment methods may include:
- Inspection of affected areas to determine extent and source of moisture
- Moisture measurements of building materials where applicable
- Evaluation of HVAC and ventilation conditions contributing to humidity or condensation
- Assessment of building envelope integrity and water intrusion sources
Initial response actions may include:
- Control or elimination of moisture sources (leaks, condensation, infiltration)
- Isolation or restriction of access to affected areas if conditions warrant
- Coordination with Physical Plant for repairs and environmental stabilization
- Implementation of appropriate cleaning or remediation measures based on extent of impact
Abestos
Identification & Indicators
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in building materials for insulation, fireproofing, and other construction applications. Exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed and release fibers into the air. Asbestos-related concerns are most commonly associated with maintenance, renovation, and capital improvement projects in older campus facilities. Common indicators of potential asbestos-containing materials include:
- Presence of older insulation, floor tile, pipe insulation, or ceiling materials in legacy buildings
- Damaged, deteriorating, or disturbed building materials in pre-1980s structures
- Renovation, maintenance, or demolition activities in older facilities
- Visible debris or dust from suspect building materials during disturbance activities
- Historical documentation indicating asbestos use in building construction materials
Assessment & Response
Asbestos-related concerns are evaluated through material assessment and, when necessary, sampling conducted in accordance with established regulatory requirements and procedures. Typical assessment methods may include:
- Inspection of suspect materials by qualified personnel
- Bulk sampling of materials for laboratory analysis when required
- Assessment of material condition and potential for fiber release
- Review of building records and construction history where available
Initial response actions may include:
- Immediate cessation of disturbance activities if suspect materials are encountered
- Restriction of access to affected areas as needed
- Coordination with qualified asbestos management personnel for assessment and response
- Implementation of abatement, encapsulation, or repair in accordance with regulatory requirements
Lead
Identification & Indicators
Lead refers to a toxic metal that may be present in older building materials, coatings, dust, or contaminated soil. Exposure typically occurs through ingestion or inhalation of lead-containing particulates generated during disturbance of these materials. Lead-related concerns are most commonly associated with renovation, maintenance, and facilities operations in older campus structures. Common indicators of potential lead-related conditions include:
- Presence of deteriorating or disturbed painted surfaces in older buildings
- Visible dust accumulation in areas undergoing renovation or maintenance activities
- Work activities involving sanding, cutting, drilling, or disturbance of painted surfaces in legacy structures
- Soil disturbance in areas with potential historical contamination
- Occupant or worker concerns related to renovation or maintenance activities in older facilities
Assessment & Response
Lead-related concerns are evaluated through environmental sampling and exposure assessment based on the nature of the activity and potential disturbance of lead-containing materials. Typical assessment methods may include:
- Surface or bulk sampling of suspect painted materials
- Air monitoring for lead-containing particulates during disturbance activities
- Assessment of work practices during maintenance or renovation activities
- Evaluation of housekeeping and dust control conditions in affected areas
Initial response actions may include:
- Implementation of dust control measures and work practice modifications
- Temporary restriction of access to affected work areas if necessary
- Removal, encapsulation, or stabilization of lead-containing materials as appropriate
