INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE   
   
   

To:	All members of Computing Services in Cyert Hall    Len Brush, Jaime Carbonell
From:	William Y. Arms
Date:	May 2, 1994
Subject:	Black particles in Cyert Hall
cc:	Pat Keating, Ron Carter, Peter Collopy

One of the problems with the air in Cyert Hall is that black particles sometimes drop from the ceiling vents. (This is a problem in other buildings on campus.) We have been working with Facilities Management to tackle the problem.   

We believe that the cause of the problem is now understood and that, although the particles are messy, they are not a health hazard. Facilities Management has a plan that should greatly reduce the number of particles.   

What are the black particles?  Where do they come from?   

Chemical analyses of the black particles have been made by external laboratories. The particles are mainly soot. They also include other products of combustion, pollen, and traces of other material.   

These materials come from outside the building. Some probably come from automobile exhausts. Another source may be the heating plant across Panther Hollow. 

Are the particles dangerous?  

We asked a doctor at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Public Health whether the particles could be dangerous to health. His opinion is that they are inert and not a health hazard. Most of the particles are too large to be breathed into the lungs.   

How do the black particles arrive in offices?   

The air in our rooms comes from the inlets on the roof, passes through filters along ducts to the vents in the ceiling. Any dirt that passes the filters travels through the ducts and settles in the vents.  Small specks accumulate into large particles. Eventually, the dirt comes loose and falls out.   

What has been done to date?   

Facilities Management has been steadily working through the building. In the fall, they discovered that air was leaking by the filters instead of going thorugh them. The filters have now been sealed and all air is now being filtered. The filters are changed regularly.   

The ducts were vacuumed a couple of years ago. Several ducts were recently opened and inspected.  They are still clean.   

The ceiling vents are dirty. Facilities Management plans to replace them in two phases.  In the first phase, clean vents will be installed in a few offices where there have been regular problems with black particles. If this solves the problem in these offices, the fents in all other offices will be replaced.   

Can gauze be put over the vents?   

It is possible to put gauze over the vents to catch any particles that fall out. However, this is not recommended. The gauze cuts down on the air flow, making the room stuffy.   

Will these actions solve the problem for all time?   

When all the ceiling vents are replaced, we hope to see a major improvement, but the problem will not be solved for all time. Eventually, dirt will build up again and more cleaning will be needed.  With careful maintenance of the filters, Facilities Management hopes to reduce greatly the dirt that gets into the building.   

Is this the only problem with Cyert Hall?   

Unfortunately this is not the only problem with Cyert Hall. We have another joint project with Facilities Management to improve conditions in A70. Other projects will follow. We will keep you informed of the progress.   

Cyert Hall will never be a wonderful building, but it is much better than it was when new and we are determined to make it a reasonable place to work.   

Who should you contact with questions?   

Ken Burner is the building manager for Cyert Hall. If you have any questions or problems with the building, you should contact Ken or me. Ask Ken if you would like to see the data from the various studies or the report on possible health hazards.