SUNDAY: January 28, 2001: To Treat or Not to Treat

By Greg Mazurkiewicz

ATLANTA, GA – “Can the Use of Chemically Treated Steam for Humidification Be Compatible with Good Indoor Air Quality?” was the question posed by Forum 9 of the ASHRAE Technical Program.

One user asked if there are documented cases where steam affected IAQ? He believes there are not. Other attendees also were not aware of any documented problems.

But a consulting engineer said that it’s difficult for him to consider anything chemically treated “because of our litigious society.”

An engineer commented that there is a perceived liability, not a proven liability.

The consulting engineer suggested that ASHRAE provide a guideline on these systems. Another engineer seconded this recommendation.

The consensus was that a definition is needed of what is a proper steam system.

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Greg Mazurkiewicz is Web Editor. He can be contacted at 248-244-6459 or gregmazurkiewicz@achrnews.com. Greg handles the day-to-day operations of The NEWS' website, www.achrnews.com, including the Extra Edition page, which offers additional online-exclusive articles. He has 40 years of experience as a writer and editor. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and a master's degree in Business Management.