Notes the effect of contaminant such as particles, volatile inorganic compounds (VOC) and a variety of other chemical substances on the reliability of electronic instrumentation. Describes how, by evaluating the environments within data processing centres throughout the telephone industry in the USA, a methodology (environmental audit) has been developed for determining potential equipment contamination problems. This methodology has been applied in numerous data processing facilities across the country. The parameters monitored include airborne particle counts, particulate mass and composition, surface contamination, VOC, temperature and humidity. Describe how an audit is carried out.

KEYWORDS: Environment, gases, computer rooms, USA, indoor, air quality, particles, organic compounds, equipment, electronic