Chapter 12. Environmental Contaminants

"The kitchen floor is in the most disgustingly filthy state that it is possible for the human brain to conceive. Amateur microbiologists amongst you will find much down there that will enthrall and fascinate. Very likely species, as yet unknown to science, are breeding freely underfoot even as I speak. It is possible I am kneeling, all unbeknownst, on a cure for the common cold, herpes, and male pattern baldness all rolled into one. But, rule such considerations out of your minds and CLEAN THIS FRIGGING FLOOR!!!"

” Lenny Henry as Gareth Blackstock in "Chef!"

Particles, gasses, and other contaminants can impact the sustained operations of the computer hardware in a data center. These contaminants can take many forms, some foreseeable and some not. The list of possible contaminants could be localized to the district (local factory pollutants, airborne dusts, etc.), or they could be generated more locally somewhere at the site. Airborne dust, gasses, and vapors should be kept within defined limits to minimize their impact on people and hardware.

This chapter contains the following sections:

" Contaminant Types and Sources"
"Effects of Contaminants"
"Avoiding Contamination"