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Early Fall is a good time to check for
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
With autumn on the way, it won’t be long before windows are closed tight and doors are not left open for air circulation. With buildings sealed to conserve heat and energy, the infiltration of outside air is limited, which can contribute to the buildup of air contaminants. Indoor air quality (IAQ) and “Sick Building Syndrome” generally refer to the quality of the air in an indoor environment.
| Symptoms and Causes of Poor IAQ |
Complaints about IAQ range from the simple, such as the air smelling odd, to more complex, where the air quality causes illness and lost work time. The typical symptoms include headaches, unusual fatigue, varying degrees of itching or burning eyes, skin irritation, nasal congestion, dry or irritated throats, and nausea. It may not be easy to identify a single reason for IAQ complaints because of the number and variety of possible sources, causes, and varying individual sensitivities. Indoor air problems can be caused by:
- Ventilation system deficiencies including undersized or leaking ductwork
- Overcrowding
- Tobacco smoke
- Pet Dander, Dust Mites
- Microbiological contamination such as mold
- Outside air pollutants
- Internal combustion engines, gas powered tools, diesel materials handling equipment
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Related issues may include comfort problems due to improper temperature and relative humidity conditions, poor lighting, and unacceptable noise levels, as well as adverse ergonomic conditions, and job–related psycho–social stressors.
| IAQ Inspection & Investigation |
If you suspect an air quality problem exists, take steps to determine if there is a problem and, if so, how to correct it. Methods used in an indoor air quality investigation include:
- Identifying pollutant sources
- Evaluating heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system performance
- Observing production processes and work practices
- Measuring contamination levels and employee exposures
- Medical testing or physical examinations
- Employee interviews
- Reviewing records of medical tests, job histories and injuries and illnesses.
Click here for tips to improve the Indoor Air Quality in your home
| Finding IAQ Problems Using Your Own Senses
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A walk–through inspection is the first step in identifying problems that may contribute to poor air quality. The initial walk–through does not have to be intensive, detailed, or costly, but rather a quick overview of conditions that may contribute to or affect the quality of air in the facility. |
During the inspection, focus on:
- Observing the general cleanliness in work areas and mechanical rooms. Look for pollutant sources such as mold, improperly stored chemicals, or excessively dirty air filters and ducts. Look for signs of water damage which may increase the chance of biological contaminants. Look for blocked airflow such as books or papers on top of unit ventilators or plywood covering outdoor air intakes.
- Smelling for unique or objectionable orders — including mold, mildew, and chemical smells — as you move from room to room. Note any potential sources of these odors.
- Feeling for uncomfortable air temperatures, drafts, and high or low humidity, and feel for air flowing into and out of grills and air vents.
- Listening to the concerns of occupants regarding IAQ. Do they provide clues to problems such as using their own pest spray to control pests, or turning off the unit ventilator because it is too noisy? Do you hear unusual equipment noises which may indicate potential problems, or do you hear air blowing out of supply vents?
If you start your IAQ Investigation now, you can eliminate air quality problems before they become a headache for everyone.
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