Indoor air quality (IAQ) in the workplace is a major concern today

Physical parameters consisting of relative humidity, air movement and room temperature.

Chemical parameters consisting of formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Radon, Respirable Suspended Particulates (PM10) and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC),
Microorganism parameters consisting of Total Bacteria and Fungi.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in the workplace is a major concern today, and for good reason. Indoor air quality can greatly affect the health, comfort and productivity of building occupants. Although serious health problems related to IAQ are rare, the perception of health hazards is increasingly common among building occupants.

The causes and effects of poor IAQ are complex and not fully understood. However, there are some basic factors that building owners, managers, employers and occupants should be aware of in order to address IAQ issues.

Contaminants can come from a variety of sources both inside and outside the building, and can include airborne chemicals, bacteria, mold, pollen, and dust. Although not indoor pollutants, factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, and personal and job stress can affect occupants’ perceptions of indoor air quality.

Potential sources of contaminants in office buildings include dust; inadequate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system design or maintenance; cleaning chemicals, which may contain irritating vapors and/or volatile organic compounds, or VOCs; pesticides; building materials; office equipment such as copiers and printers; furnishings; occupant metabolic waste (respiration and perspiration); fragrances/cosmetics; and tobacco smoke. Of course, almost all of these are present at some level in every building. They cause IAQ problems only when their concentrations become excessive, usually because the rate at which they are generated is greater than the building’s ventilation system can remove them.

Occupants may also unknowingly bring potential sources of contaminants into the building on their clothing and bodies, including dust, consumer products (cleaners, air fresheners, personal hygiene products, etc.) and allergenic particles from their homes, such as cat or dog dander. Occupant behavior can also affect IAQ, such as blocking air vents, overuse of office chemicals, and improper storage of food, which can lead to odors and pest infestations.

Dusty surfaces, standing water, and damp materials provide favorable environments for microbial growth. When odorous compounds produced by microbial growth and other microbial particles become airborne, some building occupants may experience foul odors and symptoms including allergic reactions. One potential but rare infection is caused by the bacteria Legionella. Exposure to Legionella bacteria can cause building-associated illnesses (Legionnaire’s disease and Pontiac fever) that can be diagnosed with medical tests.