Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of building design and maintenance that impacts the health and comfort of the occupants. While often overlooked, poor IAQ can lead to serious health issues, especially in buildings where people spend significant time, such as schools, offices, and hospitals.
What is indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside a building, which is determined by the levels of pollutants, the ventilation system, and the overall health and comfort of the indoor environment. IAQ can be influenced by several factors, including the materials used in construction, maintenance, air circulation, and the presence of contaminants such as dust and mold.
Factors contributing to poor indoor air quality
Several factors contribute to poor IAQ, and they can vary depending on the building's age, location, and maintenance practices. Some of the common factors include:
- Aging infrastructure: As buildings age, outdated ventilation systems may not provide adequate airflow. This can lead to the buildup of indoor pollutants, such as mold, dust, and asbestos.
- Limited maintenance budgets: Insufficient funding can often result in deferred maintenance, meaning HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems may not receive necessary repairs or upgrades.
- Environmental contaminants: Contaminants, including biological or chemical pollutants, can enter the air as gases or particles from both outside and within the building. Buildings located in industrial areas may be particularly vulnerable to outdoor pollutants like vehicle exhaust or industrial emissions. Toxic construction materials, which may have been banned or no longer used, might still be in many facilities.
- High occupancy rates: Overcrowded buildings can worsen issues by increasing carbon dioxide levels and the spread of airborne contaminants.
- Temperature and humidity: An environment that is too cold, hot, or humid can be uncomfortable for building occupants, leading to additional problems.
Why IAQ matters
Addressing indoor air quality issues is crucial for creating healthy, comfortable spaces where people can live and work. Whether in schools, offices, or other buildings, maintaining good IAQ is vital to ensuring the long-term health and productivity of all occupants. Poor IAQ can lead to both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health effects. Acute symptoms typically appear within 24 hours of exposure, while chronic effects may take years to manifest, often due to prolonged exposure. Common health impacts include respiratory problems, allergies, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
This article is part of an indoor air quality blog series. Click here to read part two.
Sales Account Consultant
As Sales Account Consultant, Katherine Wright fosters proactive and seamless communication between all parties to ensure exceptional HVAC service delivery. With over five years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on HVAC applications, she is passionate about supporting underserved communities and believes that diverse voices, backgrounds, and cultures are key to finding effective solutions.
