Indoor Air Quality

 What are the common causes of IAQ problems?

 IAQ problems result from interactions between building materials and furnishing, activities within the building, climate, and building occupants. IAQ problems may arise from one or more of the following causes:

• Indoor environment - inadequate temperature, humidity, lighting, excessive noise
• Indoor air contaminants - chemicals, dusts, moulds or fungi, bacteria, gases, vapours, odours
• Insufficient outdoor air intake

What are indoor air  contaminants?

 Here are examples of common indoor air contaminants and their main sources:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂), tobacco smoke, perfume, body odours -- from building occupants.
• Dust, fibreglass, asbestos, gases, including formaldehyde -- from building materials.
• Toxic vapours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- from workplace cleansers, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants, glues.
• Gases, vapours, odours -- off-gas emissions from furniture, carpets, and paints.
• Dust mites -- from carpets, fabric, foam chair cushions.
• Microbial contaminants, fungi, moulds, bacteria, -- from damp areas, stagnant water and condensate pans.
• Ozone -- from photocopiers, electric motors, electrostatic air cleaners.