Indoor Air Quality Assessments

Indoor air quality (IAQ) considers the environment in terms of three primary constituents, biological agents (such as microorganisms), dusts (particulates) and gases. All three can be generated internally as well as externally and combine to identify the quality of the air. In assessing your indoor air quality, several factors therefore need to be considered, in addition to having an accurate, reliable, and assured means of measurement, these include:

• The ventilation systems in place, if any, and air quality requirements;
• Air quality legislation;
• The type of internal environment and sources of pollutants, for example, workshop, office or school;
• Understanding the effects associated with any mechanically ventilated buildings (primary and secondary systems, recirculation and recirculation rates, humidification, etc.);
• The influence of outdoor air; and
• The configuration of the space or building in terms of layout, occupancy, and services.
  
  

In combination, these will provide a good assessor with a clear strategy for how best to determine not only the overall indoor air quality for your area or building, but the factors influencing it both positively and possibly negatively.