Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior
air that could affect health and comfort of building occupants.
IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants (such as
mold, bacteria), chemicals (carbon monoxide, radon), allergens,
or any mass or energy stressor that can induce health effects.
Recent findings have demonstrated
that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air
(albeit with different pollutants). Using ventilation
to dilute contaminants, filtration, and source control
are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality
in most buildings.
IAQ refers to the physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics of air in the indoor environment within
a home, building, or an institution or commercial facility.
Indoor air pollution is an issue of great concern in
developed countries, where energy efficiency improvements
sometimes make houses relatively airtight, reducing ventilation
and raising pollutant levels. Indoor air problems can
be subtle and do not always produce easily recognized
impacts on health. |
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Techniques for analyzing IAQ include collection of air samples, collection of
samples on building surfaces, and computer modelling of air flow inside buildings.
The resulting samples can be analyzed for mold, bacteria, chemicals, or other
stressors. These investigations can lead to an understanding of the sources of
the contaminants, and ultimately to strategies for removing the unwanted elements
from the air.
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the
primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation
can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to
dilute emissions from indoor sources. High temperature and humidity levels can
also increase concentrations of some pollutants. |
