Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a major issue, as today’s heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems continually recycle indoor air. What this means is internally generated air pollution – from the off-gassing and emissions of office furniture, supplies and equipment, cleaning agents and/or pesticides – can build up and negatively impact your employees’ health.
Health effects of poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can include dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin; headaches; fatigue; shortness of breath; hypersensitivity and allergies; sinus congestion; coughing and sneezing; dizziness; and nausea. They are so common that terminology has been created to describe specific groups of symptoms: Sick Building Syndrome, Building-Related Illness and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.
ASHRAE– American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, specifies the combinations of indoor thermal factors (such as temperature, humidity and air speed) and personal factors (activity and clothing) that will satisfy the majority of occupants in the space.
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 & 62.2, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures intended to provide indoor air quality that is acceptable to occupants and that minimizes adverse health effects.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessments