Indoor Environmental and Air Quality

Indoor Environmental and Air Quality (IEAQ) health concerns have increased as a result of energy conservation measures that were instituted for office buildings during the 1970s. These well-intentioned measures resulted in reducing the infiltration of fresh outside air and have contributed to the buildup of indoor air contaminants.

EPA studies indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. This results from the recycling of indoor air within the building air conveyance systems, trapping pollutants and causing their buildup. Common pollutants include dust, mold and spores, pollen, pet dander, smoke, asbestos, odor, radon and carbon monoxide.

Elevated levels of indoor air pollutants can be a concern because estimates show most people spend as much as 90% of their time in an indoor environment. The EPA has ranked IEAQ among its top five concerns.

Reducing pollutant sources in buildings is the most effective method for improving indoor air quality. IEAQ complaints range from comfort level issues to odd odors to conditions that may involve disease, illness and lost work time. Investigating IEAQ complaints requires a multi-disciplinary, health-based approach because of the vast number of variables, or the complexity of variables involved. These include:

• The variety of possible pollutant sources or odors;
• Understanding the pollutant distribution system (e.g., the design, maintenance and operation of building ventilation systems);
• Understanding the precipitating or exacerbating factors (e.g., excess moisture and humidity);
• Understanding occupant health concerns (e.g., susceptibilities and perception).

At Building Health Sciences (BHS), we have developed an efficient IEAQ investigation model. Using our proprietary methodology, our physician specialists investigate the health concerns of the occupants. At the same time, our forensic design/build professionals investigate building performance and integrity. Our integrated approach, has enabled BHS to resolve, IEAQ problems successfully, ensuring the health, safety, comfort and concerns of the building occupants, while protecting your assets.

BHS has developed a fully Integrated Health-Based Solution Methodology utilizing the public-health model coupled with a clinical medicine approach to this problem. Moreover, to assist in facilitating primary preventative IEAQ solutions, BHS has developed an IEAQ Operations and Maintenance Manual and an associated training and implementation program. Good indoor environmental and air quality depends upon the planning and actions of many building professionals, every occupant in the building, and it represents an integrated, collaborative partnership between the construction professionals, building management and the occupants, or the homebuilder and homeowner in residential properties.

Typically, significant problems attributable to the indoor air and the indoor environment fall into three general categories:

• Inadequate ventilation (the most common contributing cause of IEAQ complaints)
• Chemical contamination
• Microbial contamination

Building occupants can have a great influence on IEAQ. By being aware of indoor air and indoor environmental issues, they can help prevent problems. For ways to prevent IEAQ issues, click here.