Uncovering the reason(s) behind indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in commercial buildings is not as easy as measuring the fumes from an industrial process. Those fumes are emanating from a particular process or area that makes them easy to pinpoint and measure, while IAQ problems in commercial buildings, schools and hospitals can be a mystery worthy of Sherlock Holmes’ detective skills.
Most likely, the problems come from more than one source. Sometimes they come from indoor sources, other times from outdoor sources.
Pollution Sources
- Indoor Sources
- Offgassing of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from chemicals, paints, new furniture
- Excess dust
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mold and mildew from burst pipes, roof leaks, lack of ventilation
- Not enough humidity in cold weather
- Too much humidity in hot weather
- HVAC Sources
- Dirty filters that no longer filter the air
- Poor humidity control that can lead to mold and mildew
- Inadequate venting
- Mold growing on poorly ventilated equipment & components
- Outdoor Air
- Forest fires
- Particles by living along a dirt road
- Dust storms
- Volcanic eruption ash
- Areas using high levels of fertilizers and pesticides
The Consequences
All sources of pollution can cause respiratory distress, especially for those with chronic respiratory conditions. Studies of long-term exposure to pollutants are connected to cancer, obesity, diabetes, and a host of other illnesses.
Additionally, absenteeism increases. Building comfort becomes jeopardized.
The costs of absenteeism, required medical care, and lack of productivity are in the millions.
The introduction of outside air into a building is essential to flush out indoor pollutants to the outside. In fact, a majority of newly-built structures and homes require mechanical ventilation.
What Can You Do?
Owners today have many defensive strategies available to them. These include, but are not limited to, the following remedies:
- Avoid potentially building and maintenance materials utilizing VOC’s
- Fully commission HVAC systems prior to occupancy
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Clean, maintain, and operate systems as recommended by the manufacturer
- Periodically check for sensor stresses
- Periodically check for occupant satisfaction
- Re-commission systems every year to ensure proper operation
- If there is a problem, real or perceived by an occupant, respond immediately
If the problem cannot be identified by building staff, or mitigation efforts have been unsuccessful, seek outside assistance from IAQ professionals, or go to www.iaqa.org to find one in your area. Get in front of the issue quickly before “small” problems (real or perceived) quickly escalate to big, expensive ones. One person with a real or perceived problem can quickly spread to two, then to four, and become what is called “mass psychogenic illness.”
The costs associated with mitigation of IAQ problems are always less than the costs and aggravation – as well as potential negative publicity – of a lawsuit.
Source: Newman Consulting Group LLC
Continuum Services partners with building operators to ensure clean, safe, comfortable, and healthy indoor air environments. Call us (833) 378-4088.
