Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Increasing health awareness and potential for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) related litigation are convincing building owners and property managers of the value and necessity of implementing formal IAQ management systems. The trend is towards integrating indoor air quality management practices into building operating and maintenance procedures. For new buildings, IAQ issues are being considered in all project phases from design and specification to commissioning.

Contrary to popular belief, healthy indoor air quality can be achieved simply and cost effectively. While the causes of occupant complaints are multi-factorial and often elusive, the majority can be resolved or prevented by having an IAQ management plan in place that:

• Ensures building ventilation rates, particulate filtration, humidity, and temperature parameters meet and preferably exceed minimum standards
   

• Controls microbial contaminant sources by 1) routinely cleaning and maintaining HVAC systems, and 2) ensuring water damaged building areas are dried within 24 hours before mold spores can germinate
   

• Minimizes chemical contaminant sources by 1) taking remedial action during and after building renovation activities, and 2) containing and removing known contaminants such as combustion gases and tobacco smoke

Usually the expense and effort required to prevent most IAQ problems is much less than the expense and effort required of addressing problems after they develop. Maintaining building hygiene should be part of routine procedures rather than reactive responses to IAQ complaints. Furthermore, managing IAQ proactively can reduce operating costs by improving heating/cooling efficiencies and help make buildings more marketable to prospective tenants or buyers.

Typically, an IAQ management system includes:

• A policy statement

• A management plan

• The designation of an IAQ manager

• Detailed building operation and maintenance procedures

• Compliant response mechanism

• Education and training

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has produced several documents detailing best practices for an IAQ management system available from their web site (www.epa.gov/iaq):

• Building Air Quality Action Plan

• Building Air Quality – A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers