Indoor air quality (IAQ) standards, defined
Indoor air quality (IAQ) standards are guidelines or regulations established to define acceptable levels of air pollutants within indoor spaces, such as offices, commercial spaces, schools, and hospitals. These guidelines are formulated by government agencies, health organizations, and expert committees to uphold the health, comfort, and well-being of employees and occupants. The specific indoor air quality guidelines for businesses and built spaces can vary by country or region, and they typically cover various pollutants, including carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM).
Importance of following indoor air quality guidelines for businesses
Employee health and productivity
Poor indoor air quality can negatively impact the health and well-being of employees. Adhering to IAQ standards helps create a healthier work environment, reducing the risk of respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Healthy employees are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work.
Occupant comfort
Maintaining good indoor air quality contributes to overall occupant comfort. Proper ventilation, control of pollutants, and adherence to IAQ standards create a more pleasant and comfortable environment for everyone in the building.
Compliance with regulations
Many regions have specific regulations and guidelines regarding indoor air quality. Businesses must comply with these standards to avoid legal issues and regulatory penalties. Adherence to IAQ standards demonstrates a commitment to meeting health and safety requirements.
Positive brand reputation
Businesses that prioritize the well-being of their occupants by ensuring good indoor air quality enhance their brand reputation. A healthy and comfortable indoor environment positively influences how employees, clients, and the public perceive the organization.
Talent retention
A healthy workplace is attractive to both current employees and potential recruits. Companies that prioritize indoor air quality standards can use this commitment as a selling point for attracting and retaining top talent.
Energy efficiency
Implementing IAQ standards often involves optimizing ventilation and air filtration systems. This not only improves indoor air quality but can also contribute to energy efficiency, reducing utility costs and environmental impact.
Here are some of the different indoor air quality standards that businesses can follow
Standards acknowledged globally
- World Health Organization (WHO) – The World Health Organization (WHO) provides extensive recommendations for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Widely acknowledged on a global scale, these guidelines act as a benchmark for the indoor air quality regulations of numerous countries.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO provides various standards pertaining to indoor air quality, encompassing guidelines for evaluating indoor air quality management systems (ISO 16000-40:2019) and defining methods for expressing indoor air quality suitable for human occupancy (ISO 16814:2008)
- RESET™ is a globally recognized set of standards that prioritizes data quality and transparency, aiming to assist built environments in achieving health and sustainability. Crafted with a profound recognition of the significance of air quality, RESET™ emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring throughout a building’s complete operational cycle.
RESET Air requires continuous monitoring of air quality parameters such as particulate matter (PM2.5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and relative humidity. To ensure that all projects collect accurate and high-quality data, RESET requires projects to use either a Grade A or Grade B RESET Accredited Monitor.
- WELL is a building standard designed to assess, certify, and oversee aspects of a building that impact the well-being of its occupants. WELL offers recommendations for enhancing air quality, incorporating features like Smoke-Free Environment, Air Filtration, and Ventilation Effectiveness. Additionally, it incorporates an Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness feature, necessitating continuous monitoring of air contaminants to inform and empower occupants about their Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
- LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a building certification initiative crafted by the Green Building Council to promote the development of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Among LEED’s criteria, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) holds significant importance, with a focus on indoor air quality as a key component. To attain LEED certification, projects are required to set minimum standards for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and implement measures to manage the impact of tobacco smoke within the premises.
United States
- ASHRAE Standard 62.1 – Crafted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), this standard concentrates on offering recommendations for ventilation rates, air distribution, and air cleaning to guarantee satisfactory Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in buildings.
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – The indoor air quality standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are designed to offer guidance on the optimal units of measurement for pollutants, with the overarching goal of safeguarding public welfare.
European Union
The European Union (EU) has instituted Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standards to tackle pollutants like benzene, carbon monoxide, and various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It’s noteworthy that EU law includes permissible exceedances per year for each identified pollutant.
United Kingdom
The Health and Safety Executive highlights Regulation 6 within the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations, emphasizing that employers are obligated to guarantee well-ventilated enclosed workplaces with an adequate supply of fresh or purified air.
IAQ standards compliance tips
Here are some tips that will help organizations ensure compliance with the IAQ standards mentioned above:
- Maintain adequate ventilation
- Use products with low VOCs
- Conduct regular cleaning
- Implement a strict no-smoking policy to prevent air pollutants from entering
- Invest in indoor air quality monitoring devices like uHoo Aura. This provides real-time and accurate IAQ data that allows business leaders and building managers to make informed decisions and intervention when necessary.
Prioritizing indoor air quality is an investment in the well-being and performance of a business’s most valuable asset—its employees. By adhering to the IAQ guidelines, businesses can create environments that promote good health, enhance productivity, and contribute to a positive and thriving workplace culture.
