Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment at the Workplace

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical aspect of ensuring the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants in any building. It is particularly important in workplaces where individuals spend a significant portion of their day.

Recognizing the impact that poor IAQ can have on health and well-being, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia have established specific requirements for maintaining air quality in indoor environments namely Industry Code Of Practice On Indoor Air Quality 2010 which mandates regular assessment and maintenance of IAQ in buildings served by mechanical ventilating and air conditioning (MVAC) systems.

The code outlines specific steps and standards that must be followed to ensure that indoor air remains within acceptable quality parameters.

What is an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air within and around a building, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of its occupants. Unlike outdoor air, which benefits from natural ventilation and open spaces, indoor air can become trapped and stale, leading to the accumulation of various pollutants.

These pollutants can originate from multiple sources, including building materials, cleaning products, furniture, and even the occupants themselves. Poor IAQ can have significant impacts on health, ranging from minor irritations like headaches, eye discomfort, and fatigue to more serious conditions such as respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, and long-term illnesses.

Factors such as inadequate ventilation, high humidity levels, and the presence of contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and mold can all contribute to deteriorating air quality. Maintaining good IAQ is therefore essential not only for the health and well-being of those who spend time in indoor environments but also for their productivity and overall comfort.

Therefore, an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessment is a systematic process designed to evaluate the quality of air within a building and identify any potential issues that could negatively impact the health and comfort of its occupants. This assessment is a crucial step in ensuring that indoor environments remain safe and conducive to well-being of the occupants.

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How is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Conducted?

The indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment is conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the code of practices as stated earlier, Industry Code Of Practice On Indoor Air Quality 2010.

Below are the methodologies and vital principles during an indoor air quality assessment.

The IAQ assessment process often begins when complaints are raised by building occupants or employers regarding signs and symptoms that may be related to indoor air quality. To effectively address these concerns, it is essential for your organization to have a structured complaint procedure in place.

Building owners or management must establish a clear procedure for handling complaints related to IAQ. This procedure should include the documentation of complaints, including the signs and symptoms reported by occupants, the alleged location of the source, and the date and time the complaint was made.

Upon receiving a complaint, the building owner or management is responsible for conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the issue.

Following the initial handling of complaints and the preliminary investigation, a thorough walkthrough inspection of the building is conducted.

This step is designed to gather basic information about the building’s layout, its ventilation systems, and the activities conducted within the space.

During the inspection, our indoor air quality assessor will look for visible signs of potential IAQ issues, such as water damage, mold growth, or blocked ventilation ducts. This inspection helps in identifying areas that may require more detailed examination.

Based on the findings from the walkthrough inspection, a sampling strategy is developed. This strategy determines where and how air samples will be collected within the building.

The number and location of sampling points depend on factors such as the size of the building, the number of occupants, and the specific IAQ concerns identified during the inspection.

Sampling may involve measuring levels of chemical contaminants (e.g., carbon monoxide, formaldehyde), physical parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity), and biological agents (e.g., bacteria, mold spores).

The next step involves the actual collection of air samples and other relevant data. Using specialized equipment, our assessor will measure the concentrations of various pollutants and physical parameters at different locations within the building.

This data collection is often conducted over a period of time to ensure that the results are representative of typical indoor conditions. In addition to indoor samples, outdoor air samples may also be taken near the building’s fresh air intakes to assess the impact of outdoor air quality on the indoor environment.

Once the data has been collected, it is analyzed to determine whether the levels of pollutants and other parameters are within acceptable limits. The analysis involves comparing the measured values against established standards and guidelines.

Table 1: Acceptable Range for Specific Physical Parameters

Table 1: Acceptable Range for Specific Physical Parameters, ICOP on Indoor Air Quality 2010
Physical Parameter	Acceptable Range
Air Temperature	23 – 26 °C
Relative Humidity	40-70%
Air Movement	0.15 – 0.50 m/s

Table 2: Acceptable Limits for Indoor Air Contaminants

Table 2: Acceptable Limits for Indoor Air Contaminants, ICOP on Indoor Air Quality 2010
Indoor Air Contaminants	Acceptable Limits
Indoor Air Contaminants	ppm	mg/m³	cfu/m³
Carbon Monoxide	10	–	–
Formaldehyde	0.1	–	–
Ozone	0.05	–	–
Respirable Particulates	–	0.15	–
Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)	3	–	–
Total Bacterial Counts	–	–	500
Total Fungal Counts	–	–	1000
Carbon Dioxide (Ceiling Limit)	1000	–	–

If the levels of any contaminants exceed the recommended limits, further investigation is carried out to identify the sources of the problem. This analysis provides a clear picture of the building’s overall air quality and highlights any areas that require attention.

The final step in the IAQ assessment process is the preparation of a detailed report that summarizes the findings and provides recommendations for improving or maintaining air quality. The report includes a description of the methods used during the assessment, the results of the data analysis, and an evaluation of the building’s ventilation system.

It also identifies any potential sources of IAQ problems and suggests corrective actions, such as increasing ventilation, repairing or replacing HVAC components, or removing sources of contamination.

The draft report will be presented to the relevant stakeholders, and once the final version is agreed upon, it will be submitted to the client in both soft copy and hard copy formats for record-keeping purposes.

An illustration of poor indoor air quality office space.

What are Included in the IAQ Assessment Report?

The indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment report will be divided into several main sections, each containing core elements essential to the assessment. The elements are:

Cover page detailing the indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment that had been conducted.

This section provides an overview of the methods and procedures used during the IAQ assessment. It includes details on how the walkthrough inspection was conducted, the sampling strategy employed, and the specific techniques used to collect data on indoor air contaminants and physical parameters.

By documenting these methods, the report ensures that the assessment process is transparent and adheres to established scientific standards.

Here, the report identifies potential sources of indoor air quality issues discovered during the assessment. These sources may include pollutants emitted from building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, or inadequate ventilation systems.

The identification of these sources is crucial for understanding the root causes of poor air quality and for determining the most effective remediation strategies.

The core of the IAQ report is the presentation of measurement data. This section details the results for various contaminants, such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter, as well as specific physical parameters like temperature, humidity, and air movement.

The data is compared against the acceptable limits outlined in relevant standards, providing a clear indication of whether the indoor air quality meets health and safety requirements.

This section evaluates the performance of the building’s ventilation system, focusing on its ability to maintain adequate air quality. It includes an analysis of the number of air changes per hour and the rate of fresh air exchange.

The report assesses whether the ventilation system is functioning effectively to control air contaminants and maintain a comfortable environment for occupants.

If health complaints or symptoms were reported by occupants during the assessment, this section documents those issues. It provides an analysis of the symptoms that may be related to poor indoor air quality, such as headaches, respiratory problems, or fatigue. This information is critical for linking IAQ issues to their potential impact on occupant health and well-being.

The conclusion section summarizes the key findings of the IAQ assessment. It provides an overall evaluation of the indoor air quality within the building, highlighting any significant issues or areas of concern. The conclusion draws together the data and analysis presented in the report to give a clear picture of the current IAQ status.

Based on the findings, the report offers specific recommendations for improving indoor air quality. These recommendations may include actions such as enhancing ventilation, repairing or upgrading HVAC systems, reducing sources of pollutants, or implementing better housekeeping practices.

The goal of this section is to provide practical and effective solutions to address any identified IAQ problems, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.

What are the Benefits of IAQ Assessment to the Organization

1. Better Employee Health
Regular IAQ assessments help your organization identify and remove pollutants that can cause health problems like headaches, allergies, and respiratory issues. By improving air quality, employees experience fewer sick days and enjoy better overall health, leading to a healthier work environment.

2. Increased Productivity
Poor air quality can make your employees feel tired, unfocused, and less productive. An IAQ assessment helps to improve the air quality, making it easier for employees to stay alert, concentrate, and perform their tasks efficiently.

3. Compliance with Regulations
IAQ assessments ensure that your workplace meets health and safety regulations. By staying compliant, businesses avoid legal issues and demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for their employees.

4. Early Problem Detection
Regular assessments allow for the early detection of air quality issues before they become serious. By identifying problems early, your organization can take quick action to fix them, preventing costly repairs and health risks down the line.

5. Higher Employee Satisfaction
Good air quality contributes to a more comfortable and pleasant work environment. When employees feel their well-being is prioritized, they are more satisfied with their job, which can lead to better retention and a more positive workplace atmosphere.

IAQ Assessment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The acceptable range for specific physical parameters in indoor environments includes maintaining air temperature between 23-26°C, relative humidity between 40-70%, and air movement between 0.15-0.50 m/s. These parameters help ensure comfort and reduce the risk of health problems related to poor IAQ.

The MVAC system should be inspected at least every six months to ensure it is operating efficiently and not contributing to poor indoor air quality. Regular maintenance includes cleaning components like fans and dampers, checking for leaks or blockages in cooling coils and condensate pipes, and ensuring filters are clean and functioning properly.

In general, if microbial contamination is detected in the MVAC system, it is crucial to immediately remove any standing water that may encourage microbial growth and repair any areas prone to water accumulation. Contaminated materials should be thoroughly cleaned or replaced, and affected areas must be treated to prevent further contamination.

However, it is important to note that the final recommendations for control measures will be determined based on the specific findings of the indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment.

Even when an IAQ assessment concludes that air quality is within acceptable limits, occupants may still experience discomfort or symptoms for several reasons:

Non-IAQ-Related Issues
Symptoms might be caused by factors unrelated to air quality, such as poor ergonomics, lighting issues, noise, or psychological stress. These factors should be considered as part of a broader evaluation of the workplace environment.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Occupants might be experiencing symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), where symptoms are linked to time spent in the building but not to a specific contaminant. SBS can be related to poor ventilation, inadequate temperature control, or other subtle environmental factors.
Transient or Episodic Events
Some complaints may arise from temporary or episodic issues that were not present during the assessment, such as variations in ventilation, temperature, or contaminant levels that occur at specific times or under certain conditions.
Individual Sensitivities
Certain individuals may have heightened sensitivity to even low levels of pollutants or environmental conditions that others might not perceive. This can include reactions to VOCs, dust, or even psychosomatic responses.
Microclimates
Variations within different parts of the building might create microclimates where conditions deviate slightly from the overall assessment, leading to discomfort in specific areas. This could be due to localized poor ventilation, uneven temperature distribution, or hidden sources of contaminants.

Therefore, if occupants continue to complain despite the assessment indicating optimal IAQ, a more detailed investigation may be needed. This could involve:

Conducting follow-up surveys to gather more precise information about the timing, location, and nature of the complaints.
Performing additional spot-checks in the areas where complaints are most frequent.
Reviewing other environmental factors that might contribute to discomfort.
Engaging with building occupants to explore possible non-environmental causes.

Addressing these concerns requires a comprehensive approach that looks beyond just the air quality parameters to consider the broader work environment and the specific needs of the occupants.

References

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994.
Industry Code Of Practice On Indoor Air Quality 2010.