What is the worst offender when it comes to creating bad indoor air in office buildings?
There are several potential sources of indoor air pollution in office buildings, but one of the worst offenders is often inadequate ventilation. When a building is poorly ventilated, it can trap and recirculate indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and furnishings, as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) and other contaminants produced by people and equipment in the building.
Other potential sources of indoor air pollution in office buildings include:
o Mold and moisture problems
o Chemicals used in cleaning and maintenance
o Pesticides and other chemicals used to control pests
o Tobacco smoke
o Outdoor pollutants that infiltrate the building through ventilation systems, windows, and doors
To ensure good indoor air quality, it is important to properly ventilate the building and regularly maintain HVAC systems, as well as use low-emitting building materials and cleaning products and discourage smoking and other activities that can produce indoor air pollutants.
How do I know if my building has inadequate ventilation?
There are several signs that may indicate that your office building has inadequate ventilation:
- Stale or stuffy air: If the air in your office feels stagnant, stuffy, or unpleasant, it may be a sign that there is not enough fresh air circulating in the space.
- High humidity: If the humidity in your office is consistently high, it can be a sign that the ventilation system is not properly controlling moisture levels. This can lead to mold growth and other indoor air quality problems.
- Unpleasant odors: If you notice persistent unpleasant odors in your office, it could be a sign that indoor air pollutants are not being properly removed.
- Condensation on windows: If you notice condensation on windows or other surfaces, it could be a sign of high humidity levels, which can be caused by inadequate ventilation.
- Poor air quality: If you or your colleagues experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or respiratory irritation while in the office, it could be a sign of poor indoor air quality, which can be caused by inadequate ventilation.
If you are concerned about the ventilation in your office building, you can speak with your building manager or facilities team to discuss possible solutions, such as increasing ventilation rates or installing air purifiers. Additionally, you may want to consider having a professional indoor air quality assessment conducted to identify any potential sources of indoor air pollution and determine if ventilation improvements are needed.
I am undertaking a fit-up for my new office/warehouse space. How can I prevent some indoor air quality issues before they happen?
To prevent many IAQ issues when you are renovating or planning a new building, there are several building materials available that have low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions or are VOC-free, including:
- Paints: Look for paints that are labeled as low-VOC or zero-VOC. These paints contain fewer or no harmful chemicals that can emit gas into the air.
- Flooring: Hardwood flooring, bamboo flooring, cork flooring, and tile are typically low-emitting materials. Carpeting can also be low emitting if it is made from natural fibers and uses adhesives with low VOC emissions.
- Insulation: Fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, and mineral wool insulation are typically low-emitting materials.
- Adhesives and sealants: Low-VOC adhesives and sealants are available for a range of applications, including installing flooring, cabinets, and countertops.
- Composite wood products: Look for composite wood products, such as particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), that are labeled as low-emitting or no-added- formaldehyde (NAF).
- Wallboard: Gypsum wallboard is typically low-emitting, and there are also low-VOC joint compounds available for finishing seams and joints.
When selecting building materials, it is important to look for products that have been independently certified as low-emitting or VOC-free by organizations such as GreenGuard or the Scientific Certification Systems. Additionally, it is important to follow proper installation and ventilation procedures to minimize any potential exposure to indoor air pollutants.
What can I do to help improve ventilation and IAQ in my office now?
There are several solutions that can be used to immediately improve ventilation in office buildings, including:
- Increase outdoor air intake: One of the most effective ways to improve ventilation is to increase the amount of outdoor air that is brought into the building. This can be achieved by adjusting the HVAC system to increase the outdoor air intake rate, however, if not already in place, MERV 13+ filtration should be part of the system.
- Use natural ventilation: In buildings with operable windows or other openings, natural ventilation can be used to bring fresh air into the space. This can be particularly effective in mild weather conditions, but it is not recommended if the outside air quality is bad due to pollution or smoke.
- Install mechanical ventilation systems: Mechanical ventilation systems, such as fans and air handlers, can be installed to help circulate and distribute fresh air throughout the building.
- Use air purifiers: Air purifiers can help remove indoor air pollutants from the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing the need for increased ventilation rates.
- Regularly maintain HVAC systems: Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, including cleaning filters and ductwork, can help ensure that the system is functioning properly and delivering clean air to the building.
- Use building materials with low VOC emissions: Building materials with low VOC emissions can help reduce the amount of indoor air pollutants that are generated in the building.
It’s important to work with a qualified air purification expert, HVAC professional or building engineer to determine the best ventilation solution for your building, based on factors such as building size, occupancy, and outdoor air quality.
Additional resources:
The Truth About Air Filtration and Disinfection Technologies