The effects of indoor air quality on building occupants

By Andre LeBlanc, CAFS

Tremendous improvements have been made to facility operational systems over the past century. Innovations in technology allow us to operate facilities more efficiently, comfortably, and cost-effectively than ever before. It is also because of these improvements that we are able to understand how the environments in which we live, work, learn, and play affect our overall health. For example, use of the mineral asbestos as a building material has been remediated and eliminated in much of the world since the discovery that it causes multiple fatal cancers in humans.

In the past two decades, scientists have linked building occupants’ health with the air that they breathe. Unsurprisingly, exposure to clean air (air which has the lowest possible amount of particulate, odour, and volatile organic compounds—VOC’s) is likely to positively enhance building occupants’ quality of life. When the indoor air that we breathe is not clean, harmful conditions like sick building syndrome (SBS) and chronic illnesses, such as asthma, can be aggravated. In one study which examined levels of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, temperature, and humidity levels within public buildings, researchers found “There was a significant correlation between eye irritation, throat irritation, and symptoms of blurred near vision…”, which likely was a result of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) (Backman & Fariborz, 1999). Another group of researchers observed the state of air quality in schools as compared to current industry standards and determined that “… [IAQ] is often inadequate in classrooms causing increased risk for asthma sufferers and other health-related symptoms...” (Salleh, Kamaruzzaman, Sulaiman, & Mahbob, 2011). Symptoms of IAQ-related health issues can include: • Dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin • Headache • Fatigue • Shortness of breath • Hypersensitivity and allergies • Sinus congestion • Coughing and sneezing • Dizziness • Nausea (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, 2016).

While these effects may at first seem subtle, they can seriously affect overall occupant wellbeing over time. When it comes to the public health, it is important for building operators to include IAQ in the consideration of wellbeing for building occupants. To improve the quality of indoor air, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must use proper air filter systems in addition

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to being designed and maintained correctly. Preventative maintenance of HVAC systems goes a long way to protect the health of building occupants, improve energy efficiency, and reduce operating costs. Recommendations for educational facility HVAC systems to ensure clean indoor air include: • Design HVAC systems with maintenance in mind • Use air filters with a MERV 13 rating and inspect filter banks to ensure there is no leakage or air bypassing the filters • Conduct periodic IAQ audits and inspection of HVAC equipment • Implement a preventative maintenance program for HVAC equipment, along with a filtration management program to ensure regular inspection and the change out of air filters.

Andre LeBlanc is the marketing coordinator for The Filter Shop, a family owned manufacturer and provider of air quality solutions. The Filter Shop has spent 48 years partnering with and educating Canadian school plant officials about the importance of clean indoor air for the health and wellbeing of building occupants.

References Backman, H., & Haghighat, F. (1999). Indoorair quality and ocular discomfort. Journal of the American Optometric Association, 70(5), 309-316. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health &

Safety. (2016). Government of Canada

Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/ oshanswers/chemicals/iaq_intro.html. Salleh, N. M., Kamaruzzaman, S. N., Sulaiman,

R., & Mahbob, N. S. (2011). Indoor air quality at school: ventilation rates and it impacts towards children – a review.

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