Indoor Air Quality Program 

Use this Indoor Air Quality material as a tool in diagnosing an individual's signs and symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution problem. Concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) increased when energy conservation measures instituted in office buildings during the 1970s, minimized the introduction of outside air and contributed to the buildup of indoor air contaminants. IAQ generally refers to the quality of the air in an office environment. Other terms related to IAQ include indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and "sick building syndrome" (SBS). Complaints about Indoor Air Quality range from simple complaints, such as the air smelling odd, to more complex, where the air quality causes illness and lost work time. It may not be easy to identify a single reason for Indoor air quality complaints because of the number and variety of possible sources, causes, and varying individual sensitivities.
 

Material in the Members Area

Indoor Air Quality - Introduction
IAQ Diagnostic Quick Reference
IAQ Diagnostic Checklist
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Combustion Products
IAQ Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide
IAC Biologicals
Tuberculosis
Legionnaires' Disease
Volatile Organic Compounds
Mercury and Lead
Sick Building Syndrome
Asbestos & Radon
Frequently Asked Questions

Written Program
   Indoor Air Quality Contaminant Safety

Form
   Air Sample Survey (PDF use RIGHT mouse click)

Power Point - use right mouse click to download
  Sick Building Syndrome
  Mold Control

Technical Papers
  Guide to Mold in the Workplace

  Mold & Moisture Control

  Building Protection
        Chemical, Biological, Radiological Agents

  Building Ventilation Recommendations

 

Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution poses many challenges to the health professional. This material offers an overview of those challenges, focusing on acute conditions, with patterns that point to particular agents and suggestions for appropriate remedial action.

The individual presenting with environmentally associated symptoms is apt to have been exposed to airborne substances originating not outdoors, but indoors. Studies from the United States and Europe show that persons in industrialized nations spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. For infants, the elderly, persons with chronic diseases, and most urban residents of any age, the proportion is probably higher. In addition, the concentrations of many pollutants indoors exceed those outdoors. The locations of highest concern are those involving prolonged, continuing exposure - that is, the home, school, and workplace.

The lung is the most common site of injury by airborne pollutants. Acute effects, however, may also include non-respiratory signs and symptoms, which may depend upon toxicological characteristics of the substances and host-related factors.

Heavy industry-related occupational hazards are generally regulated and likely to be dealt with by an on-site or company physician or other health personnel. This material addresses the indoor air pollution problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered in the daily lives of persons in their homes and offices. These are the problems more likely to be encountered by the primary health care provider.

Etiology can be difficult to establish because many signs and symptoms are nonspecific, making differential diagnosis a distinct challenge. Indeed, multiple pollutants may be involved. The challenge is further compounded by the similar manifestations of many of the pollutants and by the similarity of those effects, in turn, to those that may be associated with allergies, influenza, and the common cold. Many effects may also be associated, independently or in combination with, stress, work pressures, and seasonal discomforts.

Because a few prominent aspects of indoor air pollution, notably environmental tobacco smoke and "sick building syndrome," have been brought to public attention, individuals may volunteer suggestions of a connection between respiratory or other symptoms and conditions in the home or, especially, the workplace. Such suggestions should be seriously considered and pursued, with the caution that such attention could also lead to inaccurate attribution of effects. Questions listed in the diagnostic leads sections will help determine the cause of the health problem. The probability of an etiological association increases if the individual can convincingly relate the disappearance or lessening of symptoms to being away from the home or workplace.