Introduction

IAQ refers to quality of air inside buildings served by air-conditioning/

mechanical ventilation system
Usually applied to non-industrial environment e.g. office
IAQ defined as air in which are no known contaminant at harmful
concentration and with which a substantial majority (usually > 80%) of
people exposed do not express dissatisfaction
People are spending > 90 % of their time indoors
Poor IAQ
Too hot, too cold
Too dry, too much humidity
Stuffiness or lack of air circulation
Objectionable odours
Present of spore, mold, bacteria & others
Present of toxic chemical substances
Poor IAQ can leads to health and safety problems
Comfort is always of measuring occupant satisfaction which, in turn, can directly affect
concentration and productivity and impact the cost of doing business
Common measurable of characteristics of comfort include temperature, humidity, air
velocity, ventilation, vibration & noise
Objectives
IAQ assessment is conducted
To identify the sources of the air contaminants either within the place
of work of from the outside air
To evaluate the exposure of the occupants to the air contaminants
To evaluate the adequacy of existing control measures
To conclude the significance of the health risk posed by the air
contaminants
To recommend appropriate control measures to prevent or reduce risks
Health Problems Related to Poor IAQ
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
where > 30% of occupants experience adverse effects
while in the building but no clinically diagnosed
disease found e.g. dry eye, blocked nose, sore throat,
headache, dizziness, skin redness, dryness & itchiness
Building Related Illness (BRI)
general term for a medically diagnosable illness
caused by, or related to building occupancy e.g.
asthma, allergic, infection, pneumonia & legionnaires
disease
Type of Pollutants
Biological bacteria, fungi, viruses, molds, pollen,
mites, animal hair
Chemical cleaners, solvents, adhesives, various
combustion by-products and emission from furnishings
and floor and wall coverings
Particles & Aerosols solids or liquids that are light enough
to be suspended in air. Particles are derived from dust,
construction activities, printing, photocopying,
manufacturing process, smoking and combustion
Investigating IAQ
A typical IAQ investigation requires several steps
Planning
- Gather background information about the building and its system
- Interview affected people understand the complaints and
symptoms
- Determine the strategy to be employed
Gathering Data
- Building inspection, heating ventilating and air conditioning
(HVAC) system evaluation, identify contaminant sources
- Make necessary measurement throughout the building possibly
including temp., humidity, CO2, CO, particles, total volatile organic
compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde, air movement and flow
Analyzing the Data
- Check for acceptable measurement to eliminate certain
areas or suspected problems, as well as anomalies that
direct you to areas requiring additional focus
Reporting Findings
- All results indicating a need for corrective action should be
reported
Offering Assistance
- Prepare an IAQ management plan that includes setting
policies and conducting routine measurements to ensure
good air quality is maintained
List of indoor air contaminants and the maximum limit under
Malaysian Code of Practice on IAQ
Contaminant
Maximum
Limit
Source
Carbon dioxide,
CO2
1000 ppm
(ceiling limit)
Combustion, human respiration
Carbon
monoxide, CO
10 ppm
Combustion
Formaldehyde 0.1 ppm
Wood composite, bonding agent,
adhesive, paper & textile products,
preservatives in cosmetics and toiletries
Total volatile
organic
compounds,
TVOC
3 ppm
Paint, personal care product, cleaning
agent, lacquer, pesticide, insulation
Respirable
particulates
0.15 mg/m
3
Dirt from carpet or carried in from
outdoor, photocopier, outdoor source
such as haze