The benefits of achieving good indoor air quality (IAQ) cannot be overstated. Air quality monitoring is essential to ensure the health and well-being of building occupants and to enhance concentration and productivity, be it at work, school, or at a recreation facility. In this article, we will discuss the threats posed by poor indoor air quality and their impact. We will also explain how to monitor and improve IAQ in your building or workplace.
Poor indoor air quality is an unseen threat that can impact both public and commercial buildings. Contaminants can accumulate over time, leading to health issues for building users, such as respiratory problems, fatigue, and decreased concentration, affecting both companies and individuals.
The Importance of Monitoring: why regular air quality checks are essential for human health and productivity
Regular air quality checks can identify potential problems, and avoiding them can promote a healthier indoor environment inside buildings and enhance employee satisfaction and productivity in the workplace. By monitoring indoor air quality and taking proactive measures, well-being can be assured and sustainability can be realized.
Most people don’t realize that 95% to 99% of the particles floating in the air are submicron and therefore, are not visible to the naked eye. Even if you’re sitting in a building and don’t see any dust particles, it doesn’t necessarily mean the air is clean. In reality, there are billions of submicron particles that you cannot see and are breathing in.
In addition, there could be gases, such as formaldehyde from furniture, as well as high levels of carbon dioxide, that are also invisible but present in the air we inhale. The concentration levels of these substances are often unknown.
Since most things we breathe in are not visible, it’s essential to have a way to measure air quality. People should be particularly concerned about PM2.5 and PM1 particles. While many air quality monitors focus on PM2.5, which is an important size to measure, PM1 is also critical because smaller particles can more easily enter the body, penetrate deep into the cardiovascular system, and pose significant health risks.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Sources: Human respiration and combustion processes.
Health Effects: high levels can lead to reduced cognitive function, fatigue, and headaches.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Sources: Found in cleaning products, furniture, flooring, personal care items, smoking, cooking, paint, electronics, carpeting, and car exhaust that enters buildings.
Health Effects: VOCs can cause headaches, respiratory issues, and poor cardiovascular health.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Sources: Outdoor air pollution, construction dust, and indoor combustion activities.
Health Effects: Particulate matter can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and an increased risk of some cancers.
Nanofibers and nanomaterials of all kinds present unique challenges. Submicron plastic particles do not break down, and once they reach a submicron size, they can remain suspended in the air. This increases the likelihood of inhalation. As particles decrease in size, they become more difficult for the human body to block or filter out. These particles can be absorbed deep into the bloodstream and tissues in the body, and cause serious health problems.
Choosing the Right Air Quality Monitor
Accuracy and Precision of air quality monitors
When choosing an air quality monitor, prioritize a device with reliable sensors and calibration options. Pollutant sensors should be capable of detecting the specific pollutants of concern in your building or workplace.
Many monitors primarily measure PM2.5 particles, which can be limiting. While these devices can indicate the presence of particles, they cannot specify what types of particles you may be inhaling. Should there be any justifiable concerns, such as harmful particles generated during renovations, particles present in older buildings, etc., it’s essential to check whether the particles you inhale contain allergens or carcinogens. Particle counters or generic air quality monitors typically only provide a count of particles in the air and don’t specify whether they are harmful or not.
When it comes to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some monitors can detect such gases. However, most devices are limited in that they only measure a limited quantity of commonly found gasses in buildings. There are a lot of harmful gases, and many monitors cannot identify lesser-known contaminants.
If you are particularly concerned about a specific contaminant in an industrial setting, such as in a factory where chemicals are processed, standard monitors may not be sufficient. To detect specific chemicals, it may be necessary to invest in a specialized gauge capable of measuring that particular gas, as most commonly used monitors on the market will not provide specific detection.
Data Logging and Displaying Results:
Why is it important to choose a monitor that reports data and provides real-time displays?
There is always a correlation between contaminants generated from external sources and their concentration indoors.
If, for example, you have an air filter that is 50% efficient at removing a particular particle size, and your goal is to keep the particle count at 1,000 or less indoors, you must consider what is happening outside. If there are 2,000 of these particles being generated outside and you filter out 50%, you will have 1,000 particles entering your office. However, outdoor air quality can fluctuate. For instance, if a truck drives by and generates 10,000 particles, a 50% removal efficiency will mean 5,000 particles enter the space, exceeding your target.
If you only conduct a single air quality test when the particle count is around 1,000, you may mistakenly conclude that the air quality is good. If you miss the spike from the truck, you won’t have an accurate picture of the overall air quality.
It is best to measure air quality often, ideally every hour or at regular intervals throughout the day and over several weeks. Some companies opt for 24/7 monitoring to detect spikes and changes in particle levels. This allows you to identify patterns, understand their causes, and take action when necessary.
Wi-Fi Connectivity and constant monitoring:
Why is real-time monitoring and remote access to data optimal?
Remote access is the best option for air quality monitors. Wi-Fi or remote access allows for live data streaming, which is incredibly useful.
Most popular air quality monitors accurately measure the pollutants they are designed to detect. Often, issues usually arise from user error rather than malfunctioning devices. For example, a monitor positioned near a window will likely report poor air quality due to outside contaminants—this is true even if the room has high-quality air filters in its ventilation system.
Is it best to have many monitors throughout a building?
It would be ideal to have multiple monitors, but many of these units can be quite expensive. Additionally, if you start connecting them, the costs can add up. Most property or facilities managers typically place one unit in each room, which is usually sufficient for their needs.
Most of these gauges are priced at a few hundred dollars. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on gauges unless you require more advanced capabilities. In that case, it would be wise to hire a professional company that can monitor air quality for you and measure specific gases and other particles of concern.
Where should indoor air quality monitors be placed?
Common Areas: monitors should be placed in common areas such as conference rooms, break rooms, and reception areas because this is where most people gather and are most exposed to harmful particles.
Individual Workspaces: monitors can be placed in individual work areas such as near cubicles or workstations, particularly for employees with respiratory sensitivities.
Problem Areas: placing monitors in problem areas such as those that get less air circulation or areas exposed to harmful contaminants is a good idea.
It is not essential to place a monitor in rooms that are used intermittently, as concentrations are likely to change when people enter and leave the room. Monitors should only be installed where there is a consistent and regular concentration of people.
In public buildings, such as recreational facilities, it’s best to place monitors in areas where people spend the most time, ideally at around six feet off the ground. Most people breathe the air at around six feet off the ground, so placing the device higher, such as at ten feet high, could report misleading data. This positioning error can lead to readings that do not accurately reflect the air quality.
The goal is to measure air quality in locations where people are present continuously—such as workplaces or classrooms where students are sitting—rather than in venues with intermittent usage.
This is important because you will get varying readings in different environments. For example, in a community centre, even if the building is clean, if people are using a climbing wall in the facility, the monitor will show elevated levels due to the chalk dust, which is an intermittent factor.
Therefore, in a community center, it’s advisable to keep monitors in areas where people consistently gather, like the front hallway or lobby. If you notice the gauge reading high due to a known source, you can attempt to eliminate that source or reduce its presence.
Interpreting Air Quality Data:
What is the significance of the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The significance of the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale in relation to public and workspaces is that AQI is primarily an outdoor standard. In Canada, it measures major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (PM 2.5 and PM 10), and nitrogen dioxide.
If outdoor air quality is poor, even the best air filters in your air handling system may not be effective. Contaminants can easily enter through doors and windows that are being opened. Also, if there are any gaps in the frames or torn gaskets in the air filtration system, outside pollutants can enter the building.
To address this, it’s important to continuously monitor air quality. By reviewing air quality over an extended period, such as a month, you can determine patterns. For example, if 80% of the time the indoor air quality is good, but there are peaks during the remaining 20%, it’s important to investigate what causes those peaks.
Rather than rushing to install HEPA filters after experiencing peak concentrations, you should first identify the source of the problem. Perhaps trucks are idling in the receiving area of a building, and placing signs to discourage idling might help. Implementing changes like these could reduce those peaks, leading to improved indoor air quality over time.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Many people debate whether to open windows for ventilation. While opening windows allows fresh air to enter, it also brings in outdoor contaminants.
If you’re in an area with good outdoor air quality, you can feel confident that opening the window will let in clean air. However, if you are in a location with high levels of pollution, such as a downtown area, it’s generally advisable not to open the windows. Instead, it’s better to use your air conditioning or heating system to ventilate the space. These systems can bring in outside air while properly filtering out contaminants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.
Mechanical ventilation
In rural areas, you may encounter natural pollutants like pollen and dust, which most people can tolerate. However, in urban environments with a high concentration of human-generated contaminants, it’s best to be cautious about opening windows.
In any room, there are areas known as dead spots where air circulation is poor. These dead spots can lead to a buildup of contaminants because the air isn’t being properly filtered. If someone walks through these areas, it can disturb the concentration of pollutants, causing them to circulate in the room, which you may then breathe in.
To achieve better indoor air quality, it is important to ensure that rooms have proper ventilation. This will help reduce the number of dead spots, allowing the air to continuously circulate and remove any dust or other contaminants present. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate dead spots, having as few as possible is essential for maintaining better indoor air quality.
How important is it to clean a public building or workspace regularly?
Cleaning is always important; however, most of the debris you clean off surfaces like your desk and laptop consists of larger particles that settle quickly and typically do not reach the air handling system. While you’re cleaning, you may inadvertently disturb smaller particles that are also on those surfaces, which can reintroduce them into the air, depending on your cleaning methods. High-quality air filtration can deal with these particles.
The type of cleaning chemicals you use is crucial. Certain chemicals can contribute to increased VOCs in the room.
While cleaning can help reduce some contaminants, it often makes only a modest difference, as most of the particles have already settled.
Plants can also play a role in improving air quality. They generate oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, and some plants can absorb fine particles from the air. In fact, some buildings have entire walls covered with plants— the more greenery in a building, the better the air quality is likely to be.
Getting the best air quality in your building
When your goal is to achieve the best indoor air quality, It is essential to use high-quality air filters, especially in public and commercial spaces. A minimum MERV 13-A-rated filter is recommended because it effectively removes unwanted particles while maintaining efficiency. If you opt for a lower-quality filter that fails to maintain its MERV rating, you’ll likely experience more bypass of contaminants into the room.
Proper installation is also important. Many people are unaware that even a half-inch gap around a filter can reduce its MERV rating by 2-3 levels. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that air filters are fit snugly without any gaps and that they are constructed properly to prevent bowing.
Additionally, investing in high-quality air filters can also reduce energy costs and waste.
Additional tips
Clutter serves as a settling area for dust and particles. If you’re unable to keep your space organized, it becomes difficult to clean effectively. However, by cleaning your desk, vacuuming your carpet, and taking similar steps, you can at least eliminate larger particles and some smaller ones.
When clutter accumulates, it prevents thorough cleaning around those items, allowing dust to settle. Moreover, if someone walks past and opens a door too quickly or if a window is opened, a breeze can disturb the dust in those cluttered areas.
Finally, if there isn’t enough air circulation due to clutter, humidity can build up, leading to mould growth. The combination of decluttering and maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as mould thrives in dark, humid environments. When clutter creates darkness and humidity increases, it creates the conditions for mould spores to develop and spread.
If you have any doubts about the IAQ in your building, it’s a good idea to get an air quality gauge. This will help you measure the levels of contaminants and VOCs in the environment, allowing you to confirm that your efforts are effective.
What to keep in mind about “green” cleaning products
Some products claim to be made from natural plants, but it’s important to understand that these can still pose risks. When heated, they can release submicron particles that float in the air, which you end up breathing in. Any artificial and even some naturally-derived scents added to these products also contribute to VOCs, and you may not know what is actually present in those VOCs.
Burning essential oils in your humidifier can be problematic as well. Even if the oils are natural, the inhalation of these particles can still be harmful. If they are small enough to become airborne, they are small enough to be inhaled and enter your body.
Conclusion
It is crucial to monitor harmful pollutants which often go undetected in buildings and workplaces. Choose reliable air quality monitors that can detect specific contaminants of concern. In industrial settings, specialized gauges may be necessary for specific chemical detection. Using a high-quality air quality sensor can help you monitor indoor air quality and adjust your clean air solutions as needed. It can help you establish data over time to come up with long-term strategies for better air quality.
Camfil’s AirImage sensors measure temperature, relative humidity (RH), absolute pressure and particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5), enabling you to monitor, track and improve air quality in your facility. These user-friendly sensors are ready to use straight out of the box, offering an intuitive interface for accessing real-time and historical air quality data. AirImage sensors can transmit data and notifications remotely to devices connected to a building management system (BMS), the internet, or a ground-penetrating radar system (GPRS).
To find out more about how to monitor or improve the air quality in your commercial or public building, please use this contact form.
About Camfil Canada Clean Air Solutions
For more than 60 years, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. Read more about Camfil Canada
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Sources:
*With information provided by air filtration expert Berni Baier
Health Canada
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Media Contact:
Phillip Ilijevski
Camfil Canada Inc.
T: 437-929-1161