Indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for occupational health and safety, influencing workers’ well-being and productivity across various industries. Poor IAQ can cause health issues, from minor irritations to serious respiratory diseases, impacting workplace efficiency and morale. This summary highlights common indoor air contaminants and the importance of managing IAQ.

• Common Indoor Air Contaminants:
  • Chemical Contaminants: VOCs from paints and adhesives, formaldehyde in building materials, and particulate matter from industrial activities.

• Biological Contaminants: 
  • Mold, mildew in humid environments, bacteria, and viruses spread through HVAC systems.
• Physical Contaminants: 
  • Dust, fibers from manufacturing and construction, and asbestos in older buildings.

• Gaseous Contaminants: 
  • Carbon monoxide from combustion processes and radon gas.

Importance of Managing IAQ:

• Health and Safety
  • Protects against short-term irritations and long-term health issues.

• Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures adherence to safety regulations, avoiding penalties and enhances reputation.

• Productivity and Efficiency
  • Improves employee comfort and concentration, reducing absenteeism.

• Workplace Morale
  • Shows commitment to employee well-being, fostering loyalty and a positive culture.

Industries where IAQ can be a concern:

• Manufacturing – Use local exhaust ventilation and low-VOC materials.
• Construction – Employ dust control measures and conduct regular air quality monitoring.
• Hotels and Healthcare – Maintain HEPA filtration systems and ensure proper ventilation.
• Office Buildings – Use well-maintained HVAC systems and green building materials.
• Food Processing – Control humidity and inspect HVAC systems regularly.

Contaminants Include but not limited to:

• Respirable Suspended particulate Matter (PM 2.5) µm/m³
• Respirable Suspended Matter (PM 10) µm/m³
• Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSPM) µm/m³

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) ppm
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) ppm
• Oxygen O₂) %
• Temperature °C
• Relative Humidity %
• Formaldehyde (CH₂O) ppm
• Total VOC ppm
• Sulphur Dioxide SO₂ ppm
• Nitrogen Dioxide NO₂ ppm
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) ppm
• Ozone (O₃) ppm

Effective IAQ management ensures a healthier, more productive work environment, enhancing organizational efficiency and compliance. Ongoing assessment and improvement of IAQ practices are essential for occupational health and safety.