IAQ Assessment Process
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. When you request an IAQ assessment, you take the first step in creating a healthier school environment. A team of environmental health professionals will provide a room-by-room assessment of ambient air conditions by taking measurements with specialized devices. This data is analyzed to assess your ventilation system airflow and identify classrooms that show a need for additional measures such as the placement of portable high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filtrations systems.
Improved ventilation can actually increase learning and attention. Poor ventilation may also affect teachers. Studies continue to show that overall cognitive performance improves for both when exposed to lower carbon dioxide levels, which is a marker of better ventilation.
So what are we looking for? See below!
Particulate Matter (PM)
PM stands for particulate matter: the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen by the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope. We measure PM2.5 and PM0.5 levels in a room with a handheld device.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless gas. High levels of CO2 often indicate inadequate ventilation. Persons in buildings with high CO2 levels may complain of burning eyes, tiredness, and headaches. These symptoms can be caused by a combination of CO2 and other pollutants that may occupy a poorly ventilated space.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas. It results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, and kerosene and is emitted by a wide variety of sources, including motor vehicles, power plants, and incinerators. At elevated levels, CO causes headaches, fatigue, and queasiness. At very high levels, brain and heart damage can occur, and even death.
Relative Humidity (RH)
Indoor air quality becomes compromised when humidity levels rise above 50%. When the air becomes heavy with moisture, a building becomes a breeding ground for dust mites, allergens, and fungal and bacterial growth. These particulates lead to respiratory issues like allergies and asthma and cause nose, ear, and throat irritation.
Ambient Temperature
High air temperature can cause insufficient humidity. Many bacteria and viruses often prefer higher temperatures, and thus a higher pathogen count is found in spaces that are warmer. Higher temps also speed up chemical reactions, leading to higher production levels of ozone and other hazardous compounds. Warmer temperatures also increase emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), a group of compounds that can be particularly dangerous for human health.
Visual Inspection + Data
Visual inspections of buildings combined with the quantitative data from measuring PM, CO2, CO, relative humidity, and temperature provides a snapshot of the airflow through all rooms or spaces of a building structure. Consider it an investigation of sorts!
Request your School IAQ Assessment today!
*You must have a contract in place with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MO DHSS)
prior to requesting this assessment. For contract information, please contact Ms. Pat Simmons, Assistant Deputy Director, Division of Community and Public Health at Pat.Simmons@health.mo.gov or 573-526-1822