Investigating indoor air quality problems: best practice and case studies

Abstract

Indoor air quality has an important impact on the health and well-being of people. Most people's lives are spent in indoor environments and therefore their exposure to air pollutants is determined by the indoor air quality. Prevention of poor indoor air quality requires an adequate ‘fresh’ air supply and sufficient control of internal sources of pollution to prevent the occurrence of levels of gases, vapours and particles that can cause adverse health and discomfort. The assessment of the performance of buildings with respect to indoor air quality and the investigation of occupant complaints require appropriate methods of measurement and a strategy optimised for the building or other internal environment and the nature of the problem. International standards are available that offer guidance on undertaking such indoor air quality investigations. This paper gives examples of their application to indoor air quality problems with a range of causes, including poor construction products, inadequate design, occupant behaviours, unforeseen incidents and ground contamination.