Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):
The nature of air that affects the health and well-being of occupants.
Indoor Air Pollution (IAP):
The plethora of pollutants that exist in indoor environments.
The invasiveness of indoor air pollution and
human exposure to indoor pollutants and contaminated air is a major public
health issue. Since 1970, information on the health risk associated with
indoor air pollutants (IAP), has increased steadily. Because the general
population is indoors most of the time and because of the invasive nature
indoor air pollution, IAP, no one is immune to the effects of indoor air
pollution, IAP.
Reported health risks associated with IAP
include eye, nose, and throat irritations, central nervous system disorders
(CND), allergic sensitivity reactions, and a variety of other respiratory
and health problems.
Poor Indoor air quality (IAQ)
Poor indoor air quality can be traced to many factors. Among some of the
causes of contaminated indoor air quality, the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH) has noted are: microbial
contamination, contamination from inside the building (including fire,
smoke, and water damage), contamination from outside the building,
inadequate ventilation, and fabric contamination
Healthy Indoor Environment
The quality of air contributes to productivity, comfort, and a sense of
health and well being in a healthy indoor environment. The indoor air should
be free from significant levels of odors, dust and contaminants and
circulates to prevent stuffiness without creating drafts. Occupants should
be free from feeling sick.
Temperature and humidity should also be appropriate to the season and to the
clothing and activity of the building occupants