What is the main business value of indoor air quality monitoring (IAQ)?

Indoor air quality has a significant impact on productivity, health and their general sense of wellbeing. A wide range of studies demonstrates the influence of ambient air pollution indicators such as temperature, humidity and CO2 levels on employees. The concept of human wellbeing is critically important but can be too vague to guide investment decisions in new monitoring and mitigation systems. However, wellbeing can be quantified to estimate business value and guide investment decisions by focusing on several measurable indicators: employee healthcare insurance costs, the frequency of sick days, worker productivity, and employee turnover. 

What are the typical applications for IAQ monitoring?

Applications differ across facilities. For example, the applications relevant to a chemical factory will differ from those relevant to a hospital. However, several applications are typical across a wide range of facilities.

• IAQ complaint investigation and analysis
• HVAC system performance monitoring
• Air quality engineering analysis
• Mould investigation and remediation
• Health and comfort assessment

What strategies can be used to improve indoor air quality when monitoring identified an issue?

Indoor air quality is not easily defined. It is a constantly changing interaction of operational and environmental factors that impact the types, levels, and importance of pollutants in indoor environments.

These factors include the sources of pollutants, system design, ventilation system maintenance and operation, and temperature and humidity in the external environment. In addition, there are many other factors that affect the perception of indoor air quality.

Controlling indoor air quality involves integrating three main strategies:

1. Manage the sources of pollutants either by removing them from the facility or isolating them from people through physical barriers or air pressure relationships and by controlling the timing of their use.
2. Dilute pollutants and remove them from the building through ventilation.
3. Use filtration to clean the air of pollutants.

Building Owners and Facility Managers: Building owners and facility managers prioritize IAQ monitoring to maintain healthy indoor environments, reduce liability risks, and preserve property value. They rely on IAQ data to identify potential issues, optimize building operations, and implement targeted interventions to improve indoor air quality.

Occupants: Occupants value IAQ monitoring as it directly impacts their health, comfort, and well-being. They appreciate transparency regarding indoor air quality conditions and expect prompt action from building management in response to IAQ concerns. IAQ monitoring systems can also empower occupants with real-time feedback and personalized recommendations for behavior modification.

How do indoor air quality monitoring (IAQ) sensors work?

IAQ sensors work by detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors. By measuring the total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and applying it to a rating scale, these sensors provide the data needed by connected systems to track, analyze, and clean air in the ambient environment. The sensor chips are typically just a few millimeters in width, and can easily fit within the existing electronics of exhaust fans, air filtration systems, and HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. They can also be installed externally in brownfield environments.

How is data obtained by indoor air quality monitoring (IAQ) systems?

IAQ data comes from indoor air quality sensors (IAQ sensors) which are devices that measure the air quality within and around facilities as it relates to the health of facility occupants.

IAQ sensors are used to obtain the following data:

• The concentration of chemical by-products such as sulfur and carbon dioxide 
• The concentration of other pollutants such as mold spores and dust
• Other air quality factors that impact human wellbeing such as temperature and humidity
• Visualization of the measurement points on a geographical map or facility plan

Real-time data can be analyzed against historical data, defined thresholds, or simulation data to guide management decision making or to trigger automated actions such as alarms, HVAC system controls, or equipment shutdown. For example, in a mine alerts can be generated when defined thresholds are exceeded in order to advise workers to put on masks in the case of a gas leak. 

What are the methods for assessing IAQ?

There are two main methods for assessing the quality of indoor air:

1. Real-time, continuous measurement can be used to detect pollutant sources and provide information on the variation of pollutant levels throughout the day and over the course of weeks or months.
2. Integrated sampling with subsequent laboratory analysis can provide information on the total exposure level of a particular pollutant over a period of time.

Real-time monitoring is increasing in prevalence due to the reduction in sensor and connectivity costs. Regardless of the method, the accuracy of the data depends on the proper operation of sensors and/or handling of the samples. Strict quality assurance procedures such as equipment calibration and operation in accordance with manufacturer instructions is necessary to maintain the reliability of the system.

Do indoor air quality monitoring (IAQ) sensors meet relevant standards?

Indoor air quality in industrial facilities is increasingly important due to both regulation and employee expectations. As a result, organizations seek to meet specific standards such as those set by WELL Building Institute, ASHRAE, OHSA, LEED and RESET. Identifying the right standards and demonstrating adherence can be a challenge in geographies and industries where regulations are unclear, or where employee expectations are the primary driving motivation. 

How do HVAC systems impact IAQ?

HVAC systems as a category include all of the equipment used to ventilate, heat and cool the building, to move the air around the building (ductwork), and to filter and clean the air. These systems can have a significant impact on how pollutants are distributed and removed from a facility. Because of the HVAC system's importance, good indoor air quality management includes attention to:

• - Ventilation system design: the air delivery capacity of an HVAC system is determined based on the projected number of people in a facility, the design of the building, the expected volume of pollutants, and other operational factors. When the usage of areas in a building change, the HVAC system must be modified to accommodate these changes.
• - Outside air supply: an adequate supply of outside air, typically delivered through the HVAC system, is necessary for any facility to dilute pollutants that are released by equipment, building materials, furnishings, raw materials, products, and people.
• - Outdoor air quality: outdoor air pollutants, temperature, and humidity may affect indoor conditions when outside air is taken into the facility's ventilation system. Properly installed and maintained filters can trap many of the particles.
• - Space planning: the use and placement of furniture and equipment may affect the delivery of air to an occupied space.
• - Equipment maintenance: diligent maintenance of HVAC equipment is essential for the delivery and quality of air in a facility.