Indoor Air Quality

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Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can significantly increase the occurrence of communicable respiratory illnesses, allergy and asthma symptoms. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates that as many as 50 percent of all illnesses are either caused or aggravated by poor IAQ.

IAQ problems are caused by the interaction between building materials and furnishing, activities within the building, climate, and building occupants. IAQ problems may arise from one or more of the following causes:

  • Indoor environment – inadequate temperature, humidity, lighting, excessive noise
  • Indoor air contaminants – chemicals, dusts, moulds or fungi, bacteria, gases, vapours, odours
  • Insufficient fresh air intake

Common symptoms reported include:

  • Dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath, Sinus Congestion Coughing and Sneezing
  • Hypersensitivity and allergies
  • Dizziness and Nausea

People generally notice their symptoms after several hours at work and feel better after they have left the building or when they have been away from the building for a weekend or a vacation.

Apex EHS staff are trained in investigating indoor air quality problems, using appropriate equipment and monitoring devices to pinpoint contamination sources and carry out sample collection and analysis to help resolve IAQ issues.

For more information please contact us.