How is "IAQ" Indoor Air Quality Measured?
Parameters of IAQ
The importance of good indoor air quality has gained attention in recent years thanks to increased awareness of health problems that can arise if it were inadequate. Due to this, a number of processes required and several products have been released in order to measure the indoor air quality of a home or building.
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME
1
Carbon(iv)oxide CO2 (carbondioxide)
One of the major indicators of indoor quality is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) as it is a highly common gas in the environment. High levels of this gas could lead to dizziness or headaches, confusion and/or difficulty breathing. Ambient CO2 levels are around 450ppm (parts per million) – and various studies have linked high levels (>1200ppm) to reduced cognitive function and concentration levels. Monitoring indoor CO2 levels can alert building managers and staff if levels exceed recommended levels – which may lead to opening windows or improvements in ventilation systems.
2
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs can be in several hundred gaseous forms, which originate from different sources, such as:
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Preservatives in furniture,
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Chemicals in cleaning products,
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Combustion from cooking,
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Odors from personal care products.
Gas sensors based on a chemi-resistive principle of Metal Oxides (MOx) is a reliable and effective way to measure and monitor VOCs gases.
Exposure to VOCs may lead to eye, nose and throat irritation; shortness of breath, headaches and skin irritation. Long-term exposure to VOCs may lead to more severe health conditions. People with respiratory conditions (i.e. asthma) or allergies may be more sensitive to VOCs.
3
Particulate Matter
The two most distinctive particulate matter are PM2.5 and PM10. These two are air pollutants which can be very hazardous, especially if they reach high levels. This is because they have very small diameters (2.5um and 10um respectively), which means it is very easy for them to reach deeply into our lungs, potentially causing respiratory illnesses.
Sensor-based meters is effective in measuring and monitoring particulate matter levels.
Sick Building Syndrome describes a situation where the occupants of an office or building suffer from nonspecific health issues or feel under the weather when spending time in the building.
If your body is displaying persistent symptoms, such as allergies, headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing when you are inside a house or building and go away on their own when you get fresh air or leave the premises, then this may be a sign that there is a ventilation problem.
With more companies focused on staff well-being, attention should be focused on optimising the working environment, beyond aesthetics and office perks. There is no single diagnostic test for sick building syndrome, so the aim is to monitor the various factors associated with the condition.
The term IoT, or Internet of Things
Refers to the collective network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices and the cloud, as well as between the devices themselves.
How can Internet of Things (IoT) help with sick building syndrome?
Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can monitor several parameters that may contribute to sick building syndrome, including pollutants, legionella, VOC (volatile organic compounds), temperature, moisture, CO2