Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

In major cities all around the world, people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors whether this be in the workplace with mechanical ventilation systems and artificial lighting or at home. Since people spend so much time indoors, it is essential that these spaces have high air quality to protect human health and ensure comfort.

Perspectives on Indoor Air Quality in Australia

The term ‘sick building syndrome’ (SBS) is often used to describe chronic symptoms that appear to be linked to the amount of time spent in a building or enclosed space, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Short-term symptoms include irritation of the skin, eyes and throat, headaches and nausea, while longer-term symptoms include respiratory disease or cancer which may be caused by long term exposure to chemicals, such as formaldehyde and microscopic fibres such as asbestos.

The result of the symptoms and conditions can consequently cause an increase in sickness absenteeism and/or a decrease in worker productivity. As a result, businesses are increasingly interested in air quality and indoor environment monitoring systems to ensure worker health as well as assist with ensuring optimal working conditions and to maximise worker productivity.

Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality in the workplace is largely driven by factors such as:

Airborne contaminants – Excessive dust, gases, vapours and fumes indoors can seriously impact the health of individuals. Depending on the substance, they can have a range of negative effects from headaches and nausea in the short term to certain cancers due to long term exposure.
Temperature and humidity – These factors predominately influence the comfort of an indoor environment but also can contribute to hazards such as mould growth.
Poor ventilation – Restricted air flow in an indoor space is often the main contributor to inadequate indoor air quality because it results in the accumulation of airborne contaminants, increases moisture content in the air and prevents cooling. Lack of ventilation in an area can also increase the likelihood of viruses spreading through airborne exposure.

Improving and Monitoring Indoor Air Quality

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that indoor air quality can be improved. The first step is to undertake an indoor air quality assessment to determine whether relevant indoor air quality guidelines are met. These assessments are generally undertaken by occupational hygienists or HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) professionals. Once an assessment has been completed, mitigation measures can be undertaken to improve indoor air quality. Monitoring can also be implemented to ensure ongoing compliance with best practice for indoor air quality.

Air-Met Scientific offers a range of indoor air quality monitoring solutions for sale, rental and service including carbon dioxide monitors, indoor air quality meters and anemometers to aid in maintaining safe, healthy and energy efficient workplaces. For more information, contact your local Air-Met Scientific today.

Does Air-Met Scientific hire indoor air quality monitoring equipment?

Yes, Air-Met Scientific offers a wide range indoor air quality monitoring equipment for short and long-term hire. Our indoor air quality (IAQ) range includes portable indoor air quality monitors, particulate monitors and anemometers. Contact your local Air-Met Scientific Rental office to discuss your IAQ monitoring requirements or for product availability. Air-Met Scientific have rental offices in most major cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Mackay, Perth and Adelaide.

What is indoor air quality monitoring and how does it help to improve ventilation in the workplace?

Indoor air quality monitoring is the process of measuring and analysing the levels of pollutants and other harmful substances present in the air inside buildings. Poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the building occupants, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.

Indoor air quality monitoring typically involves the use of sensors and other equipment to measure the levels of various pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful gases. The data collected is then analysed to identify potential sources of pollution and to develop strategies for improving indoor air quality.

Monitoring indoor air quality is particularly important in buildings where there are known sources of pollutants, such as factories, laboratories, and hospitals. It is also important in residential buildings, where people spend the majority of their time and are often exposed to indoor air pollutants from a variety of sources, such as cleaning products, cooking fumes, and tobacco smoke.

What is a CO2 meter and how does it help to identify poor ventilation?

A CO₂ meter is a device that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air. CO₂ meters are used as part of indoor air quality monitoring assessments to monitor the quality of the air in a building.

CO₂ is a naturally occurring gas that is present in the atmosphere and is also produced by human activity. When people breathe, they exhale CO₂, and when fuel is burned, CO₂ is released into the air. High levels of CO₂ in indoor air can be an indicator of poor ventilation, which can lead to a build-up of other pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter.

CO₂ meters can be available as a fixed device for continuous monitoring such as the ERS CO₂ Sensor or a portable device for on-the-spot measurements. The meters display the CO₂ concentration in parts per million (ppm) and can alert occupants or building managers if the concentration exceeds a certain threshold.

Carbon dioixde meters are helpful in monitoring indoor air quality because they provide a real-time measurement of CO₂ levels in the air, which can indicate how well ventilated a space is. Proper ventilation is important for maintaining a healthy indoor environment, as it helps to reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants and replenish the supply of fresh air. By monitoring CO₂ levels, building managers can identify areas where ventilation may be insufficient and take steps to improve indoor air quality.

What is an indoor air quality assessment?

Conducted by trained and qualified professionals such as an occupational hygienist or indoor air quality specialist, an indoor air quality assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the air quality inside a building, which is conducted to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution and to determine the overall level of indoor air quality. The assessment typically involves a combination of visual inspections, air sampling, and data analysis to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing ventilation systems. An indoor air quality assessment may include the following steps:

Visual inspection
Air sampling
Data analysis
Recommendations
Follow-up assessments

Are there any standards or guidelines that regulate indoor air quality in Australia?

Yes, there are several standards and regulations that govern indoor air quality in Australia. Some of the key ones include:

National Construction Code (NCC) - The NCC sets out the minimum requirements for building design and construction in Australia, including provisions for ventilation, air quality, and moisture control
Australian Standards - There are several Australian Standards that apply to indoor air quality, including AS/NZS 1668.2:2012, which sets out the requirements for ventilation and air conditioning in buildings, and AS/NZS 2985:2009, which provides guidance on the management of indoor air quality in workplaces.
Work Health and Safety Regulations - The Work Health and Safety Regulations require employers to provide a safe working environment, which includes ensuring that indoor air quality is maintained at a safe and healthy level.

What is an anemometer?

An anemometer is a device used for measuring wind speed and direction. It is a type of instrument commonly used in meteorology, aviation, and sailing, as well as in industrial settings such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. The basic principle behind an anemometer is to measure the movement of air. There are several types of anemometers each of which uses a different method to measure air movement.

Types of Anemometers include:

Cup anemometers: one of the most commonly used types of anemometers, they consist of three or four cups that are mounted on a rotating shaft. As the cups spin, they turn the shaft, which is connected to a mechanism that measures the rotation speed. The rotation speed is then converted into a wind speed reading.
Vane anemometers: use a similar principle, but instead of cups, they have a flat, horizontal vane that is mounted on a vertical shaft. As the wind blows, the vane turns, and the shaft rotates. The rotation speed is then measured and converted into a wind speed reading.
Hot-wire anemometers: these use a very fine wire that is heated by an electric current. As air flows over the wire, it cools the wire, causing a change in the electrical resistance. By measuring the change in resistance, anemometers such as the TSI Hot Wire Anemometer can determine the speed of the air flow.

Vane and Hot Wire Anemometers are available from Air-Met Scientific in Australia for sale and rental.

Indoor Air Quality Monitoring