Poor IEQ: Signs, Symptoms, and Causes

The following discuss the sign that a space as poor IEQ, symptoms that may be experienced by occupants, and some of the common reasons why these may be occurring. This section does not include information about specific airborne contaminants created by work procedures.

Signs of poor IEQ

If the symptoms related to IEQ, the occupant will typically only experience them after occupying the space in question for a period of time, and generally will not persist long after leaving the space. Symptoms described below are typically mild and are more of an annoyance than anything else. If the cause is due to an airborne contaminant, then any experienced symptoms may be more severe and longer lasting, depending on the contaminant.

Inadequate ventilation: If there are not enough air exchanges, contaminants and irritants in the space to build up over time. Often, the issue can be not enough ventilation given the number of people or types of process occurring within the space, particularly in older buildings were rooms are not being used as per the designed capacity or functionality for the HVAC system.

Inadequate air treatment: Related to ventilation, the HVAC system may not be sufficient treating the air being brought into a space, resulting in uncomfortable temperatures and/or humidity levels. Inadequate air treatment is often interpreted as a space not having enough ventilation, but these two factors do not need to be related, even if they are coming from the same system.

Off-gassing materials/products: Building materials, furniture, paints, and other products can contain chemicals such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Vapours released by these items can great air quality issues for occupants.

Poor Housekeeping: Dust is a common irritant, and if work spaces and surfaces are not sufficiently cleaned build-up of dust and other particulates can occur. Ensure that surfaces and ventilation air diffusers are kept cleaned and do not accumulate dust.

Human Activities: Human activities can create several IEQ issues, from work-related issues to vehicles idling and/or people smoking near intakes, open windows, etc.

Noise and Vibration: Spaces with high degrees of ambient noise can create issues for those working within, even if the source of the noise is not from the space. These are typically comfort noise levels being exceed, and not at levels where there is a risk of hearing damage or loss.