INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) defines indoor air quality as the totality of attributes of indoor air that affect a person's health and well-being. It is generally recognised that we spend 90% or more of our time in an indoor environment. Research on wellbeing and indoor environments have shown that poor indoor environmental quality can result in significant adverse impacts on our health and environment. Additionally, these impacts carry a significant cost burden to the economy with the CSIRO estimating the cost to be as high as $12 billion annually. 

Indoor environmental quality can be adversely impacted by pollutants such as mould, microbial contamination, dust/particulates and volatile chemicals. Sources of indoor air pollution include:

 

• Building materials, carpets and furnishings

• Home renovation activities such as painting

• Perfumed personal care products (e.g. soaps, shampoos), air fresheners and cleaning products

• Home office devices such as printers and photocopiers

• Heating and cooling systems

• Smoking

• Fuel-burning devices for heating or cooking

• Mould

 

Indoor pollutants are not naturally removed by the processes that occur outdoors, such as wind and rain. Chemical reactions to break down indoor air pollutants do still occur, but at slower rates than outdoors. This is because these reactions rely on the production of oxidants under the influence of light, and there is less direct sunlight within an indoor built environment. The chemical breakdown of some indoor pollutants can create other pollutants, such as VOCs breaking down to produce ozone and fine particles.

 

Buildings that are more energy-efficient often recirculate air, which limits the amount of fresh air entering the building and can trap pollutants inside for longer. Adequate air flow and appropriately designed ventilation within an indoor environment plays a crucial factor in the quality of the indoor air. 

 

AARCO Environmental Solutions have qualified, industry-recognised and experienced investigators with local and interstate experience in performing indoor environmental quality assessments (commercial, residential, industrial) for a wide range of industries including within government buildings, schools and educational facilities, worker accommodation units, and various office buildings.