Why is Indoor Air Quality Important in Commercial Buildings?

Maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) is critical for the health and wellbeing of everyone who lives or works in a building. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the potential risks that come with poor IAQ. At Ithaca Health and Environment, we believe that indoor air quality testing is essential for ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment. Here are some reasons why you should consider IAQ testing.

Poor indoor air quality can cause a range of health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and respiratory issues. Some of the most common culprits of poor IAQ include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dust. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can cause nausea, headaches, and even death in high concentrations. Carbon dioxide can cause drowsiness, headaches, and reduced cognitive function in high levels. VOCs, which are emitted by products such as paints and cleaning supplies, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches and nausea. Finally, excessive dust can cause respiratory issues and worsen allergies and asthma.

Temperature and humidity also play a significant role in indoor air quality. High humidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems and aggravate allergies and asthma. Low humidity can cause dry skin, and sore throat. Temperature is also crucial for maintaining good IAQ. When a building is too cold or too hot, it can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity.

Additionally, specific activities and equipment within your office or in adjacent or nearby facilities may be generating specific contaminants which may impact your IAQ, including even common practices such as printing.

At Ithaca Health and Environment, we offer comprehensive IAQ testing services that can help you identify potential issues and develop a plan to improve the quality of the air in your home or office.