Become proactive in identifying and solving problems with indoor air quality. Involve workers in the solution and take their complaints about IAQ seriously. Consider IAQ when renovating spaces, maintaining HVAC and other equipment, or contracting for janitorial services. Indoor Air Quality Impacts On Health Category Sources Symptoms Irritation Formaldehyde, VOCs, combustion gases, particulates, man-made fibers, pesticides. Noise and poor lighting often exacerbate symptoms related to IAQ problems.
Common sources are paints and carpeting, especially carpet backings and adhesives.
VOCs are inhaled and easily transported into the bloodstream. VOC source strengths are more important in determining IAQ than the interior ventilation rate. Combustion by-products can create hazardous conditions if allowed to accumulate inside a building. Improper ventilation, inoperative or undersized exhaust fans, and improper pressurization of the building can all lead to buildup of combustion by-products. Bioaerosol contaminants can occur over time from HVAC maintenance problems and air infiltration.