Indoor Environmental Quality
People spend a significant amount of time indoors. Indoor environmental quality deals with the contaminants of interior air that could effect the health and comfort of UBC building occupants.
Symptoms associated with poor indoor environmental quality
Health symptoms for poor indoor environmental quality can vary depending on personal susceptibility. Common symptoms experienced by individuals include:
- Headaches
- Sinus congestion
- Itchy throat
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Poor IEQ can also exacerbate existing allergy or asthma symptoms.
How to improve indoor environmental quality
- Keep windows closed at all times
- Keep laboratory doors closed at all times
- Use low-volatile organic compound markers
- Clean and dust workplace regularly
How to get an indoor environmental quality assessment
If you are concerned about poor indoor environmental quality, please follow these steps:
- Identify the source, if possible (using the information below)
- Determine if the source is building related
- If the source is an immediate issue related to building systems (e.g. ventilation has been turned off or broken down), submit a facilities work order.
- If the cause is not related to building systems and is an on-going concern, fill out the indoor environmental quality concern report and send it to hse.ok@ubc.ca
Types of indoor air contaminants
Contaminant | Example |
Biological | Mould, bacteria, dust mites, pollen |
Chemical | Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, asbestos, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, particulate matter |
Radiological | Radon |
Indoor environmental quality issues are typically caused by
Cause | Source |
Microbial contamination | Water leaks and infiltration, elevated indoor humidity, humidifiers, contaminated ductwork |
Inside contamination | Copy machines, office, products, chemicals |
Outside contamination | Automobile exhaust, nearby construction, smoking |
Humidity and temperature | Temperature and relative humidity outside the normal comfort range |
New building materials | Carpets, drapery, furniture, paint, etc. |
Personal factors | Perfumes, deodorants, laundry, detergents, etc. |
Factors that effect indoor environmental quality
Factor | Guideline |
Temperature | Strive to maintain temperatures between 20–40 degrees Celsius in the winter and 23–27 degrees Celsius in the summer. |
Humidity | Approximately 30% relative humidity is recommended; however, variability is acceptable due to outdoor environmental conditions. |
Carbon dioxide | Levels below 1,000 ppm are generally acceptable. |
Carbon monoxide | Levels below 5 ppm are generally acceptable. |
Outdoor air | An adequate supply of outdoor air must be provided to the workplace. |
Air distribution | Outdoor air must be effectively distributed throughout the workplace. |
Noise | Occupants should keep noise levels at reasonable and respectful levels. |
Vibration | While not normally hazardous, vibration concerns typically arise from the use of specific equipment and machinery. |
Lighting | Lighting must comply with WorkSafeBC minimum requirements for illumination to ensure safe working conditions. |