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:

  1. Identify the source, if possible (using the information below)
  2. Determine if the source is building related
  3. 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.
  4. 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.