SERVICES
- Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health and Safety
- Hazardous Materials Risk Evaluation, Management and Support
- Microbial Survey and Air Quality
- Safety Training Courses
- Asbestos and Microbial Laboratory Services
- Investigation and Testing in Former Clandestine Drug Operations
- Expert Witness & Council
Indoor Air Quality FAQ
- What's the importance of indoor air quality in a workplace?
- What are the causes of indoor air quality problems?
- Are there any regulations or guidelines about indoor air quality in workplaces?
- Other than air quality, are there any other factors that affect comfort in a workplace?
1. | What's the importance of indoor air quality in a workplace? |
A: | The quality of indoor air is often a major component of worker comfort and satisfaction. Air quality in the workplace will affect productivity, sick time and even the length of time workers stay at a job. |
RETURN TO TOP[>] |
2. | What are the causes of indoor air quality problems? |
A: | Indoor air quality problems can be caused by a variety of sources such as:
|
RETURN TO TOP[>] |
3. | Are there any regulations or guidelines about indoor air quality in workplaces? |
A: | Industrial standards for air quality have existed for many years. These standards typically set limits for concentrations of contaminants that could result in serious illnesses among workers. However, it has been determined that much lower concentrations of some compounds may cause less severe health effects among workers. WorkSafeBC has addressed this issue in the Occupational Health & Safety regulations (Part 4, Section 4.77) and state that: “A ventilation system that discharges air from the work area must be designed to minimize the likelihood of exposing any worker at a workplace, including an adjacent workplace (a) to an air contaminant in a concentration which exceeds either 10% of its applicable exposure limit in Part 5 (Chemical and Biological Substances), or an acceptable ambient air quality standard established by an authority having jurisdiction over environmental air standards, whichever is greater, and (b) where practicable, to an objectionable odour.” |
RETURN TO TOP[>] |
4. | Other than air quality, are there any other factors that affect comfort in a workplace? |
A: | Indoor air quality is only one of several factors that can affect comfort in the workplace. Others include noise, lighting, number of individuals per unit area and psychosocial issues. Excessive noise or unsuitable lighting can result in headaches and other symptoms. Increased stress caused by work activity or overcrowding can also contribute to many complaints normally associated with poor air quality. |
RETURN TO TOP[>] |