Glossary
IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)
Plain-Language Definition
The quality of air inside buildings as it relates to occupant health and comfort, measured by concentrations of pollutants, ventilation rates, temperature, and humidity.
Technical Context
Key IAQ parameters and limits: CO2 below 800 ppm (ASHRAE 62.1 implies this via ventilation rates), PM2.5 below 15 micrograms/m3 (WHO guideline), formaldehyde below 0.1 mg/m3, TVOC below 500 micrograms/m3, temperature 22-26 degrees C, relative humidity 40-60%. ASHRAE 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates: 8.5 L/s per person for offices (combination of per-person and per-area rates). CO2 monitoring is the most practical real-time IAQ indicator. WELL v2 requires continuous air quality monitoring for certification.
Why It Matters
People spend 90% of their time indoors. Poor IAQ causes sick building syndrome symptoms (headaches, fatigue, irritation), reduces cognitive performance by up to 15% (Harvard COGFX study), increases absenteeism, and poses long-term health risks from pollutant exposure. Post-COVID, IAQ has become a top-tier corporate real estate concern with direct implications for employee wellbeing and productivity.
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