Print this page Indoor Air Quality – Part I: Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality
Lee Layton, P.E.
Course Outline
Chapter One of this course begins with a look at the four elements the contribute to indoor air quality problems: source, HVAC, pathways, and occupants. Chapter Two covers the concepts of indoor air quality measurement and the tools to use to measure air quality. Chapter Three is an in-depth look at the different components in a commercial HVAC system and how these systems may impact air quality. Chapter Four covers ways to minimize mold and mildew, and Chapter Five is a brief overview of issues with asbestos and radon.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
After taking this course you should,
- Understand what is meant by “good air quality;
- Know the consequences of poor air quality;
- Know the four elements that contribute to poor air quality;
- Understand the sources of air contaminants;
- Understand how equipment can contribute to poor air quality;
- Be able to explain how human activities contribute to poor air quality;
- Be able to explain how building components contribute to poor air quality;
- Understand other contributors to poor air quality;
- Be able to explain how a HVAC system can improve air quality;
- Be able to explain the various sampling devices used in air quality investigations;
- Understand the importance of thermal balance;
- Understand how VOC’s can contribute to poor air quality;
- Be able to explain what is necessary for mold growth and development;
- Be able to explain the air quality impacts of asbestos; and
- Be able to explain how radon can impact air quality.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for anyone concerned about improving indoor air quality.
Benefit to Attendees
Building air quality is becoming a greater concern due to the “tightness” of buildings and the variety of activities that occur in a commercial environment. This course should give you a good understanding of the factors creating air quality problems and the potential areas to look for to correct air quality problems.
Course Introduction
A healthy indoor environment is one in which the surroundings contribute to productivity, comfort, and a sense of health and well being. The indoor air is free from significant levels of odors, dust and contaminants and circulates to prevent stuffiness without creating drafts.
In a well designed facility, temperature and humidity are appropriate to the season and to the clothing and activity of the building occupants. There is enough light to illuminate work surfaces without creating glare and noise levels do not interfere with activities. Sanitation, drinking water, fire protection, and other factors affecting health and safety are well planned and properly managed.
Unfortunately, many commercial buildings do not meet the above mentioned standard for air quality even though good air quality is an important component of a healthy indoor environment. For the purposes of this document, the definition of good indoor air quality includes:
- Introduction and distribution of adequate ventilation air,
- Control of airborne contaminants, and
- Maintenance of acceptable temperature and relative humidity.
A practical guide to indoor air quality (IAQ) cannot overlook temperature and humidity, because thermal comfort concerns underlie many complaints about “poor air quality.” Furthermore, temperature and humidity are among the many factors that affect indoor contaminant levels.
This course is the first in a two-part series. In this course, we will look at factors affecting indoor air quality and how to measure and evaluate indoor air quality. An explanation of how HVAC systems work is covered in chapter three and mold, mildew, asbestos and radon are covered in subsequent chapters.
The second course in this series discusses methods to mitigate indoor air quality problems and covers several common indoor air quality problems and potential solutions.
Course Content
This course content is in the following PDF document:
Indoor Air Quality – Part I: Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality
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Course Summary
A healthy indoor environment is one in which the surroundings contribute to productivity, comfort, and a sense of health and well being.
In this course, we have looked at the factors affecting indoor air quality and how to measure and evaluate indoor air quality. Good indoor air quality includes: Introduction and distribution of adequate ventilation air, control of airborne contaminants, and maintenance of acceptable temperature and relative humidity. In addition to measuring and quantifying methods, the course included an explanation of how HVAC systems as well as the air quality impacts of mold, mildew, asbestos and radon.
The second course in this series discusses methods to mitigate indoor air quality problems and covers 15 common indoor air quality problems and potential solutions.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
