What is an Indoor Air Quality Monitor?
Definition
An indoor air quality monitor can track and report on pollutants and conditions inside the building in real-time to help building owners reduce health risks to occupants associated with poor indoor air. Air quality monitors will often measure PM 2.5 (particulate matter of 2.5 microns), carbon dioxide, airborne dust, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature and humidity.
Why it Matters
According to the World Health Organization, 3.8 million deaths are caused by indoor air pollutants. The Environmental Protection Agency states that air quality is an important factor to help prevent health issues.
Indoor air quality has a significant impact on worker comfort, productivity, and long-term health. Symptoms with poor IAQ include headache, nausea, fatigue, eye, nose, and throat irritation. In the long-term, indoor air pollution can cause chronic respiratory illnesses such as lung cancer and asthma.
Accurate IAQ monitoring alerts property owners and tenants to the effectiveness of ventilation in the building.
To measure performance, international green building organizations have developed criteria such as WELL or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to promote a safer environment for people to live and work.
