Environmental Parameters
Monitoring key air pollutants to ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Indoor Air Quality Parameters We Monitor
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
What It Is: Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas produced by human respiration and combustion processes.
Why It’s Measured: Elevated CO₂ levels indicate poor ventilation, which can lead to drowsiness, headaches, and reduced cognitive function. Monitoring CO₂ helps ensure adequate fresh air supply and occupant comfort and performance.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
What It Is: Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels.
Why It’s Measured: CO is highly toxic and can cause serious health issues, including dizziness, nausea, and even death at high concentrations. Monitoring CO is critical for safety in spaces with fuel-burning appliances or vehicle exhaust emissions.
Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀)
What It Is: Particulate matter refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air, such as dust, pollen, and smoke. PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ refer to particles smaller than 2.5 and 10 micrometers, respectively.
Why It’s Measured: These particles can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Monitoring particulate matter helps identify pollution sources and protect occupant health.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
What It Is: VOCs are chemicals emitted as gases from products like paints, cleaning supplies, and building materials.
Why It’s Measured:High VOC levels can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and long-term health effects. Monitoring VOCs helps identify sources of indoor pollution and improve air quality.
Formaldehyde (HCHO)
What It Is: Formaldehyde is a common VOC found in building materials, furniture, and household products.
Why It’s Measured:Formaldehyde is a known irritant and carcinogen. Monitoring its levels ensures compliance with safety standards and protects occupants from harmful exposure.
Ozone (O₃)
What It Is: Ozone is a reactive gas that can be generated by electronic air cleaners, printers, and outdoor pollution.
Why It’s Measured: High ozone levels can cause respiratory irritation and worsen asthma. Monitoring ozone helps ensure it remains within safe limits, especially in spaces with ozone-generating devices.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
What It Is: Nitrogen dioxide is a gas produced by combustion processes, such as gas stoves and vehicle exhaust.
Why It’s Measured: NO₂ can irritate the airways and aggravate respiratory conditions. Monitoring NO₂ is essential in spaces with combustion appliances to ensure safe air quality.
Temperature and Relative Humidity
What It Is: Temperature affects occupant thermal comfort, while relative humidity indicates the amount of moisture in the air.
Why It’s Measured: Poor temperature and humidity control can lead to discomfort, mould growth, and increased allergen levels. Monitoring these parameters ensures a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Radon (Rn)
What It Is: Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground.
Why It’s Measured:Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Monitoring radon levels is critical for identifying and mitigating this invisible threat.
Airborne Microorganisms (Mold, Bacteria, Viruses)
What It Is: These are biological contaminants that can grow in damp or poorly ventilated spaces.
Why It’s Measured: Airborne microorganisms can cause allergies, infections, and respiratory issues. Monitoring helps identify contamination sources and implement effective remediation strategies.
Airflow and Ventilation Rates
What It Is: Airflow measures the movement of air, while ventilation rates indicate the amount of fresh air entering a space
Why It’s Measured:Proper airflow and ventilation are essential for diluting pollutants and maintaining healthy IAQ. Monitoring ensures compliance with building standards and occupant comfort.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
What It Is: Organic compounds produced by incomplete combustion of organic materials.
Why It’s Measured: PAHs are carcinogenic and can cause respiratory issues. Monitoring is important in industrial settings and areas with high traffic pollution.
Heavy Metals (e.g., Lead, Mercury, Cadmium etc)
What It Is: Toxic metallic elements that can be found in air, dust, and building materials.
Why It’s Measured: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium are harmful to human health, causing neurological damage, respiratory issues, and long-term organ damage. Monitoring is critical in older buildings, industrial settings, and areas with high pollution levels.