Talking about IAQ means putting the focus on the air quality in the rooms where we live and work. And this is no small matter, because most people spend a lot of time in them. Here we explain what it consists of, how it is measured and what strategies exist to control air quality and have a cleaner indoor atmosphere.
The literal definition of IAQ is Indoor Air Quality , and refers to the quality of the air inside a building , home, warehouse, premises or similar. In addition, it also analyses the quality of the adjacent space, because there is a clear bidirectional influence.
Let's remember that there are many pollutants in the air, but that this situation is even more acute indoors. There is carbon monoxide produced by humans and plants, as well as chemical particles, tobacco smoke, pesticides and infectious antigens. And all this, without forgetting that a greater or lesser humidity clearly influences the quality of the air we have.
Outdoor air quality has been a concern for decades, but indoor air zambia email list quality is a relatively recent concern. In fact, the first studies on indoor air quality date back to the Oil Wars in the 1970s and 1980s. So it's normal that many people don't really know what IAQ means .
In recent years, this situation has been the focus of attention, because working indoors is common. And anything that improves air conditions reduces illnesses, sick leave and improves the well-being of workers. It is not surprising, therefore, that this is on the agenda of companies in air conditioning and climate control systems .
How is air quality measured?
The IAQ has measurement methods, precisely, to check, in an objective way, whether a room is, or is not, in good condition. In Spain, there are 6 categories of danger according to the National Air Quality Index . To do this, a measurement of air data is made in real time. To do this, the community regulation UNE 171330 is followed. Other legal references are the Technical Building Code (CTE) and the Regulation of Technical Installations in Buildings (RITE).
There are 5 air pollutants that are tested. Firstly, there are suspended particles of the types PM10 and PM2.5. Secondly, sulphur dioxide DO2 is also included. Then there is nitrogen dioxide NO2. And finally, tropospheric ozone O3. All of these elements have a clearly harmful effect on health.