Are the buildings you manage “healthy”? The health of your building(s) is largely determined by the indoor air quality. Air quality has been a hot topic as of late as we strive towards creating safe work environments for both employers and clients returning to the office and safer building environments for occupants . As we continue to navigate return-to-work over this pandemic, it’s more important than ever to be able to demonstrate to your residents, clients, customers, and occupants that the indoor air they breathe passes rigorous tracking and tests for quality, proper filtration, and ventilation. Not only do facilities managers need to facilitate the maintenance of safe indoor air quality, they must also ensure that they continuously communicate this in a clear and meaningful way.
What is indoor air quality and how is it best maintained?
Indoor quality is more than just about air that is “conditioned” to feel good. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) specifically describes how pollutants, temperature, humidity, and similar factors affect health, comfort, and performance.
The 3 common indoor air pollutants are:
- Biological (like bacteria, mould, pollen, and viruses like the coronavirus/COVID-19)
- Chemical (like emissions from the outdoor environment and off-gassing from indoor sources), and
- Particulate (like dust and smoke).
Improved air quality is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of pollutants and air contaminants. Fortunately, air quality is something that property owners and managers can almost completely control through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Properly functioning HVAC systems can mitigate and potentially eliminate many common air pollutants. Furthermore, having a properly functioning air filtration system is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses. Research shows that improved filtration actually reduces mortality rates! Indoor air quality also has real payoffs in terms of productivity and profit.
How is air tested for quality?
When testing indoor air quality, the first step is to see what you’re up against in terms of pollutants and contaminants. This varies, of course, depending on location, i.e., buildings located in industrial areas will have higher levels of vapours, aerosols and solid particles versus those in rural areas, where there are natural (but still dangerous) contaminants such as spores, mould, and dust.
The simplest, most comprehensive approach is to start with indoor air quality testing. Your facility maintenance provider should be able to offer this through their HVAC services. It requires specialized equipment, training, and expertise to perform these tests, so make sure you select a facility maintenance partner experienced in HVAC systems and support.
Testing typically is carried out on the following:
- Temperature
- Relative humidity
- Particulate counts for PM2.5 and PM10 (minute particles in the air considered harmful to our health)
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)
Testing begins with a thorough onsite inspection of the HVAC and filtration systems. Air samples are taken anywhere between 24 hours and 7 days, as required. The data points are then compiled into a formal report detailing indoor air quality in specific areas of building activity. Any areas of concern are identified, with recommended corrective measures.
The importance of testing air filtration
One of the contributing factors to poor air quality has to do with the HVAC system itself and the filters. Filters remove most airborne contaminants, and depending on the filter rating, the traps contain particles like pollen and dust as well as smaller particles like mould, bacteria, and insecticide dust.
If the equipment isn’t working properly, or the filters are just dirty, there will be poor filtration. Indoor circulating air is left with contaminants even if the system may appear to be working. Once again, property managers rely on HVAC maintenance partners to check for equipment problems. Filtration and containment tests are available to both check filter efficiency and function.
Ideally, you want to increase what is known as the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), within the limits of your HVAC system. If you have not done so, you may want to inquire about high efficiency particle air filters (HEPA filters). HEPA filters are capable of capturing very small particles, which makes them very effective at sanitizing the air. This is why they are not only found in households and high-risk industries but also in medical industries where a high degree of air sanitization is necessary.
Check the type of HEPA filter being used. A true HEPA filter (compared to a HEPA-like filter) is a mechanical filter that captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns e.g. dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. The health benefits are quite dramatic even though the high efficiency systems cost more. In one study, the benefits of increased filter efficiency can outweigh the costs by over 50 times.
Checking and testing ventilation
Another factor that determines indoor air quality relates to overall building ventilation. Some studies have found that poor ventilation is the cause of 50 percent of sick leaves. Again, this can be tested for overall efficiency and compared to standards set for the kind of building being ventilated.
The ASHRAE Standard 62.1 sets the recommended minimum ventilation or air change rate at 5-20 cubic feet per minute, per person (2.5-10 L/second/person). The wide range owes to a space’s needs. For example, a building that uses specific chemicals requires a higher rate. Buildings for healthcare must meet specific and particularly high ventilation requirements.
When checking ventilation systems, don’t forget the ductwork, where fine dust and dirt collects over time. The interior of your HVAC systems including ductwork, fans, air intakes, drip pans, and inside filter banks need to be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis
HVAC ductwork and fan systems need to be cleaned before they are so loaded with dust that airflow is impeded. Your facility maintenance partner should be able to set up a regular cleaning schedule specific to your building’s activities.
Summary: ask a professional facility maintenance provider to help with air quality
Indoor air quality isn’t just nice to have—we’ve learned over the past months that it can make a difference between life and death. Although viruses such as COVID-19 are spread by close contact with an infected person, the risk is increased in crowded, inadequately ventilated HVAC systems in buildings. And while indoor air quality tests currently available commercially are not yet able to detect viruses, specialty disinfection systems like plasma and UV can still catch and neutralize them.
Key measures to reduce transmission risk include limiting contacts, screening and self-isolation of people with symptoms, physical distancing, hand hygiene and masking (respiratory source control). In addition, indoor air quality improvement through ventilation and filtration supports this mitigation strategy by removing and diluting virus-laden particles from indoor air.
A recent report focused on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems in Buildings and COVID-19 issued by Public Health Ontario states unequivocally:
“Regular inspection and maintenance are also necessary for HVAC systems. Assessment and adjustments to a HVAC system is best managed by a professional, as there are usually building specific issues and potential unintended effects to consider.”
