Development and Application of a Protocol for the Assessment of Indoor Air Quality

Abstract

The main exposure to air pollutants for most people occurs in indoor environments and this can have an important influence on their health and well-being and affect productivity at the workplace. BRE has prepared a protocol for the measurement of key parameters to undertake an indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment. The measurements required depend upon the objectives and therefore the design of an appropriate strategy is an important first stage in any IAQ assessment. This paper summarises the recommended protocol and reports its evaluation by a study of 10 homes and 10 office buildings. The IAQ protocol was generally well accepted by occupants. There are problems with evaluating the significance of the measurements of some parameters because of a lack of relevant air quality guidelines and data about concentrations that normally occur in buildings. The BRE protocol can be used as guidance by specialists undertaking an IAQ assessment and by building owners/managers concerned about IAQ.

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