Why Indoor Air Quality is Important to Your School

Understanding IAQ Problems and Solutions

Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants

Building Occupants

How do I know if there is an IAQ problem?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Basics for Schools

Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air contaminants can begin within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. If pollutant sources are not controlled IAQ problems can occur, even if the HVAC system is working properly. Air pollutants consist of numerous particles, fibers, mists, molds, bacteria, and gases. It may be helpful to think of air pollutant sources as fitting into one of the categories shown below.

In addition to the number of potential pollutants, indoor air pollutant levels can vary within the school building, or even a single classroom. Pollutants can also vary with time, such as only once each week when floor stripping is done, or continuously such as when fungi is growing in the HVAC system.

Typical sources of indoor air pollutants include:

• outdoor air sources, such as pollen, dust, fungal spores, industrial emissions, and vehicle emissions
• underground sources, such as radon; pesticides; and leakage from underground storage tanks
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment
• Emissions from office equipment, shops, and labs
• Cleaning processes
• Furnishings:
• Pesticides