According to WHO data, France records nearly 50,000 deaths per year linked to air pollution, which is 10 times more than road accidents! Furthermore, it is estimated that the indoor air of a dwelling or professional premises is 5 to 10 times more polluted than that of the outdoor environment.
Thus, workplace air quality is a crucial issue, not only for worker health but also for the productivity of establishments. In this context, implementing an indoor air quality measurement system is essential. What parameters need to be considered? What benefits does air quality monitoring bring, and how can it be implemented? Discover all our advice.
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What are the Parameters of Indoor Air Quality?
The assessment of indoor air quality is based on the detection of pollutants and the measurement of certain physical values such as temperature and relative humidity.
The Concentration of Pollutants and Particles
In offices or industrial buildings, employees are exposed to two major sources of air pollution:
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, a gas derived from chemical products and construction materials;
- solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, such as dust, aerosols, and microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, molds, etc.).
Health and environmental effects increase with the concentration of pollutants in the air and the duration of exposure.
Temperature and Humidity Level
Indoor air quality measurement also involves monitoring temperature and relative humidity. Excessive values contribute to the proliferation of biological pollutants as well as the degradation of materials, finished products, and the work environment. Furthermore, temperature and humidity accentuate the irritating effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
What is the Importance of Indoor Air Quality Measurement?
Maintaining healthy indoor air in professional premises is a regulatory obligation for the employer. Reducing the level of pollution in the office also represents a productivity gain for establishments.
Comply with Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELVs)
Imposed by the Labor Code, Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELVs) set a maximum concentration level for pollutants and particles to limit the health effects on employees. Excessive values lead to a suspension of the workstation until measures are implemented to limit employee exposure.
Ensure a Healthy and Productive Work Environment
Beyond its regulatory nature, indoor air quality measurement offers several advantages for establishments:
- Improved employee health helps limit absenteeism and the frequency of sick leave.
- Reducing particle deposits on equipment and floors leads to maintenance and upkeep savings.
- Monitoring the level of exposure to pollutants and particles ensures the quality of processes and finished products.
How to Measure Indoor Air Quality?
The indoor air quality diagnosis constitutes an initial assessment of the pollution level in your buildings. Regular monitoring must then be implemented using specific measuring devices.
Perform an Indoor Air Quality Diagnosis
The indoor air quality (IAQ) diagnosis is a regulatory obligation for buildings housing children. It will be mandatory in all public access establishments starting in 2023. As an expert in industrial air treatment, OBERA performs a diagnosis including:
- identifying sources of air pollution in your premises;
- measuring the concentration of particles and pollutants (VOCs, formaldehyde, etc.).
Use an Indoor Air Quality Measuring Device
Indoor air quality measurement is carried out using devices capable of detecting the nature and concentration of pollutants. Our range of industrial and professional air analyzers ensures continuous monitoring of indoor air quality parameters:
- concentration of gaseous pollutants: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2);
- concentration and size of particles: dust and fine particles PM 2.5 and PM 10;
- temperature and relative humidity level.
Data is transmitted directly to a computer where values are displayed in graphical form. Real-time analysis allows for quick and effective action in case of measurements not conforming to OELVs.
For more information on indoor air quality measurement, please do not hesitate to contact us. We also invite you to consult our advice on implementing an industrial air treatment system.
Also read: The guide to adiabatic cooling and its natural thermal comfort.
