According to WHO figures, nearly 50,000 people die every year in France as a result of air pollution– 10 times more than from road accidents! What’s more, it is estimated that the air inside a home or business is 5 to 10 times more polluted than that outside.
Air quality in the workplace is therefore a crucial issue, not only for the health of workers, but also for the productivity of establishments. That’s why it’s essential to set up a system for measuring indoor air quality. What parameters need to be taken into account? What are the benefits of air quality monitoring, and how can it be implemented? Discover all our advice.
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What are the parameters of indoor air quality?
Indoor air quality assessment is based on the search for pollutants and the measurement of physical values such as temperature and relative humidity.
Concentration of pollutants and particles
At the office or in industrial buildings, employees are exposed to two major sources of air pollution:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs ) such as formaldehyde, a gas produced by chemicals and building materials;
- solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, such as dust, aerosols and micro-organisms (viruses, bacteria, mold, etc.).
The effects on health and the environment increase with the concentration of pollutants in the air and the time of exposure.
Temperature and humidity levels
Measuring indoor air quality also involves monitoring temperature and relative humidity. Excessive values contribute to the proliferation of biological pollutants and the degradation of materials, finished products and the working environment. In addition, temperature and humidity accentuate the irritating effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Why measure indoor air quality?
Maintaining healthy indoor air in business premises is a statutory obligation for employers. Reducing pollution levels in the office also represents a productivity gain for establishments.
Comply with Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
Occupational Exposure Limit Values (VLEP), imposed by the French Labor Code, set a maximum concentration level for pollutants and particles, in order to limit the effects on employee health. Excessive values lead to workstation suspension until measures are implemented to limit the employee’s exposure.
Ensuring a healthy and productive work environment
In addition to being a regulatory requirement, measuring indoor air quality has a number of advantages for facilities:
- Improving employee health helps limit absenteeism and the frequency of sick leave.
- Reducing particle deposits on equipment and floors saves on servicing and maintenance.
- Monitoring exposure levels to pollutants and particles ensures the quality of processes and finished products.
How do you measure indoor air quality?
The indoor air quality diagnosis provides an initial assessment of the level of pollution in your buildings. Regular monitoring must then be carried out using specific measuring equipment.
Indoor air quality diagnosis
Indoor air quality (IAQ) diagnosis is a regulatory requirement for buildings used by children. From 2023, it will be compulsory in all establishments open to the public. As an expert in industrial air treatment, OBERA carries out diagnostics including :
- identifying sources of air pollution on your premises;
- measuring the concentration of particles and pollutants (VOCs, formaldehyde, etc.).
Using an indoor air quality meter
Indoor air quality is measured using equipment capable of detecting the nature and concentration of pollutants. Our range ofindustrial 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.
Data is transmitted directly to the computer, where values are displayed in graphical form.Real-time analysis enables rapid, effective action to be taken in the event of measurements not complying with the TLVs.
For moreinformation on measuring indoor air quality, please contact us. We also invite you to consult our advice on setting up an industrial air treatment system.
Also read: A guide to adiabatic cooling and natural thermal comfort.
