Enhancing indoor air quality in the workplace

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a top priority for businesses, building owners, and facility managers across Australia. With people spending up to 90% of their time indoors, the quality of the air they breathe directly impacts health, productivity, and wellbeing. Poor IAQ doesn’t just cause discomfort — it can lead to serious health issues and significant financial consequences for building operators.

Open-plan office workspace where indoor air quality directly affects employee health and productivity — Workers spend up to 90% of their time indoors — making air quality a direct driver of productivity and wellbeing.

What affects indoor air quality?

IAQ is influenced by a range of factors, many of which are within a facility manager’s control. The most common contributors to poor indoor air quality include:

Inadequate ventilation: Insufficient fresh air intake allows pollutants to accumulate
Contaminated HVAC systems: Dirty ducts, filters, and coils circulate pollutants throughout the building
Building materials and furnishings: Off-gassing from carpets, paints, adhesives, and furniture
Occupant activities: Cooking, cleaning products, printers, and personal care products
External pollution: Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and pollen entering through air intakes
Moisture and mould: Leaks, condensation, and high humidity create conditions for mould growth

Health impacts of poor IAQ

The effects of poor indoor air quality range from mild discomfort to serious health conditions. Short-term exposure can cause headaches, fatigue, eye and throat irritation, and difficulty concentrating. Long-term exposure to indoor pollutants has been associated with:

Respiratory conditions including asthma and chronic bronchitis
Allergic reactions and hypersensitivity
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) — a recognised condition linked to building-specific pollutants
Reduced cognitive function and decision-making ability

Studies by Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that improved indoor air quality can boost cognitive performance by up to 61%, with the greatest improvements seen in crisis response and strategic thinking.

Professional air quality testing and monitoring equipment used for workplace IAQ assessments

Measuring indoor air quality

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Professional IAQ testing provides baseline data on key parameters including:

CO2 levels: An indicator of ventilation effectiveness — levels above 1000 ppm suggest inadequate fresh air
Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Chemical emissions from materials and products
Temperature and humidity: Comfort parameters that also influence pollutant behaviour
Mould spore counts: Identifying hidden mould issues before they become visible

Continuous monitoring vs. one-off testing

While one-off assessments provide a snapshot, continuous IAQ monitoring systems offer real-time data and trend analysis. Modern sensors can be integrated with building management systems to automatically adjust ventilation rates based on measured air quality — ensuring optimal conditions at all times.

Practical steps to improve IAQ

Improving indoor air quality is achievable with a systematic approach. The following strategies address the most common IAQ issues in commercial buildings:

HEPA air filtration system installed in a commercial environment for removing airborne particles — High-efficiency filtration systems like HEPA filters capture over 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

1. Upgrade filtration

Moving from standard MERV 8 filters to MERV 13 or higher captures a significantly greater proportion of airborne particles, including fine dust, pollen, and mould spores. For buildings with specific concerns, HEPA filtration or activated carbon filters may be appropriate.

2. Increase ventilation rates

Ensuring your building meets or exceeds the ventilation rates specified in AS 1668.2 is fundamental. This may involve adjusting damper positions, increasing fan speeds, or modifying ductwork to deliver adequate fresh air to all occupied spaces.

3. Control moisture

Maintaining relative humidity between 40–60% inhibits both mould growth and dust mite populations. Dehumidifiers, improved drainage, and prompt leak repairs all contribute to moisture management.

4. Source control

Choose low-VOC building materials, paints, and cleaning products
Ensure exhaust systems are functioning in kitchens, print rooms, and chemical storage areas
Maintain positive building pressure to prevent uncontrolled infiltration of outdoor pollutants

Indoor air quality is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a business imperative. Healthier air means healthier, more productive occupants and reduced liability for building operators. Contact Air Environmental for a comprehensive IAQ assessment tailored to your building’s specific needs.