Indoor air quality (IAQ) is super important because we spend around 90% of our time indoors, whether it’s at home, work, or school. Poor air quality inside can have a big impact on both your health and comfort—sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
What defines good indoor air quality?
There are several measurable parameters that define indoor air quality. While we can sometimes sense poor air—like stuffiness or odors—some harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide and radon, are completely undetectable without sensitive sensors.
Here are the key parameters of good indoor air quality (IAQ):
🌬️ 1. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Good level: Below 1,000 ppm (parts per million)
• Higher levels = stuffy air, poor ventilation, drowsiness, loss of focus
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⚠️ 2. Particulate Matter (PM)
• These are tiny solid or liquid particles like dust, smoke, pollen:
• PM2.5 (particles <2.5 microns): Should be below 12 µg/m³
• PM10 (particles <10 microns): Should be below 50 µg/m³
• High levels can cause respiratory irritation and long-term health effects
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🔥 3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Found in paints, cleaning products, furniture, etc.
• Ideal total VOCs (TVOC) level: below 0.5 mg/m³
• High VOCs = headaches, nausea, eye/throat irritation
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💧 4. Humidity
• Ideal range: 30–50%
• Too low = dry skin, irritated throat
• Too high = mold, dust mites, bacteria
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🌡️ 5. Temperature
• Comfortable indoor range: 20–24°C (68–75°F)
• Varies depending on activity level, clothing, and season
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☣️ 6. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Should always be close to 0 ppm
• Even low exposure can be dangerous; CO is colorless and odorless
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☢️ 7. Radon
• Naturally occurring radioactive gas, varies by location
• Action should be taken if levels are above 4 pCi/L (148 Bq/m³)
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Here’s why good Indoor Air Quality it matters:
1. Health Effects
Bad indoor air can cause:
• Short-term issues like headaches, fatigue, dizziness, coughing, sneezing, eye/nose irritation.
• Long-term effects including respiratory diseases (like asthma), heart disease, and even cancer.
• It’s especially risky for children, elderly, and those with allergies or pre-existing conditions.
2. Common Pollutants Indoors
Some typical indoor air contaminants include:
• Dust and pet dander
• Mold spores (especially in damp areas)
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints, cleaning products, or furniture
• Tobacco smoke
• Carbon monoxide or radon (both can be dangerous or even deadly in high concentrations)
3. Productivity & Mental Clarity
Good air = better focus. Studies show that clean, well-ventilated air can improve concentration and productivity—especially important in offices and classrooms.
4. Comfort & Sleep Quality
Ever had a stuffy room make it hard to fall asleep? Poor air quality affects sleep, making you feel groggy and sluggish the next day.
5. Energy Efficiency
Sometimes improving IAQ (like with better ventilation or air purifiers) can also lead to more efficient heating and cooling systems, which saves money over time.