Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing
Air quality assessments for workplaces, education estates, and residential buildings. Measuring CO₂, VOCs, particulates, and ventilation effectiveness.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Poor indoor air quality causes headaches, fatigue, respiratory problems, and reduced cognitive performance. Long-term exposure to elevated pollutant levels increases the risk of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
Post-pandemic awareness of ventilation and airborne transmission has elevated IAQ to a core building performance and ESG metric. Building owners, employers, and occupiers now expect verifiable evidence of acceptable air quality through regular testing and monitoring.
What We Test
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
CO₂ concentration is the primary indicator of ventilation adequacy. Elevated CO₂ levels signal insufficient fresh air supply and are associated with reduced concentration, decision-making ability, and occupant discomfort. CIBSE guidance recommends maintaining levels below 1000 ppm.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5 / PM10)
Fine particulate matter from outdoor pollution, construction dust, and internal sources causes respiratory irritation and long-term health risks. Filtration systems and HVAC design directly affect particulate levels. WHO guidelines recommend PM2.5 below 10 µg/m³.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are emitted from building materials, furniture, cleaning products, and office equipment. High VOC concentrations cause odour complaints, headaches, and nausea. Testing identifies sources and informs remedial measures such as increased ventilation or material substitution.
Temperature & Relative Humidity
Temperature and humidity affect thermal comfort and mould risk. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require reasonable indoor temperatures. High humidity (above 70%) encourages mould growth; low humidity (below 30%) causes dry eyes and respiratory discomfort.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
CO is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion in boilers, gas heaters, or vehicle exhausts in loading bays and car parks. Even low-level exposure causes headaches and dizziness. Testing detects hazardous concentrations before serious health incidents occur.
HVAC System Interaction
Indoor air quality is directly dependent on HVAC system performance. Inadequate outside air supply, blocked filters, poor air distribution, and defective controls are the most common causes of IAQ complaints.
IAQ testing should be conducted alongside HVAC inspections to identify system deficiencies and validate corrective measures. Testing confirms whether ventilation rates meet design intent and regulatory standards.
Health & Regulatory Considerations
Workplace Regulations: The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require employers to provide adequate ventilation. Failure to maintain acceptable IAQ breaches these duties.
Building Performance: ESG frameworks, BREEAM, and WELL certifications increasingly require IAQ monitoring and evidence of acceptable air quality as part of building performance assessments.
Occupant Productivity: Studies demonstrate that improved IAQ increases cognitive performance, reduces absenteeism, and enhances tenant satisfaction—particularly relevant for office and education environments.
Post-Pandemic Standards: Heightened awareness of airborne transmission has made IAQ testing a standard due diligence requirement for landlords, occupiers, and institutional investors.
Related Services
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Our IAQ specialists conduct comprehensive air quality testing across commercial, education, and residential buildings. We provide detailed reports with actionable recommendations and HVAC system improvement measures. Contact us to schedule testing.
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