Health risks of poor air quality
Exposure to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been shown to have a number of potential health effects, but in general, the health risks are considered to be low and tend to resolve when the individual is removed from the air of poor air quality.
The potential for adverse health effects varies from person to person and depends on the level and duration of exposure, however general symptoms of overexposure include:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Worsening of allergies and increased mucous production
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Nausea
Risk management and monitoring
Health Canada and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have established air quality and comfort parameters for indoor (non-industrial) environments. These standards are used as best practices throughout the industry and have therefore been adopted by UFV. Good IAQ will include air that:
- is free from unacceptable levels of contaminants, such as chemicals and related products, gases, vapours, dusts, moulds, fungi, bacteria, odours, etc.
- provides a comfortable indoor environment including temperature, humidity, air circulation, sufficient outdoor air intake, etc.
UFV Campus Planning and Facilities Management (CPFM) monitors air quality conditions regularly and is responsible for maintaining safe indoor air conditions. If you have any concerns, report the issues to your supervisor, UFV Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and CPFM as indicated below.
Key contacts:
Issue | Department | Contact |
---|---|---|
Comfort:
|
Facilities Services | Submit a Work Request |
Contaminants:
|
Facilities Services |
Submit a Work Request |
Other issues:
|
Environmental Health & Safety |
Submit an IAQ Referral Form |
Odours from smoking |
Campus Security |
1-855-239-7654 (7654) |
Mitigation - office and home
How to reduce impacts of poor air quality:
- Know the signs and symptoms of overexposure.
- Watch out for symptoms in yourself and others.
- Avoid exposure if you have a pre-existing or chronic respiratory or cardiovascular condition.
- Know how your workplace deals with air quality.
- Report any safety concerns to your supervisor.
More information
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - Indoor air quality