Good
indoor air quality (IAQ) enhances occupant health,
comfort and workplace productivity. For the purposes
of Rutgers University Indoor Air Quality Program,
the definition of good indoor air quality includes:
Introduction
and distribution of adequate ventilation air.
Control
of airborne contaminants.
Maintenance
of acceptable temperature and relative humidity.
Although
temperature and relative humidity are considered
"thermal comfort" parameters instead of
"air quality" parameters, they underlie
many complaints about "poor air quality."
Temperature and humidity are also among the many
factors that affect indoor contaminant levels. Complaints
related to temperature and humidity should be reported
directly to the Facilities Zone Manager that services
the building in question.
It is important to remember that while occupant
complaints may be related to time at work, they
may not necessarily be due to the quality of the
air. Other factors such as noise, lighting, work
station design, job related stresses, individually
or in combination, may contribute to the complaints.
REHS offers the following services related to IAQ:
Initial
response and investigation of air quality complaints.
Advice on "low odor products" for new
construction and renovation.
Joint remediation of air quality concerns with Facilities
Maintenance Services.
Follow-up communication with building occupants.
