Indoor Air Quality

Illinois State University is committed to providing faculty, staff, and students with a work environment free of recognized hazards. Reports of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) are investigated by Environmental Health and Safety on a case-by-case basis. Due to variations in individual sensitivities and scientific limitations, the source of IAQ complaints and respective remediation measures may not always be identified when complaints are reported and thoroughly investigated. Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities Management work together to address indoor air quality concerns across campus.

Due to the lack of IAQ regulations, common practices rather than standards are used to recognize, evaluate, and control poor indoor air quality sources. Environmental Health and Safety refers to recommendations by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Four factors that influence IAQ are occupants, HVAC systems, possible pollutant pathways, and possible contaminant sources. Concerns over IAQ may be a result of mold and water damaged building materials, temperature and humidity issues, dust and airborne particulates, radon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide (sewer gas), nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and odors.

Initial IAQ inspections include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Visual inspection of occupied areas, HVAC systems, and outdoor air intakes
• Identification of probable contaminant sources (chemical use and storage, work activities, housekeeping, recent renovations,water intrusion, etc.)
• Measurement of temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation rates
• Measurement of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen

If poor indoor air quality is suspected or confirmed upon an initial investigation, EHS may conduct more intensive investigation techniques, including chemical contaminant monitoring, bio-aerosol monitoring, in-depth HVAC evaluations, and specific IAQ contaminant monitoring. Unfortunately, there are limitations to conducting IAQ investigations. Individual sensitivities may cause occupants to experience discomfort at contaminant levels far below standards for occupational exposure. Also, mold sampling is limited due to a lack of regulatory standards (affected by individual sensitivities) and can be found in virtually all environments.

To report an Indoor Air Quality concern, please submit a work order to Facilities Management at (309) 438-5656 or the iServiceDesk. If you feel your concern requires immediate attention, contact Environmental Health and Safety at (309) 438-8325.