In the modern world, we spend so much time indoors that the indoor environment is practically our natural environment. So it’s only natural that we’re deeply affected by these interior spaces.
People can thrive in buildings with a healthy environment. But if there are issues with a building’s air, the results can be costly, both financially and in terms of human health.
Fortunately, there’s much that you can do to improve the environment within any four walls, starting with the air you breathe.
IEQ, Indoor Environmental Quality, concerns the impact of everything you feel, see and hear inside a building. Natural daylight access, noise levels and control over room temperature can all make a difference to IEQ.
Where clean air learning comes to life
The response to IEQ University and PDH credits has been remarkable. We are transitioning to a new digital platform to provide an enhanced user experience. Check back soon to enroll in the updated modules.
IEQ 101
1 Credit Hour
Start here to learn or review the essentials of IEQ and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Topics include methods for measuring airborne pollutants and controlling IAQ.
IEQ 201
1 Credit Hour
Continue your IEQ journey and learn how to make a greater impact on commercial environments. Discussion includes best practices for IAQ control and an overview of industry guidelines.
IEQ 301
1 Credit Hour
Advance your understanding of IEQ and learn strategies for managing indoor air quality. Concepts include impacts on productivity, ESG and sustainability concerns and recently introduced IAQ technologies.
Click each foundation on the left hand menu to learn more.
*Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
When you’re designing a building or maintaining a space, there are 9 foundations to consider for protecting human health and improving quality of life.*
Addressing shortcomings in these areas is also vital to protecting productivity and controlling energy usage.
When you’re designing a building or maintaining a space, there are nine foundations to consider for protecting human health and improving quality of life.*
Addressing shortcomings in these areas is also vital to protecting productivity and controlling energy usage.
Meet or exceed local guidelines for outdoor air. Filter outdoor and recirculated air with a minimum removal efficiency of 75% for all particle-size fractions including nano.
Choose supplies, furnishings and building materials with low chemical emissions. Check for lead, PCBs and asbestos. Use a vapor barrier. Maintain humidity levels between 30-60%.
Meet minimum thermal comfort standards for temperature and humidity and keep thermal conditions consistent throughout the day. Provide individual level thermal control.
Conduct regular inspections of roofing, plumbing, ceilings and HVAC equipment. When moisture or mold is found, immediately address source and dry or replace contaminated materials.
Use high-efficiency filter vacuums and clean surfaces regularly. Seal entry points, prevent moisture buildup and remove trash. Avoid pesticide use.
Meet fire safety and carbon monoxide monitoring standards. Provide adequate lighting and use video monitoring, interactive patrols and incident reporting. Maintain an emergency action plan.
Meet the U.S. National Drinking Water Standards. Install purification system, if necessary. Ensure residual disinfectant levels are sufficient to control microbes, but not in excess. Prevent stagnation in pipes.
Protect against outdoor noises and control indoor noise, such as mechanical equipment. Provide spaces that minimize background noise to 35dB and a maximum reverberation time of 0.7 seconds.
Provide as much daylight and/or high intensity blue-enriched lighting as possible. Provide direct lines of sight to windows from all workstations. Incorporate nature and nature-inspired design indoors.
Things to consider for good IEQ
Protecting human health and quality of life is the most important consideration in addressing IEQ, yet taking care of those conditions can also have other benefits. Improving an indoor environment may have a positive impact on financial considerations like employee productivity, conservation of natural resources and building resale value.
Select an industry from the menu below to learn more about protecting its unique indoor environment.
Many of us spend so much time indoors that the indoor environment is practically our natural environment, so it’s only natural that we’re affected by the quality of these interior spaces. We can thrive in buildings with a healthy environment, but if there are issues with a building’s IEQ, the results can impact our quality of life in several ways — such as comfort, well-being, long-term health and productivity.
Bringing the elements of IEQ into balance is important to creating a comfortable environment. Indoor air filtration solutions can help control odors and reduce allergens, such as pollen and mold, that can lead to sneezing and watery, itchy eyes. It’s a vital part of improving how people feel.
The environment indoors can affect virtually every aspect of our lives — from sleep quality to mental health. Evidence has emerged of ties between poor air quality and poor mental health. Creating a safe and healthy work environment has also been found to help minimize tensions at work. Selecting the right air filtration solution is one key to protecting the quality of working environments.
Poor IEQ can do more than just make people uncomfortable; in particular, some common indoor air pollutants are linked to immediate and lasting health effects. For example, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Smoke can contain toxins such as lead and formaldehyde. Appropriate filtration and ventilation can help reduce these toxic gases and particulates indoors.
When IEQ falls, productivity can, too. Research found that increased contaminants and lower ventilation rates — at levels common within indoor environments — are associated with slower response times and reduced accuracy on cognitive tests. In schools, ventilation rates and CO2 concentration have been linked to attendance rates. Specific clean air solutions can help address the IAQ in these unique environments.
Many organizations around the world have established trusted standards, guidelines and recommendations for Indoor Air Quality and Indoor Environmental Quality. American Air Filter follows the guidance of these respected entities to provide assurance to our customers.
Click each logo to learn more.
Outdoor air quality can affect indoor air, and it isn’t always predictable. This interactive map from the U.S. EPA allows you to visualize the quality of outdoor air at monitoring stations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tap or click the map to get started.
The Hidden Impact of Wildfires on Your Business
In recent months wildfires in California and the Carolinas have exacted a significant toll on residents, local business owners, and first responders. They have also brought to light very challenging issues around the impact of smoke and particulate matter.
As a business owner, you have dual responsibilities. You must consider the personal impact on your employees who are dealing with evacuations, property loss, and potential health issues. Secondly, there’s your business and the affect on the physical property. Aside from the potential of physical damage from fire, there is a hidden danger that is equally as critical: the indoor air your employees breathe.
During a wildfire, particulate matter can spread widely through air currents, for tens, hundreds, or even thousands of miles. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these particles as hazardous, with PM2.5 particulates small enough to bypass standard commercial filtration systems, damage sensitive equipment, and ultimately affect business productivity and profitability. This can add up to $15-$20 billion in lost productivity and health-related expenses, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.
In fact, during wildfire events, indoor air quality in commercial spaces often measures worse than outdoor air without proper filtration due to limited air exchange and particle accumulation. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), wildfire smoke exposure increases the risk of respiratory symptoms by 40%-60% in workplace populations.
What the Air Quality Index Means for Health and Well-Being.
The EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) provides critical decision-making information:
The Technical Reality of Particulate Capture
PM2.5 particles are 30 times smaller than a human hair and can remain suspended indefinitely. For commercial operations, this creates specific challenges and requires upgraded air filtration solutions.
A MERV 13 air filtration system provides:
Standard MERV 8 filters deliver significantly less protection, resulting in:
The proof is in the numbers. Facilities with advanced air filtration systems report a 40-50% reduction in wildfire-related productivity losses and a 15-20% decrease in healthcare-related employee absenteeism (Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Workplace Health Report, 2023)
Commercial Building Defense Strategy: Effective Filtration
For Facilities Near Active Fires:
For Facilities in Wildfire-Prone Regions:
When Standard Solutions Aren't Enough
During severe wildfire events with PM2.5 concentrations of 300-500 μg/m³, even 80% filtration efficiency may leave indoor levels above regulatory thresholds. Consider these approaches:
1. Higher-efficiency filtration systems (where system capacity allows).
2. Standalone purification units in critical areas.
3. Modified outdoor air intake strategies.
4. Departmental rotation schedules.
5. Remote work options where feasible.
6. Real-time air quality monitoring systems.
The Business Case for Air Quality Investment
The financial implications of poor indoor air quality extend beyond immediate health concerns:
Bottom Line for Decision-Makers
Facilities need comprehensive air quality management at all times, especially during wildfire season. While external conditions can’t be controlled, human and capital assets can be protected through strategic air filtration solutions.
Start with MERV 13 filtration, implement monitoring with resources like airnow.gov, and deploy supplemental purification for critical areas. These investments protect productivity, equipment, and compliance while demonstrating your commitment to occupant health and safety.
As a global leader in air filtration solutions, American Air Filter has the expertise and products to help protect your facility during wildfire events. Contact an AAF representative to discuss the best filtration strategy for your facility needs.
