Printer FriendlyWhat is Industrial Hygiene?
"That science and art devoted to the recognition, evaluation, and control of those environmental factors or stressors, arising in and from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health and well being, or significant discomfort and inefficiency among workers or among citizens of the community."
-American Industrial Hygiene Association
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor Air Quality usually refers to the presence or absence of contaminants in the air of buildings. Some of the more common contaminants are bioaerosols such as molds, pollens and dust mites, chemical compounds such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, solvents and pesticides, and particles such as lint, carpet fibers, asbestos fibers and dirt. IAQ can also include factors such as temperature and relative humidity that affect the comfort and health of the building's inhabitants.
What kinds of health problems are caused by poor IAQ?
Some of the most common IAQ-related health effects are eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue and allergic reactions.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Links: