Why is air quality measured?
Air pollution measurements are essential to determine whether smog components, which are harmful to health, are penetrating the building. This also helps to monitor the performance of ventilation filters. Staying in places with high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 suspended particles can contribute to respiratory and circulatory system problems. Harmful substances enter the bloodstream and, when accumulated over time, can lead to cancer.
Indoor sources of air pollution are also checked, as they may emit dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat mucous membranes, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and aggravation of asthma symptoms. Prolonged exposure in a contaminated environment may lead to cancer, liver and kidney damage, and central nervous system issues.
How is air quality testing conducted?
TERMOCENT specialists carry out professional air quality testing. Upon receiving an order, technical conditions are established. Air pollution measurements involve checking the levels of:
- temperature,
- humidity,
- carbon dioxide,
- carbon monoxide,
- PM10 and PM2.5 particles,
- VOCs and formaldehyde.
The condition and efficiency of the ventilation system is also inspected, and microbiological (mycological) tests are performed.
Indoor air quality testing – what do we examine?
Basic air quality testing using a meter determines parameters such as CO2, CO concentration, humidity, and temperature. It is undoubtedly worth knowing the levels of these indicators in occupied rooms. Elevated CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration may indicate insufficient ventilation or overcrowding in relation to the room size. This is especially important in places with many people, such as offices, schools, or service premises. Increased CO2 levels may cause sleepiness and fatigue, as well as decreased concentration and productivity. Ensuring that CO2 concentration is kept at an appropriate level is certainly beneficial.
Humidity is another parameter whose control helps avoid undesirable effects. Air that is too dry lowers the comfort of room usage, makes breathing more difficult, dries out mucous membranes, and is particularly bothersome for young children. It is also important to note that excessive humidity promotes the growth of mold and fungi, contributing to biological air contamination.
Many of the listed issues can occur simultaneously, and their accumulation may be very burdensome. The concept of “Sick Building Syndrome” is widely known, manifesting in various symptoms among people using the same space.
It is worth conducting basic air quality testing even before negative effects are felt, especially since meter-based testing is quick and non-invasive. Thanks to the device’s small size, it can be used virtually anywhere problematic, allowing for prompt corrective actions.
How to recognize a sick building (Sick Building Syndrome)?
Deficiencies in ventilation system design, the use of construction or finishing materials that emit high levels of organic compounds, and external atmospheric pollutants entering the interior are just some of the factors that reduce air quality. Undoubtedly, taking care of the air we breathe is neither a temporary trend nor a luxury – studies show a link between our health and air quality. Sometimes, even small actions can positively affect the surrounding microatmosphere. However, the first step before implementing a suitable solution must be problem diagnosis.
Ask for more information:
Call 530 105 398 or write to kontakt@termocent.com
Who performs air quality testing?
The experienced measurement team at TERMOCENT performs professional indoor air quality testing. A thorough analysis also includes the use of current air condition data in Poland. These data are obtained from state research centers equipped with special monitoring stations located in various areas.
Air quality testing methods
We use, among others, techniques such as automatic continuous measurements, manual continuous and periodic testing, passive indicative air sampling, objective estimation, and mathematical modeling. Experienced staff have specialized equipment such as multi-gas meters or dust meters, as well as extensive knowledge in their field. Various methods are applied depending on the needs. Some measurements can be taken on-site, while some air and exhaust gas samples are sent to a laboratory.
Air quality testing – laboratory methods
In cases where very high precision is required, laboratory techniques can be used to determine air pollutants. The content of substances such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, or ozone can be quickly measured with meters, but when very high precision is necessary, they are determined using gas chromatography methods in an accredited testing laboratory.
Samples are collected on a solid sorbent using a sorption tube, the type and size of which depend on the substance being tested, and then transported to the laboratory. Formaldehyde can be accurately determined using liquid chromatography.
The performed air quality tests comply with the functional and utility program guidelines according to the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure on the detailed scope and form of design documentation, technical specifications, and functional and utility program concerning data on atmospheric pollution for air protection analysis, reports, opinions, and expert studies on air quality in the context of environmental protection.
Home methods for testing air quality
Poor indoor air quality can be sensed by occupants and manifest in a general feeling of unwellness. A basic test can be performed using a vacuum cleaner and a cotton pad. Simply place the pad on the vacuum hose, secure the improvised setup with tape to ensure it’s sealed and that no parts are sucked in. Then run the vacuum cleaner for a few minutes. Afterward, inspect the pad – visible dirt confirms poor air quality. To obtain specific results, professional air quality testing is essential, as it provides reliable data and helps identify the actions needed to improve the situation.
Ask for more information:
Call 530 105 398 or write to kontakt@termocent.com
There’s no need to remind anyone about the harmful effects of smog. It’s hard to forget, especially during the heating season, when the issue of so-called low emissions becomes a frequent topic in news reports. The growing popularity of air quality dashboards and warning apps has made more and more people wonder how to protect themselves from smog.
Particularly notorious are PM10 and PM2.5 suspended particles – tiny solid and liquid particles dispersed in the atmosphere. They are dangerous due to their impact on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, irritating properties, and carcinogenic effects. PM2.5 particles are especially hazardous as they can penetrate alveoli and enter the bloodstream.
Testing PM10 and PM2.5 levels helps determine whether harmful smog components are infiltrating the building and whether the ventilation system filters are working properly. Our dust meter measurement allows for quick determination of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in selected areas.
Read more about air quality: SMOG IS DANGEROUS EVEN INDOORS
Minimizing outdoor pollution is unfortunately not enough. People often forget that every building also has indoor air pollution sources – sometimes quite unexpected. Therefore, it’s worth mentioning volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a broad group of diverse substances that easily evaporate. VOCs can cause irritation, unpleasant odors, and some are carcinogenic. These compounds are unavoidable byproducts of many industrial processes, making us constantly exposed. VOC sources are widespread in most buildings and include paints, varnishes, plastics, adhesives, wood products, carpets, and thermal and acoustic insulation. These materials can emit VOCs long after production.
Conducting a basic test with a multi-gas meter helps assess whether the levels of VOCs and formaldehyde are too high. If excessive VOCs are detected, it is worth considering alternatives with lower emissions, for example, those recommended by the Polish Allergology Society or certified with the EU Ecolabel.
Air quality is important in BREEAM certification
Air quality is also an important issue for investors seeking to confirm a building’s high standard with the BREEAM certificate. BREEAM is one of the most popular methods of assessing buildings based on their environmental impact. In the air quality section, points can be earned by meeting the requirements in the Health and Wellbeing category. This category focuses on providing building users with a healthy and comfortable environment. The Hea 02 Indoor air quality guidelines address minimizing air pollution sources through careful design and planning.
Our VOCs (TVOC – total volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde measurements are in accordance with BREEAM 2016 Hea 02 and help confirm that the acceptable emission levels from building and finishing materials are not exceeded.
Do I need to measure Volatile Organic Compounds?
1. Every building material is approved for indoor use only with properly functioning ventilation. During the initial days or even weeks, there is an emission period of organic compounds and odors, often recognized as the “new smell.” During this time, continuous ventilation should be ensured – by permanently cracking open windows in naturally ventilated spaces or increasing the efficiency of mechanical ventilation (with heat recovery).
2. If discomfort such as odor or other undesired effects occurs after installing new materials, and can be linked to the location and time of installation, the first step is to check whether the ventilation is working properly. Throughout the year, ventilation efficiency can be assessed based on CO2 levels. Values above 1500 PPM confirm insufficient ventilation, while values between 1000–1500 PPM indicate a need for improvement – such measurements require specialized meters. In winter, poor ventilation can be identified by frequent or constant condensation in the lower corners of windows. If this persists throughout the day or longer, it is highly likely that the ventilation system is inadequate. In this case, we recommend improving ventilation as outlined in point 1.
3. If discomfort persists despite improved ventilation, it is recommended to conduct specialized measurements of concentrations, including formaldehyde and total VOCs using real-time meters, and potentially test for concentrations of the 80 most commonly monitored VOCs in selected rooms.
Ask for more information:
Call 530 105 398 or write to kontakt@termocent.com
