What kind of gases are monitored in Indoor Air Quality(IAQ)?

 

Common Gases Monitored in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) 
    • High levels can indicate poor ventilation and cause drowsiness
    • 400–1,000 ppm (normal) 1,000–1,500 ppm (stuffy air, poor ventilation)
    • Human breathing, cooking, burning candles, poor ventilation

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) 
    • A toxic gas that can lead to poisoning if present in high concentrations.
    •  0–5 ppm (normal), 5–15 ppm (near stoves, fireplaces) 
    • Gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, tobacco smoke, car exhaust (if garage is attached)

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 
    • Emitted from paints, cleaning supplies, furniture, and other household products, they can cause headaches and long-term health issues. 
    • 50–300 ppb (typical home) 
    • Paints, varnishes, air fresheners, cleaning products, furniture, carpets, adhesives, personal care products

  • Formaldehyde (HCHO) 
    •  A specific VOC found in building materials and furniture that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.
    •  <30 ppb (ideal) 30–100 ppb (common in new homes)
    •  New furniture, pressed wood products, plywood, laminate flooring, insulation, tobacco smoke

  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) 
    • Often produced from combustion sources like gas stoves, it can exacerbate respiratory issues.
    •  5–30 ppb (normal) 
    • Gas stoves, heaters, fireplaces, tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions (from attached garages)

  • Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
    •  Less common indoors but can come from industrial emissions or gas appliances.
    •  0–10 ppb (typical) 
    • Gas appliances, combustion of coal or oil, kerosene heaters

  • Ozone (O₃) 
    • Can be a byproduct of electronic air purifiers and cause respiratory problems. 
    • <10 ppb (indoor air, unless from air purifiers) 
    • Electronic air purifiers (ozone generators), some office equipment (printers, copiers), outdoor air pollution entering the home

  • Particulate Matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10) 
    • Tiny particles from dust, smoke, and allergens that affect lung health.
    • 0-12 µg/m³ (good) 12-35 µg/m³(moderate) 
    • Cooking, smoking, candles, fireplaces, dust, pet dander, mold spores, outdoor pollution, vehicle exhaust



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