Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. At Iowa the IAQ program covers the comfort and safety of employees in their workspace and looks at the temperature, humidity, adequate supply of fresh outdoor air, and control of pollutants from inside and outside of the building.
If you are concerned about exposures to chemicals that you or another employee in your work area are using please refer to our Chemical Exposure Assessment webpage.
IAQ Investigations: Procedures for Evaluations and Responses
If you have concerns about the IAQ in your workspace you should follow the instructions below to being an IAQ investigation of the area.
1. Building Maintenance
- Department Management and faculty and staff shall contact building maintenance for initial requests.
- Common contacts are:
- UI (FM@YourService, 319-335-5071)
- Athletics (Facilities Office, 319-335-9410)
- Business Services/Tenant Properties (Heritage Property Management, 319-351-8404)
- University Housing/Residence Services (Facilities and Operations, 319-335-9970)
- UIHC (Facility Operations Maintenance & Engineering, 319-384-5208)
- If the issue is not resolved, building maintenance will inform the department and forward results of the investigation to Environmental Services.
2. FM Environmental Services (319-335-5500)
- Environmental Services will conduct an expanded investigation by evaluating basic air quality parameters in the complaint area and looking for common air contaminant sources.
- In the event the investigation is unable to identify and correct the source of the issue, Environmental Services will contact EHS.
3. Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHS) (319-335-8501)
- EHS will evaluate each case individually and determine the best method to proceed with issues that reach this level.
Costs
- Costs related to an indoor air quality evaluation are generally the responsibility of the department with the affected person(s) or the requester of the services such as a medical provider or workers compensation carrier.
- University service units will determine costs on a case-by-case basis, taking into account availability of staff experts, resources, and factors involved in the case.
Molds are fungi that are found in nearly all locations – indoors and outdoors. They can grow almost anywhere, as long as optimal moisture, oxygen, temperatures, and food sources exist.
The best way to control mold is to control moisture, so any sources of water, moisture or leaks must be fixed. If you notice leaking water or signs or water damage contact UI FM@YourService (319-335-5071) to have the issue corrected as soon as possible.
If there is visible mold contact UI FM@YourService (319-335-5071) to have the area cleaned as soon as possible. There is no need to sample the mold to determine what species or type it is.
If there are no signs of water damage or visible mold, but you have signs and symptoms related to mold exposure such as runny nose, eye irritation, cough/congestion, sneezing, skin rash, or aggravation of asthma follow the procedures under IAQ investigations.
The outdoor air quality or ambient air quality is affected by pollution from various sources. The State Hygienic Laboratory maintains a network of sensors across the state that monitor the following pollutants: particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide carbon monoxide, and lead. These measurements are used to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI).
The AQI
The AQI is a program developed by the EPA in 1999 for communicating the daily air quality in an easy-to-understand method. The program has been updated several times since to reflect the latest health-based air quality standards. It uses color-coded categories and provides statements for each category that tell you about air quality in your area, which groups of people may be affected, and steps you can take to reduce your exposure to air pollution.
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | AQI Color | Descrpition | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (0-50) |
Green | Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. | None. It’s a great day to be active outside! |
| Moderate (51-100) |
Yellow | Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
Unusually sensitive people: Consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier. Everyone else: It’s a good day to be active outside. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150) |
Orange |
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects: people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant people. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
Sensitive groups: Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. It’s OK to be active outdoors, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. |
| Unhealthy (151-200) |
Red | Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Some members of the general public may experience health effects. |
Sensitive groups: Avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Everyone else: Reduce long or intense activities. Take more breaks during outdoor activities. |
| Very Unhealthy (201-300) |
Purple | Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. |
Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors. Everyone else: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. |
| Hazardous(301-500) | Maroon | Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. |
Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors. Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. |
Source: EPA
Current AQI
- EPA - An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality
- EPA - Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
- OSHA - IAQ FAQ
- OSHA – Mold Quick Card
- CDC - Mold Health
- CDC - Mold, Testing, and Remediation
- SHL Ambient Air Quality
- AQI Basics
- Interactive AQI Map
- Air Quality and Health
- Guide for Schools and K-12 Camps
- Asthma and Ourdoor Air Polution
- American Lung Association Asthma Action Plan