Pollution can also be air-conditioned: Concern over air quality inside offices
15 February 2024 • Article Summary
The Telegraph India
Study finds: Despite air conditioning, 2/3 of the office buildings included in the study had CO2 levels above ideal, some double or triple the threshold. Moren than 1/3 of the studied buildings also exceeded PM2.5 and formaldehyde limits.
Causes: Poorly maintained systems, inappropriate operator practices like closing outdoor air intake to conserve energy, etc., as well as ill-informed occupant habits like not airing out rooms / opening windows are to blame for the poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
Health concerns: High CO2 amplifies headaches and fatigue, whereas elevated particulate matter "PM2.5" and formaldehyde levels irritate the respiratory tract.
Solutions: Regular system maintenance, proper outdoor air intake, and occupant education on opening windows mitigate poor IAQ.
Key takeaway: Air-conditioned offices aren't guaranteed to be safe havens; good indoor air quality needs attention and occupant awareness.