Indoor Air Monitoring

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air quality within and around buildings and structures. IAQ is known to affect the health, comfort and well-being of building occupants. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to sick building syndrome, reduced productivity and impaired learning in schools.

IAQ can be affected by gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds), particulates, microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions. Source control, filtration and the use of ventilation to dilute contaminants are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings. Residential units can further improve indoor air quality by routine cleaning of carpets and area rugs.

Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 (ICOP IQA 2010)

In 2010, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health of the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources has introduced the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 to increase the compliance of designated workplaces. Activities regarding the issues of indoor air quality involve the investigation of complaints from workers. The procedure of handling any complaints can be found in the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010. Investigation usually involves five main activities, which are the preliminary site visit, measuring the level of contaminant in the area, data analysis, discussions with employers and the report writing.