FMs their knowledge of correct indoor air quality (IAQ) practices at the May meeting, held at Aerosol Monitoring & Analsis. IAQ is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.

IAQ can be affected by gases, including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds; particulates, microbial contaminants, such as mold or bacteria; or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions. Source control, filtration, and the use of venilation to dilute contaminants are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings.

Determination of IAQ involves the collection of air samples, monitoring human exposure to pollutants, collection of samples on building surfaces and computer modeling of air flow inside buildings.