Indoor air quality monitors are important tools that assess the air everyone breathes inside homes, buildings, and other enclosed spaces. When IAQ is poor, it can result in health issues. Keep reading to learn how to interpret a variety of essential IAQ monitor readings, why these air quality parameters matter, and specific steps and actions you can take based on this information to improve air quality.
Understanding Your IAQ Monitor Readings
IAQ monitors measure a variety of environmental factors and air pollutants that can impact comfort and health. The following are five key parameters you should know.
1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10)
PM2.5 are fine airborne particles with a diameter of up to 2.5 micrometers, and PM10 are slightly bigger particles, as big as 10 micrometers, that the human respiratory system can still inhale. High levels of either can result in allergies, respiratory distress, and asthma aggravation. Long-term exposure might be associated with lung disease and cardiovascular complications.
IAQ monitors reporting levels of 0 through 12 µg/m³ are in good condition with excellent air quality and no actions necessary. The moderate range of 12 to 35 µg/m³ is acceptable, but minor effects might impact sensitive individuals. Sensitive groups, including seniors, kids, and anyone with respiratory conditions, need to be cautious in the 35 to 55 µg/m³ range, and anyone can experience undesirable health effects in the 55 to 150 µg/m³ range. Anything over 150 µg/m³ is considered very unhealthy to fully hazardous, putting everyone at risk and necessitating immediate action.
Air purifiers featuring HEPA filters are a good step. Opening windows for ventilation might help if the outdoor air quality is high enough. Avoid indoor smoking or using candles to minimize interior pollution.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
This measures how adequate ventilation is in your space. High levels indicate insufficient air exchange happening with the air outside. Too much CO2 can lead to headaches, drowsiness, and impaired cognitive function. Very high levels can result in dizziness and trouble breathing.
Good levels happen between 400 and 800 ppm; this is equivalent to fresh air and proves ideal for interior spaces. Moderate levels of 800 to 1,200 ppm are acceptable but can trigger mild discomfort. Poor conditions happen between 1,200 and 2,000 ppm with reduced concentration and increased drowsiness. Anything exceeding 2,000 ppm is very poor; these unhealthy conditions need immediate ventilation.
Mechanical ventilation and opening windows both help. Air purifiers featuring activated carbon filters also help. Limit circumstances of overcrowding in any enclosed spaces.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Potential VOC sources include paints, building materials, and cleaning products, among other liquids and solids that emit these gases. The potential health implications can be both short- and long-term exposure situations. Early symptoms can include eye irritation, dizziness, and headaches. Ongoing exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses and damage to the kidneys or liver.
If your IAQ monitor reports VOCs under 0.3 mg/m³, you’re in good shape without significant health risks. Moderate VOC levels range between 0.3 and 0.5 mg/m³, indicating some VOC presence that sensitive individuals might notice. The range of 0.5 through 1.0 mg/m³ is deemed unhealthy for many groups of sensitive people who are at higher risk of irritation. Anything over 1.0 mg/m³ is considered unhealthy to fully hazardous, and you need to take immediate action.
When you buy paints or cleaning products, look for items that either have low VOC levels or are free of them. Check your home or building for sources of VOCs that you can remove, including chemical-based air fresheners and synthetic fragrances.
4. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide can be fatal at high levels, and the fact that this gas is colorless and odorless makes it even more dangerous. Potential sources include fireplaces, gas stoves, and improperly vented appliances. Low-level exposure can result in nausea, dizziness, and headaches, but high exposure can cause unconsciousness and eventually death.
Your IAQ monitor measures carbon monoxide in parts per million, or ppm. The safest range is 0 to 9 ppm; trace amounts don’t require any action on your part, nor should they be of much concern. Caution is warranted in the 10 to 35 ppm range because headaches and other symptoms might happen after enough time. Dangerous levels happen between 36 and 100 ppm; prolonged exposure in this range is potentially life-threatening. Anything over 100 ppm is a severe hazard, and your home or building should be evacuated immediately.
Install CO-specific detectors to monitor the air you breathe for this gas, and check them regularly. If you use gas appliances, ensure proper ventilation during their operation. Avoid gas generators or stoves in enclosed spaces.
5. Relative Humidity (%)
Relative humidity measures the percentage of moisture present in the air of your home or building. The health implications change based on low or high humidity. Low humidity is considered anything under 30% and can result in irritation, dry skin, and a higher risk of infections. High humidity is anything over 60% and can promote dust mites and the growth of mold.
The ideal range you want to see is between 30% and 50%. Most people find this range to be safe and comfortable. Actions you can take to achieve this again depend on whether you’re dealing with low or high humidity. Dry conditions can be improved with humidifiers. Highly humid conditions can be addressed by using dehumidifiers or air conditioning. Improving ventilation can also help control moisture.
Taking Actions From Your IAQ Readings
If the IAQ readings aren’t where you want them to be, there are specific categories of actions you can take to improve things.
Improving Ventilation
Open doors and windows whenever possible. Use any exhaust fans available in bathrooms and kitchens; install them if none are already present. Consider installing mechanical ventilation systems with fresh air intakes.
Using Air Purifiers
The kind of air purifier you need depends on your needs. If you’re handling particulate matter, choose a purifier with a HEPA filter. To reduce odors and VOCs, choose something with activated carbon filters.
Eliminating Indoor Pollutants
Don’t smoke indoors. Only use nontoxic products when cleaning. Reduce the use of incense or candles.
Routine Maintenance
Clean and replace your HVAC filters on a regular basis. Prevent CO buildup by inspecting and maintaining gas appliances. Watch out for damp areas and mold.
Essential for IAQ Maintenance
Proper interpretation of IAQ monitor readings is important when you want to achieve a healthy interior environment and then maintain it. Tracking humidity levels is essential, and you need to understand key pollutants, including CO, VOCs, CO2, and PM2.5. This collective data empowers you to take targeted actions that enhance air quality. Fundamental steps include reducing sources of pollution, using air purifiers, and improving ventilation.
Environmental Heating & Air Solutions serves residents of Benecia, Roseville, and the surrounding communities in Northern California with air quality and HVAC services, including ductwork, carbon monoxide detectors, air sealing, and air ventilation. Contact Environmental Heating & Air Solutions for all your home’s indoor air quality needs.
