Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality refers to the condition of air within an enclosed workspace.  The indoor environment of any building is based on several factors including location, climate, building design, construction techniques, building occupant load, and contaminants.

Four key elements are involved in the development of poor indoor air quality. 

1. Multiple contaminant sources
2. Poor ventilation systems
3. Pollutant pathways
4. Building usage and occupant load

Outside sources for indoor contaminants include pollen, dust, industrial pollutants, vehicle exhaust, and unsanitary debris near outdoor intake vents.  Other outdoor agents, such as underground storage tanks or landfills, may also affect indoor air quality.

Indoor contaminants include combustion products (smoke), volatile organic compounds (solvents and cleaning agents), respiratory particulates (dust, pollen, etc), respiratory byproducts (carbon dioxide), and microbes (mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria).  Additional examples include emissions from office equipment and fumes and odors from any source.

A&M-Texarkana follows recognized guidelines for new building ventilation systems and air quality control; however, employees are also responsible for the quality of their indoor air.  Because indoor air often contains a variety of contaminants at levels far below most exposure standards, it is difficult to link specific health problems with known pollutants.  Employees must minimize all contaminants to reduce the low-level pollutant mixtures that commonly cause health problems.

The following practices will help ensure optimum indoor air quality:

• Fix leads and drips - moisture promotes microbe growth.
• Clean mold and mildew growth with an antimicrobial to prevent regrowth.
• Ensure that indoor ventilation filters are changed regularly.
• Keep laboratory doors closed.
• Minimize chemical and aerosol usage.  Ventilate the area when chemical or aerosol usage is required.
• Do not block air ducts to control the temperature in your area.
• Avoid smoking or cooking in enclosed areas.  Smoking is strictly prohibited in all University facilities and vehicles per University Rule 34.05.99.H1 Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus.

Bringle Lake Village residents with concerns about their room indoor air quality should contact the Coordinator of Residence Life on the first floor of BLV.  Any concerns about indoor air quality in any building on campus can be sent to ehs@tamut.edu .  Concerns will be investigated using A&M-University staff and SSC Facilities Management resources to identify the source and mitigate any contributing factors when possible.