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Texas Tech University |
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What is Indoor Air Quality? |
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the
environment in which most Texas Tech employees are employed. Since most Tech
employees work indoors for the majority of the workday, it is important to
ensure a work environment that is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Components of IAQ include such factors as:
odor
chemical
pollutants (e.g., paint or solvent vapors, vehicle exhaust)
bioaerosols (e.g., mold spores)
environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)
temperature
humidity
fresh air input, i.e., HVAC system function |
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What if I have a concern or problem with my workplace indoor air quality? |
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Environmental Health and Safety is committed
to treating each IAQ complaint with concern and respect for the employee. We
investigate each complaint through a variety of methods, including employee
interviews, workplace surveys, and analyses employing advanced scientific
instrumentation. If you have a concern related to any of the above components of
IAQ in your workplace, please contact Matt Roe at EH&S, at 742-3876. In order to
assist us in addressing your IAQ concern, please be ready to describe the
following:
 the
nature of the problem (i.e., bad odor, health symptoms) – be specific and
descriptive as possible
how
long the problem has been occurring
how
frequently it occurs, if it is an intermittent problem
whether
or not the problem is isolated to a specific area in you workplace (i.e., the
odor is strongest near the hallway)
whether
or not anyone else in your workplace is suffering from the same problem
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When will you respond to my problem? |
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Usually, we will investigate the problem
within the hour. Occasionally our personnel may be out on campus responding to a
previous IAQ concern, and this may delay our response. IAQ concerns reported at
the end of the workday are typically investigated early the next morning. IAQ
concerns reported at the end of the workday on a Friday are typically
investigated early Monday morning. |
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Will I get into trouble for reporting a problem? |
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Of course! No, seriously, we believe that you have a right to expect a safe,
comfortable work environment, and we strive to ensure that everyone is
accommodated. There should be no retribution for reporting problems to EH&S, and
our personnel will work hard to communicate with your supervisors regarding your
health concerns. Most supervisors want their employees to be as safe and
comfortable as they are. |
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For more information on Indoor Air Quality, check out the following websites: |
U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – General IAQ information. Includes
excellent non-technical information of such issues as black mold, radon, air
pollution, ETS, and asthma.
University of Arizona EH&S –
General IAQ Information. Another good resource
for issues related to IAQ, but somewhat more technical.
U.S.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) –
Mold
Facts (includes information on “black mold”) |
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