La qualità dell’aria interna (IAQ) si riferisce alle caratteristiche ambientali all’interno degli edifici che possono influenzare la salute umana, il comfort o le prestazioni lavorative.
Monitoriamo l’IAQ perché trascorriamo circa il 90% del nostro tempo a respirare “aria interna”.
A differenza dell’aria esterna, l’aria interna viene riciclata continuamente facendola intrappolare e accumulare sostanze inquinanti.
Le caratteristiche IAQ includono le concentrazioni di inquinanti nell’aria interna, nonché la temperatura e l’umidità dell’aria.
PERCHÉ LA QUALITÀ DELL’ARIA INTERNA È IMPORTANTE?
Una scarsa IAQ contribuisce a problemi di salute sia a breve che a lungo termine che possono portare a una diminuzione della produttività, assenteismo e possibili contenziosi. I sintomi tipici associati a una scarsa qualità dell’aria interna includono irritazione di occhi, naso e gola, mal di testa, nausea, vertigini e affaticamento. In alcuni casi l’esposizione all’inquinamento atmosferico indoor può portare a malattie respiratorie acute e croniche tra cui asma, cancro ai polmoni, polmonite, ipertensione sistemica, broncopneumopatia cronica ostruttiva (BPCO), legionellosi e febbre da umidificatore. Vedi sotto per una tabella delle principali fonti e dei potenziali effetti sulla salute dell’inquinamento dell’aria interna.
| Inquinante | Sorgente | Effetti sulla Salute | |
| CO2 | Carbon Dioxide | Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), Excessive Building Occupancy and Inadequate Ventilation | Fatigue; Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Headaches; Chest Discomfort; Respiratory Tract Symptoms |
| CO | Carbon Monoxide | Non-vented or Malfunctioning Gas Appliances, Wood and Coal Stoves, Tobacco Smoke and Vehicle Exhaust Emissions |
Headache, Nausea, Angina, Impaired Vision and Mental Functioning, Fatal at High Concentrations |
| COPM | Environmental Tobacco Smoke |
Cigarettes, Cigars and Pipes | Respiratory Irritation, Bronchitis and Pneumonia in Children; Emphysema, Lung Cancer and Heart Disease |
| VOC | Organic Chemicals | Aerosol Sprays, Solvents, Glues, Cleaning Agents, Pesticides, Paints, Moth Repellents, Air Fresheners, Dry cleaned Clothing and Treated Water |
Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Headaches; Loss of Coordination; Damage to Liver, Kidney and Brain; Various Types of Cancer |
| O3 | Ozone | Ground Level Ozone Entering Indoors; Malfunctioning Air Treatment Systems; and Office Photocopiers and Printers | Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Coughing; Chest Discomfort; Reduced Lung Function; Shortness of Breath |
| NO2 | Nitrogen Oxides | Non-vented or Malfunctioning Gas Appliances and Vehicle Exhaust Emissions |
Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Increased Respiratory Infections in Children |
| PM | TSP (total suspended particulates)PM10 (thoracic fraction ≤10 μm)PM2.5 (respirable fraction ≤2.5 μm)PM1 (particles ≤1.0 μm) | Cigarettes, Wood and Coal Stoves, Fireplaces, Aerosol Sprays and House Dust | Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Increased Susceptibility to Respiratory Infections and Bronchitis; Lung Cancer |
| CHCO | Formaldehyde | Pressed Wood Products e.g. plywood and MDF; Furnishings; Wallpaper; Durable Press Fabrics |
Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Headache; Allergic Reactions; Cancer |
| Other Sources and Potential Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants | |||
| – | Biological Agents (Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Animal Dander, Dust Mites) |
House Dust; Pets; Bedding; Poorly Maintained Air Conditioners, Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers; Wet or Moist Structures; Furnishings | Allergic Reactions; Asthma; Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Humidifier Fever, Influenza and Other Infectious Diseases |
| – | Asbestos | Damaged or Deteriorating Insulation, Fireproofing and Acoustical Materials | Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma and Other Cancers |
| – | Lead | Sanding or Open-Flame Burning of Lead Paint; House Dust |
Nerve and Brain Damage, Particularly in Children; Anemia; Kidney Damage; Growth Retardation |
| – | Radon | Soil Under Buildings, Some Earth-Derived Construction Materials and Groundwater |
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