Indoor Environmental Air Quality: Further Reading

To learn more about indoor environmental quality here are four valuable resources.  The best resource is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM).  This model is available either on CD-ROM or on the internet at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebuildings/ibeam_page.htm.  I-BEAM is a comprehensive and extensive guide for managing indoor air quality  in large buildings.  This valuable resource discusses all the components and issues associated with indoor air quality.   It has sections on the fundamentals of indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC , and energy efficiency , problem solving, new construction,  and more.

Another quality resource is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency action kit Indoor Air Quality Tools For Schools, May 1995.  This is a perfect resource for schools in particular, but also for anyone wanting to learn more about indoor air quality issues and how to go about establishing an indoor air quality management plan.  It gives a solid description of the importance of indoor air quality and common indoor air pollutants.  The action kit also provides a variety of IAQ checklists, for the different team members including, waste management , building maintenance, administrative staff, health officers, and ventilation.  This resource is unique in that it approaches indoor air quality issues and solutions from a teamwork approach.

            Consulting the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol: Concepts and Practices for Improved Indoor Environmental Quality (GPO 2001) would also be very beneficial.  This is an excellent source that provides a detailed examination of the cost and benefits of energy conservation measures in relation to its effect on indoor environmental quality (IEQ).  It also contains an introduction to IEQ and suggests the best tactics to achieve good IEQ.

            A good general guide to indoor air quality  is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission document The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality (1995).  The information it details is in relation to the home, but it can be applicable to other buildings as well.  This source discusses the basics of indoor air quality and then focuses on sources of indoor air pollutants, suggesting specific controls and sources for further information.