The term “Indoor Air Quality” (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. IAQ can be affected by emissions from indoor and outdoor sources, ambient air levels, ventilation, and climate.
Poor IAQ has been linked to a variety of health problems, including eye irritation, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and respiratory illnesses. Building managers play an important role in ensuring good IAQ for their tenants or occupants. In most cases, they are responsible for overseeing the building’s mechanical systems that provide ventilation and filtration – two key elements in maintaining good IAQ. Building management systems (BMS) are often used to help monitor and control these mechanical systems.
A BMS is a computer-based system that monitors and controls a wide range of building functions, including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, security, fire safety, and elevators/escalators. A BMS typically consists of sensors and controllers connected to a central nervous system ( usually a computer) that helps building operators manage the various systems in the building more effectively and efficiently. In many cases, BMSs include features that specifically address IAQ concerns.
