New publication outlines IAQ standards, health risks, and control strategies.
CAREL has published a new white paper titled “Indoor air quality - Guaranteeing health and comfort in buildings,” exploring the critical role of indoor air quality (IAQ) in protecting occupant health and ensuring comfort. The document reviews international standards, highlights pollutants of concern, and offers guidance on monitoring key environmental parameters.
The white paper emphasizes that although outdoor air quality has long been regulated, the air within buildings—where people spend approximately 92% of their time—can contain elevated levels of pollutants such as formaldehyde, particulate matter (PM), and airborne pathogens. These conditions increase the risk of respiratory and health issues, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
CAREL examines current IAQ regulations, including the ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1-2022 standard in the United States, which defines acceptable IAQ as the absence of known contaminants at harmful concentrations. It also references the EU’s Level(s) framework, particularly macro-objective 4, which addresses the creation of healthy and comfortable indoor environments.
The white paper recommends monitoring temperature, humidity, CO₂, and pollutant levels as part of an effective IAQ strategy. It underscores the importance of controlling relative humidity to limit pathogen transmission and enhance overall comfort. These measures support building design and HVACR system optimization in line with emerging regulatory expectations.
“We are pleased to present this new paper, once again demonstrating our commitment to raising awareness of the trends and solutions for better indoor air quality management,” said Raul Simonetti, HVAC/R Corporate Business Manager at CAREL. “As can be seen from some of the latest legislation and regulations, IAQ needs to be given the same importance as aspects such as sustainability and decarbonisation, to ensure that protecting human health and protecting the environment go hand-in-hand.”