Author: Carol Wilkins-Hall
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays a vital role in your comfort, concentration, and overall health while working or studying on campus. Poor air quality can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or respiratory irritation. These issues are often preventable when identified early.
While most buildings on campus maintain good air quality, it’s helpful to recognize signs that might indicate a problem. Persistent odors (such as musty, chemical, or stale smells), stuffy or humid conditions, visible mold or water damage, poor airflow, or dust buildup around vents can all point to potential indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns. These issues often stem from several sources, including inadequate ventilation, malfunctioning HVAC systems, mold growth due to water leaks or high humidity, ongoing construction or renovation, improper use or storage of chemicals, or even the infiltration of outdoor pollutants.
Occupants can take several steps to help reduce the incidence of IAQ concerns:
- Promptly report any water leaks, spills, or signs of mold growth to Campus Services via their service request portal: https://cs-swoop.emory.edu/.
- Avoid using strong-smelling chemicals, aerosols, or fragrances. If you must use them, ensure the area is well ventilated.
- Always store chemicals properly in designated, well-ventilated areas to prevent the release of harmful vapors.
- Regularly clean your work area, paying special attention to dusting around air vents and surfaces. Empty personal trash cans frequently to minimize odors and prevent pest issues.
- If you have specific sensitivities, using a personal air purifier can help filter out airborne contaminants.
If you or others in your workspace experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, eye, nose, or throat irritation, fatigue, trouble concentrating, or aggravation of allergies or asthma, especially when these symptoms improve after leaving the area, it may be time to report an IAQ concern.
If you notice any of the above signs or symptoms, don’t ignore them. Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) to investigate. Our Industrial Hygiene team is trained to assess and respond to air quality concerns, helping to identify the source and recommend solutions.
To report an issue, contact EHSO at indhyg@emory.edu or submit a work order https://cs-swoop.emory.edu/. Together, we can maintain a healthy and productive indoor environment for everyone on campus.