INDOOR AIR-QUALITY INVESTIGATION PROTOCOLS

Over the past 10 to 15 years, an increasing number of complaints about discomfort and health effects related to indoor air quality (IAQ) hav e been reported. The increase in complaints has been accompanied by an increase in requests for IAQ investigations. This study presents an o verview of the many IAQ investigation protocols published since 1984. For analysis, the protocols are divided into four categories: solution -oriented, building diagnostics, industrial hygiene, and epidemiology. In general, the protocols begin with general observations, proceed to collect more specific data as indicated, and end with conclusions and recommendations. A generic IAQ protocol is presented that incorporate s the common aspects of the various protocols. All of the current prot ocols place heavy emphasis on the ventilation system during the invest igation. A major problem affecting all of the current protocols is the lack of generally accepted IAQ standards. In addition , the use of qu estionnaires, occupant interviews, and personal diaries (as well as th e point in the investigation at which they are administered) differs a mong the protocols. Medical evaluations and verification procedures al so differ among the protocols.