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CIBSE / WHO Guidelines

Indoor Air Quality
Surveys & Monitoring

The air quality inside most buildings is worse than outdoors. Poor indoor air quality reduces staff productivity, increases sick days, triggers compliance issues and โ€” in some environments โ€” represents a serious health risk. A professional air quality survey tells you exactly what's in your air and what to do about it.

The Problem
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters More Than You Think

Most people spend over 90% of their time indoors. Yet indoor air can contain concentrations of pollutants 2-5 times higher than outdoor air. In commercial buildings, this has measurable impacts on the health, wellbeing and performance of everyone inside.

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Cognitive Performance

Studies show that elevated CO2 levels โ€” common in poorly ventilated offices โ€” significantly impair decision-making, concentration and problem-solving. A well-ventilated space can improve cognitive scores by up to 61%.

PRODUCTIVITY IMPACT
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Sick Building Syndrome

Headaches, fatigue, eye and throat irritation, and unexplained illness symptoms are common in buildings with poor air quality. Often dismissed, they represent real lost productivity and potential legal liability for employers.

HEALTH & WELLBEING
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Employer Legal Obligations

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require employers to provide adequate ventilation and maintain a healthy working environment.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT
What We Measure
Comprehensive Air Quality Monitoring

Our surveys measure all key indoor air quality parameters against CIBSE TM40 and WHO guidelines โ€” giving you a complete picture of your building's air quality and clear, actionable recommendations.

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CO2 Levels

The primary indicator of ventilation adequacy. High CO2 causes fatigue and impairs thinking. CIBSE recommends below 1000ppm in occupied spaces.

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Particulate Matter

PM2.5 and PM10 โ€” fine particles that penetrate deep into lungs. Sources include outdoor air, printer emissions, and occupant activity. WHO guidelines are strict.

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Humidity

Too low causes dry eyes, skin and airways. Too high encourages mould growth and dust mite populations. CIBSE recommends 40-60% relative humidity.

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VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds from paints, furnishings, cleaning products and equipment. Chronic exposure is linked to respiratory issues and in some cases more serious health effects.

Who Needs a Survey?
Air Quality Surveys Are Particularly Important For:
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Schools & Colleges

Government guidance following COVID-19 increased focus on ventilation in education settings. CO2 monitoring is now recommended in all classrooms. Poor air quality directly affects children's ability to learn.

EDUCATION SECTOR
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Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes have strict obligations around infection control and air quality. A survey provides documented evidence of compliance and identifies risks before they become critical.

HEALTHCARE
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Offices & Workplaces

Employers have a duty of care to maintain a healthy working environment. Air quality surveys are increasingly used by progressive employers as part of their wellbeing strategy โ€” and as evidence in the event of a claim.

OFFICES & WORKPLACES
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Hotels & Hospitality

Guest comfort and staff wellbeing both depend on good air quality. Poor ventilation in hospitality settings can lead to complaints, negative reviews and โ€” in severe cases โ€” regulatory intervention.

HOSPITALITY
Common Questions
Air Quality Survey FAQ

How long does an air quality survey take?

A single-floor office survey typically takes 2-4 hours. Larger or multi-floor buildings may require a full day. We carry out continuous monitoring over a representative occupancy period to capture meaningful data.

Do we need to do anything to prepare?

Ideally the survey should be carried out under normal operating conditions โ€” building occupied, ventilation running as usual, no unusual cleaning or decorating activities. This gives the most representative results.

What do we get at the end?

A full written report covering all parameters measured, comparison against CIBSE TM40 and WHO benchmarks, identification of any areas of concern, and clear, prioritised recommendations. Issued within 48 hours of the survey.

What if the survey finds a problem?

We provide practical, costed recommendations. In many cases, simple adjustments to ventilation settings or filter maintenance resolve issues without major expense. Where cleaning or remediation is required, we can carry that out as a follow-on service.

Is this relevant after a refurbishment or fit-out?

Absolutely. New building materials, flooring, furniture and finishes can off-gas significant quantities of VOCs. A post-refurbishment air quality survey is good practice and increasingly expected by tenants and facilities managers.

Book Your Air Quality Survey Today

Find out exactly what's in your building's air โ€” comprehensive monitoring to CIBSE and WHO guidelines, full written report within 48 hours.

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