UNC Department of Environment, Health & Safety: Industrial Hygiene

Indoor Air Quality

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to providing a work environment that is free of recognized hazards and to investigation complaints that may be related to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Though specific regulations have not been developed for IAQ in the work place, the Environment, Health and Safety Department (EHS) considers recommendations from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Indoor Air Quality Policy
*Approved by the University Safety and Security Committee 26 June 2002; Posted 2 October 2002.
Request for Indoor Air Quality Investigation(Appendix A)

Links to Related Information

Mold Information (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Adverse Human Health Effects Associated with Molds in the Indoor Environment (Source: American College of Occupational And Environmental Medicine)

IAQ Occupant Diary

Save this spreadsheet to your local computer and fill it out over the month. When it is complete, send the file to John Murphy. In order to save, right-click (or click-and-hold on a single-button mouse) and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As" from the menu that appears.

IAQ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to visit the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic to get a report on an indoor air quality concern?

No, please visit the EHS website to download the form: "Request for Indoor Air Quality Investigation." Please complete the form and submit via email or fax. It is important when completing the request that you provide as much detail as possible for the EHS Responder.

When does an EHS Responder evaluate the area?

The EHS Responder will review the "Request for Indoor Air Quality Investigation" form. Following the review of the form, the EHS Responder will call the person completing the form. At that time, further information will be gathered. The EHS Responder will determine what additional action is required, such as scheduling a site evaluation.

I do not feel safe going back to my office or entering a building. What should I do?

If you have continued concerns, you should check with your supervisor and/or Human Resource Facilitator.

I smell a strong odor, what should I do?

Call 911 or EHS at 962-5507. An Emergency Responder will come to the area to assess the hazard immediately.

I think there is mold in my work environment; could it be causing my health problem?

Go to your primary health physician for an evaluation. The primary physician may determine that a specialist physician is needed, such as an allergist. If the specialist physician suspects that the work environment may be a contributing factor, then fill out a "Request for Indoor Air Quality Investigation" form.

I am not sure what is going on but I feel bad when I am in a particular room, what should I do?

Consult with your supervisor and/or Human Resource Facilitator about your concerns. Your supervisor and/or Human Resource Facilitator will evaluate your concerns, and then determine if/when EHS is needed for consultation. However, if you perceive that your work environment is causing a physical discomfort, then it is recommended that you go to the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic for a consultation.