Health Canada is preparing new guidance on indoor air quality in office buildings. Commercial real estate stakeholders, technical service providers, health professionals and the general public are invited to comment on a draft document that sets out best practices for key elements of office IAQ including: reducing sources of contaminants; ventilation; filtration; monitoring and preventative maintenance; and addressing occupants’ concerns about air quality.

The advice is aimed at building owners/managers and their operational and maintenance staff, as well as employers/tenants and their facilities managers and health and safety committees. It is also considered pertinent for design and public health practitioners.

“This guide addresses issues relating to IAQ that are common in an office building setting, while promoting good prevention practices. It provides guidance to help manage and resolve IAQ issues promptly and encourages consistency and transparency throughout the IAQ assessment, investigation, and resolution process,” the executive summary promises. “Good operational practices can prevent many IAQ issues.”

Many of the mechanisms and operational procedures affecting IAQ fall under building/facilities management purview, particularly those related to air intake, filtration and circulation, moisture control, janitorial products and procedures, and effective response to water damage and other spills and leaks. The draft document notes that many of these IAQ best practices do double duty in reducing transmission risks for infectious diseases. However, it also tallies a range of occupant-generated challenges that can undermine IAQ controls.

“Common activities such as using printing and photocopying equipment, wearing perfumes and fragrances, blocking ventilation system vents or improperly using equipment can generate odours and contaminants that affect IAQ,” it states. “Through awareness and education, building owners, operators and occupants can help prevent many IAQ issues from developing.”

The following measures are recommended as a basis for proactive IAQ management.

• Eliminate or reduce sources of contaminants. Sources of contamination may be present indoors (such as combustion, cleaning products, furnishings, moisture resulting in mould, or odours from occupants or activities) or outdoors near the air intake vent (such as smoking areas, vehicle idling).
• Maintain protocols to reduce viral and bacterial transmission between building occupants.
• Ensure effective ventilation system design and use. Ventilation can improve air quality by removing and diluting contaminants and replacing the indoor air with filtered and conditioned outdoor air. Verify ventilation rates and make sure these rates remain relevant with respect to any changes in occupant levels, renovations, redesigns, or how the space is utilized.
• Develop and implement a preventive ventilation system maintenance program. Maintain the ventilation system and replace filters on a set schedule to help reduce contaminants and maintain temperature and moisture levels.
• Install effective filtration units or filters as part of the ventilation system. Remove contaminants through appropriate air cleaners or filters. Select the correct filter efficiency for the contaminants present and the ventilation system.
• Use proactive housekeeping practices, including choosing cleaning products with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and using a vacuuming system with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
• Control moisture and humidity levels and ensure early intervention if mould is suspected. Remediate flooding moisture and damage, clean mould appropriately, and prevent reoccurrence by determining the cause of the moisture and addressing the issue.
• Implement workplace procedures to consider IAQ issues throughout procurement and renovations. Assess the potential mismatch of the intended space and occupant activities. The initial design of the space may affect ventilation distribution and air exchanges.
• Conduct training and education for building operators, employers, and occupants. Training should include how to identify a potential IAQ issue and how to report IAQ concerns.

The public comment period is open until April 10, 2023.

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