SGS Indoor Air Quality Testing
Why Indoor Air Quality Testing is Necessary
When people spend extended periods indoors, the quality of indoor air directly impacts human health. Pollutants in indoor air can originate from various sources, including human metabolism, building materials, furniture, carpets, chemical products, and more. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants may lead to respiratory diseases, headaches, nausea, eye irritation, skin irritation, and even an increased risk of cancer, neurological disorders, and immune system diseases.
Good indoor air quality is crucial for both personal health and productivity. In offices or schools, the quality of indoor air can directly affect the performance and efficiency of employees and students. In households, indoor air quality is directly related to the health and comfort of family members.
To ensure good indoor air quality, conducting indoor air quality testing is essential. Indoor air quality testing can help determine the presence of pollutants and enable appropriate measures to improve the indoor environment. If you frequently spend time indoors for living or working, maintaining indoor air quality is vital, as it can have a significant impact on your health and productivity.
What Types of Places Require Indoor Air Quality Testing?
According to statistics, we spend approximately 80%-90% of our day indoors, highlighting the significance of indoor air quality on human health, often even more critical than outdoor air quality. Taiwan, following South Korea, is the second country to legislate regulations for indoor air quality. This underscores the government's serious consideration of the impact and importance of indoor air quality on its citizens.
In general, various indoor environments necessitate indoor air quality testing to ensure that the air we breathe indoors is safe and clean. Moreover, in our daily living environments, activities that may contribute to indoor air quality pollution warrant attention. Examples include interior decoration, paint, wooden furniture, air fresheners, cooking fumes, and more. Common respiratory conditions and causing inflammation. Long-term exposure may lead to chronic respiratory diseases.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO):
Carbon monoxide in indoor air primarily results from incomplete combustion of fuels. Common sources include gas and solid fuel combustion appliances (e.g., boilers, stoves, and fireplaces), vehicle exhaust in indoor parking areas, and smoking. High concentrations can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, impairing the body's ability to transport oxygen and causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
- Bacteria:
Bacteria in indoor air have diverse sources, including human skin, oral and respiratory secretions, and the digestive tract. Daily activities like breathing, talking, coughing, and sneezing release bacteria into the indoor air. Water sources within indoor environments, such as faucets, sinks, and water towers, can also harbor bacteria. Proper hygiene, regular cleaning, disinfection, and attention to indoor ventilation contribute to reducing bacterial presence in indoor air.
According to Taiwan's Indoor Air Quality Management Act, the indoor air pollutants that are regulated and required to be tested include:
■ Gaseous Pollutants: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone.
■ Chemical Pollutants: Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (including benzene, toluene, ethanol, etc.)
■ Particulate Pollutants: Suspended particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5).
■ Biological Pollutants: Bacteria and fungi.
The Indoor Air Quality Management Act was announced on November 23, 2011, with the aim of safeguarding the health and safety of people in indoor environments. The law specifies sixteen types of regulated venues that must undergo regular indoor air quality testing. These venues include universities, libraries, museums, medical institutions, social welfare organizations, government office spaces, railway stations, airports, mass transit systems, financial institutions, performance halls, exhibition halls, cinemas, entertainment venues, shopping malls, and sports and fitness facilities.
Do you know why the highly sensitive population needs more attention?
In indoor environments where the highly sensitive population is relatively more prevalent, indoor air quality becomes particularly crucial. For instance, in households with infants and young children, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, they are more susceptible to indoor air pollutants. Maintaining good indoor air quality contributes to protecting the health of infants, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases and allergic reactions. Healthy indoor air provides a comfortable learning environment, aiding children's concentration and academic performance.
On the other hand, elderly individuals may experience a decline in immune system and respiratory function, making them more vulnerable to the impact of indoor air pollutants. Maintaining good indoor air quality can reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases among the elderly, providing them with a comfortable and healthy living environment.
In these indoor environments, ensuring high-quality indoor air is one of the essential measures to safeguard the health and well-being of the highly sensitive population. By controlling the concentration of pollutants indoors and ensuring proper ventilation and air circulation, the risk of respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, and other health issues can be minimized.
Additionally, the Indoor Air Quality Management Act has designated three non-listed venues primarily for the highly sensitive population, where applications for the Indoor Air Quality Self-Management Label can be submitted. These venues include kindergartens, childcare centers, and postnatal care homes."
What is the Indoor Air Quality Self-Management Label?
Indoor Air Quality Self-Management Label is set up by the Environmental Protection Administration in Taiwan. The goal is to encourage voluntary management of indoor air quality, enhance the quality of indoor environments, and increase consumer awareness and concern about urban air quality.
Establishments that meet the testing standards can apply for this label, showcasing their commitment to prioritizing and investing in indoor air quality through a transparent and public process. This approach aims to boost consumer trust.
According to the regulations of the Indoor Air Quality Management Act, the label is categorized into two levels: Good and Excellent. Different testing criteria are set for various types of establishments.
What air quality parameters need to be tested, and what are the standard values for applying for the Self-Management Label?
The air quality parameters and standards required for applying for the Self-Management Label vary based on the type of facility and the desired level of certification, either "Good" or "Excellent," as per the Indoor Air Quality Management Act. Here are the testing parameters and standards for both levels:
Testing Parameters and Standards for Self-Management Label:
The above values represent the standards for each parameter that establishments must meet to qualify for either the "Good" or "Excellent" level of the Self-Management Label. CFU/m3 stands for colony-forming units per cubic meter.
Do you know about the Green Hotel Certification in Taiwan?
The government has been promoting the Green Hotel Certification for many years, aiming to encourage the public to prioritize staying in environmentally friendly certified hotels. This initiative seeks to increase the participation of major accommodation providers in Taiwan in environmental protection efforts, contributing to environmental conservation. Additionally, it provides travelers with the opportunity to experience healthier and safer accommodation quality during their trips.
Why choose SGS Environmental Quality Professional Team for testing services?
The SGS Environmental Quality Professional Team has been serving in Taiwan for over 20 years, with offices and laboratories located throughout the country. Holding national and international certifications, the team possesses extensive practical experience, offering customers the most professional and localized testing services.
The SGS Indoor Environmental Quality Professional Team has achieved dual certifications. Not only have they obtained full accreditation from the Environmental Analysis Laboratory, but they are also the only testing team in Taiwan to be TAF certified for indoor air quality testing services. Their stringent inspection process, surpassing regulatory standards, is designed to deliver the most reliable testing reports to customers.
Comprised of professionals with backgrounds in environmental engineering, public health, mechanical and electrical engineering, and air conditioning, the SGS Indoor Environmental Quality Professional Team includes certified refrigeration and air conditioning technicians. Tailoring testing services to address the weaknesses in indoor environments, the team not only provides credible testing reports but also offers effective improvement recommendations and solutions. They are a trusted partner for customers on the journey of testing and optimizing indoor air quality.
The team assists customers in obtaining the government-issued Indoor Air Quality Self-Management Certification to enhance public health and well-being. Additionally, they provide customers with the SGS Indoor Air Quality Certification Mark, ensuring a dual check on indoor air quality.
