IAQ Reference Guide

Appendix B - Basic Measurement Equipement

To prevent or resolve indoor air quality (IAQ) problems effectively and efficiently, you must be able to take our basic measurements relating to the air within the school. Your school or school district may already own some or all of the equipment necessary to make these measurements. If not, buying or borrowing that equipment is important to assess the IAQ conditions in your school accurately and ensure that the ventilation equipment is working properly (which can save the school money in heating and cooling bills), as well as improve IAQ. Check with your EPA regional office about equipment availability (see Appendix L: "Resources," for a complete list of EPA regional offices).

Four measurements are important to the activities in this Guide:

• Temperature.
• Relative humidity.
• Air movement.
• Airflow volume.

In addition, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitor is useful for indicating when outdoor air ventilation may be inadequate (see the Ventilation Checklist).

Sampling for pollutants is not recommended, since results are difficult to interpret and can require costly measurement equipment as well as significant training and experience. The activities described in this Guide are likely to prevent or uncover problems more effectively than pollutant sampling. The four measurements listed above are readily available, do not require expensive equipment or special training, and are straightforward to interpret.

If your school’s budget does not allow the purchase of some or all of the equipment, try a cooperative approach:

• Combine resources with other schools in the district or neighboring schools.
• Contact school organizations and local government to inquire about cooperative purchasing options.
• Borrow equipment from another school, district, a state or local government, or an EPA regional office.

Do not let a lack of equipment prevent you from conducting the recommended activities. Conduct as many activities as possible with the equipment you have available. If you cannot obtain the recommended equipment due to lack of resources, prioritize your equipment purchases as follows:

1. Temperature, relative humidity, and chemical smoke device for indicating air movement;
2. Airflow volume measuring devices; and
3. CO₂ monitor.