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 — in some environments — represents a serious health risk. A professional air quality survey tells you exactly what's in your air and what to do about it.
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.
Cognitive Performance
Studies show that elevated CO2 levels — common in poorly ventilated offices — significantly impair decision-making, concentration and problem-solving. A well-ventilated space can improve cognitive scores by up to 61%.
PRODUCTIVITY IMPACTSick 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 & WELLBEINGEmployer 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 REQUIREMENTComprehensive Air Quality Monitoring
Our surveys measure all key indoor air quality parameters against CIBSE TM40 and WHO guidelines — giving you a complete picture of your building's air quality and clear, actionable recommendations.
CO2 Levels
The primary indicator of ventilation adequacy. High CO2 causes fatigue and impairs thinking. CIBSE recommends below 1000ppm in occupied spaces.
Particulate Matter
PM2.5 and PM10 — fine particles that penetrate deep into lungs. Sources include outdoor air, printer emissions, and occupant activity. WHO guidelines are strict.
Humidity
Too low causes dry eyes, skin and airways. Too high encourages mould growth and dust mite populations. CIBSE recommends 40-60% relative humidity.
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.
Air Quality Surveys Are Particularly Important For:
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 SECTORHealthcare 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.
HEALTHCAREOffices & 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 — and as evidence in the event of a claim.
OFFICES & WORKPLACESHotels & Hospitality
Guest comfort and staff wellbeing both depend on good air quality. Poor ventilation in hospitality settings can lead to complaints, negative reviews and — in severe cases — regulatory intervention.
HOSPITALITYAir 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 — 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.
Related guides
Ventilation compliance: building an annual plan · What is TR19? A guide for building managers
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Find out exactly what's in your building's air — comprehensive monitoring to CIBSE and WHO guidelines, full written report within 48 hours.
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