In today’s work environment, attention to employee well-being extends beyond ergonomic furniture and mental health initiatives. One often overlooked yet critical component of a healthy workplace is indoor air quality (IAQ). Clean, breathable air is vital not only for the immediate health of workers but also for their long-term productivity and comfort.
Monitoring air quality in the workplace isn’t just a matter of good practice—it’s a legal and ethical obligation. Employers in the UK are required to ensure that indoor environments meet safety standards set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), especially under regulations like the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of workplace air quality monitoring, the methods and tools used, best practices to maintain optimal conditions, and what metrics to watch for—helping your organisation stay compliant, healthy, and productive.
Employees exposed to poor air quality may suffer from a range of health problems, including:
Headaches and fatigue
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or even occupational lung diseases
Increased risk of heart conditions and cancer from prolonged exposure to harmful substances
Poor air quality also worsens symptoms for employees who already have existing health conditions, potentially leading to higher absenteeism and increased healthcare costs.
Multiple studies have shown a clear link between good IAQ and worker performance. Clean air improves cognitive function, focus, and decision-making. Employees working in environments with proper ventilation and low levels of pollutants tend to report higher satisfaction and fewer complaints of discomfort.
UK employers are bound by several workplace safety regulations that govern indoor air quality. Chief among them is COSHH, which mandates the assessment and control of exposure to hazardous substances. Other applicable legislation includes:
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Building Regulations for ventilation and HVAC system performance
Sector-specific regulations (e.g., laboratories, manufacturing)
Failure to comply can result in legal action, fines, or reputational damage.
Ventilation helps dilute and remove airborne pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), VOCs, and fine particulate matter. Natural ventilation (open windows) and mechanical systems (HVAC) both play a role.
Key points:
Maintain HVAC systems regularly
Ensure air intakes are placed away from sources of pollution
Use demand-controlled ventilation to optimize airflow
Installing IAQ monitors throughout your workplace allows for continuous measurement of pollutant levels and environmental conditions. With real-time data, facilities managers can take immediate corrective actions when thresholds are exceeded.
Today’s air quality sensors can measure multiple parameters, including:
CO₂
PM2.5
VOCs
Temperature and humidity
Many systems integrate with building automation for smarter ventilation control.
Encouraging employees to understand and contribute to IAQ can enhance compliance and effectiveness. Educational initiatives might include:
Training on the importance of air quality
Guidelines for minimizing pollutant generation (e.g., limiting perfumes, using low-VOC products)
Reporting systems for concerns or malfunctions in ventilation
There are several practical and technical approaches to assessing air quality:
Used in high-risk environments like laboratories or chemical plants, personal air sampling involves employees wearing small monitors that measure their exposure to specific substances over time.
Stationary sensors placed around the workplace measure ambient air quality. This method is useful for general office spaces, meeting rooms, and high-traffic areas.
Advanced workplaces now use smart IAQ networks integrated into building management systems. These sensors continuously track a range of air quality indicators and adjust systems automatically to improve comfort and safety.
What it is: CO₂ is a natural by-product of human respiration and is used as a proxy for ventilation effectiveness.
Why it matters: High CO₂ levels signal inadequate ventilation. While not toxic at workplace levels, poor ventilation is linked to fatigue, headaches, and impaired concentration.
Recommended levels:
Above 1000 ppm: Indicates poor ventilation (minimum legal threshold)
Target 800 ppm: For optimal performance and infection control (CDC recommendation)
What it is: Tiny particles measuring 2.5 microns or smaller that can infiltrate deep into the lungs.
Why it matters: PM2.5 is linked to asthma, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Sources include outdoor pollution, printers, and combustion activities indoors.
Control methods:
Use high-efficiency MERV-13 or HEPA filters
Avoid unnecessary combustion activities
Regular maintenance of HVAC and filtration systems
Target levels: Ideally below 12 µg/m³ indoors.
What it is: A collective measure of hundreds of organic chemicals emitted as gases from various sources.
Why it matters: Some VOCs are harmless, but others are carcinogenic or cause irritation. Sources include paint, adhesives, cleaning products, and office equipment.
Monitoring tip: Use sensors that provide real-time TVOC levels. While there’s no formal universal standard, keeping the level below 500 ppb is generally accepted.
Mitigation:
Switch to low-VOC products
Improve ventilation
Store chemicals securely and in designated areas
Why it matters: Both comfort and health depend on stable temperature and humidity. Low humidity dries out mucous membranes, reducing resistance to airborne infections. High humidity fosters mold and bacterial growth.
Ideal indoor ranges:
Temperature: 21–24°C (70–76°F)
Humidity: 30–60% RH
Too low or too high T/RH can also affect the performance of electronics and cause material degradation.
Identify areas at high risk of air pollution, such as labs, kitchens, or workshops. Evaluate sources of pollutants and vulnerable groups (e.g., asthmatics).
Choose monitors that suit the scale and complexity of your workplace. Options range from simple plug-and-play devices to multi-parameter systems with cloud integration.
Define who is responsible for monitoring, how often data is reviewed, and what thresholds will trigger action.
When pollutants exceed limits, have a plan in place. Actions may include increasing ventilation, isolating pollutant sources, or evacuating the area temporarily.
Document monitoring results, corrective actions, and maintenance schedules. Use the data to improve systems and practices over time.
Modern IAQ monitoring is increasingly data-driven, with smart buildings using:
IoT-enabled sensors for real-time updates
Cloud dashboards for centralised oversight
AI and predictive analytics to pre-empt poor air quality events
Mobile apps for employee visibility and alerts
These systems not only support compliance but also serve as employee engagement tools and corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting.
Clean air in the workplace is more than a comfort—it’s a cornerstone of a safe, healthy, and high-performing work environment. Whether you're managing a small office or a large industrial facility, understanding and actively managing air quality can yield significant benefits—from regulatory compliance to better staff morale and productivity.
Employers have a duty of care to their employees and a legal obligation to meet safety standards. With affordable monitoring tools, smart ventilation systems, and a commitment to employee education, maintaining excellent air quality is more achievable than ever.
Start by assessing your current air quality, invest in the right tools, and take proactive steps to create an environment where your employees can truly thrive.
Previous: Understanding and Managing Drift in Temperature and Humidity Sensors
Next: Infrared CO₂ Sensors: Advancing Air Quality, Safety, and Efficiency Across Industries
