Indoor Air Quality Assessments
The air we breathe indoors can significantly impact worker health, comfort, and productivity. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to discomfort, illness, absenteeism, and in some cases, long-term health conditions.
At Aerem, our indoor air quality assessments help identify, measure, and manage airborne hazards in workplaces, ensuring a healthy and compliant environment for your staff and visitors.
- About The Service
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Workplace IAQ can be affected by a range of factors, including:
Inadequate ventilation
Poor temperature and humidity control
Airborne contaminants such as dust, mould spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and formaldehyde
Emissions from building materials, furnishings, or processes
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) build-up
Symptoms of poor IAQ can include headaches, fatigue, respiratory irritation, skin problems, and allergic reactions — often referred to collectively as Sick Building Syndrome.
Our IAQ Assessment Services
- Measurement of CO₂, CO, temperature, and humidity
- Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ / PM₁₀) monitoring
- Biological sampling for mould, bacteria, and allergens
- Detection of VOCs, formaldehyde, and other chemical contaminants
- Assessment of ventilation system performance
Benefits of IAQ Assessments
- Identify sources of airborne contaminants
- Verify compliance with regulatory and best-practice standards
- Improve worker comfort and productivity
- Reduce risk of illness and absenteeism
- Support health and safety risk management
Investing in professional IAQ testing offers far more than compliance — it delivers measurable health, safety, and productivity gains for your workplace.
- Protect Worker Health – Identify and control airborne contaminants before they cause illness or long-term damage.
- Ensure Compliance – Meet WorkSafe NZ requirements and align with recognised international IAQ standards.
- Boost Productivity – Healthy air supports concentration, reduces fatigue, and minimises sick days.
- Detect Problems Early – Spot hidden issues such as mould, poor ventilation, or chemical off-gassing before they escalate.
- Reduce Absenteeism – Fewer respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions mean fewer lost workdays.
- Improve Workplace Comfort – Optimise temperature, humidity, and ventilation for a healthier indoor environment.
- Support Risk Management – Document IAQ performance for due diligence, insurance, and health & safety records.
Regulatory Requirements You Must Meet
New Zealand has no single indoor air quality law, but IAQ is covered under workplace health and safety duties.
- HSWA 2015 – PCBUs must provide a work environment without risks to health, including safe air quality.
- General Risk & Workplace Management Regulations 2016 – Manage airborne contaminants, monitor exposure if unsure, and apply the hierarchy of control.
- Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) – WorkSafe NZ sets limits for CO₂, CO, VOCs, formaldehyde, particulates, and other contaminants.
- Building Code (Clause G4) – Requires adequate ventilation for occupied spaces.
- Industry Guidelines – Standards such as ASHRAE 62.1, WHO IAQ guidelines, and AS/NZS ventilation standards are often referenced in IAQ assessments.
In short: PCBUs must identify, monitor, and control airborne hazards to meet legal duties and keep contaminant levels below recognised limits.
- Pricing
Transparent Pricing & Tailored Solutions
All assessments are customised based on your specific needs. We’ll provide a clear quote before beginning any work, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
- How It Works
Our Process
FAQs
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor Air Quality refers to the condition of the air within and around buildings and structures, particularly as it relates to the health, comfort, and well-being of occupants. Poor IAQ can contribute to health problems such as headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions.
Why is IAQ important?
Clean indoor air helps prevent illness, improves productivity, and ensures compliance with workplace health and safety regulations. Poor IAQ can increase absenteeism, reduce comfort, and, in severe cases, contribute to chronic health conditions.
What causes poor indoor air quality?
Common causes include:
Mould and moisture damage
Dust, allergens, and particulates
Inadequate ventilation
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products
Combustion pollutants (e.g., gas appliances)
Biological contaminants such as bacteria and viruses
How do you test indoor air quality?
Our IAQ assessments use industry-approved methods and equipment to measure pollutants, ventilation rates, temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters. Samples may be analysed by an IANZ-accredited laboratory for accurate results.
What standards or guidelines do you follow?
We align our IAQ assessments with recognised New Zealand and international standards, including WorkSafe NZ guidance, Ministry of Health recommendations, and applicable AS/NZS and ISO standards.
How often should IAQ be tested?
IAQ testing is recommended:
During building commissioning or after significant renovations
When occupants report health or comfort complaints
Following water damage, mould growth, or chemical spills
As part of ongoing health and safety compliance programs (annual or biannual reviews)
What happens if my IAQ test results are poor?
We provide a detailed report outlining the findings, likely causes, and recommended corrective actions. This may include improving ventilation, controlling moisture, cleaning ductwork, or removing sources of contaminants.
Can poor IAQ affect business operations?
Yes — poor IAQ can lead to reduced staff productivity, increased absenteeism, and potential breaches of health and safety obligations. For businesses, maintaining good IAQ is both a compliance and a productivity measure.
How long does an IAQ assessment take?
Most on-site inspections can be completed in a few hours, depending on the size of the property and the scope of testing. Laboratory analysis may take 2–5 working days.
Do you offer remediation services?
Yes — in addition to assessment and reporting, Aerem Environmental can provide practical remediation recommendations and work with trusted contractors to address IAQ issues effectively.
Get in touch with us
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