Indoor Air Quality a Key Focus in Industrial Hygiene and Worker Health

Indoor air quality is gaining recognition as a critical element of industrial hygiene, essential for protecting worker health and safety in enclosed environments.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Apr 25, 2025

As awareness of workplace wellness grows, experts are emphasizing the critical role of indoor air quality (IAQ) in industrial hygiene and occupational health.

Indoor air quality, defined as the condition of the air inside buildings as it relates to the health and comfort of occupants, has become a central concern for industrial hygienists. These professionals specialize in identifying and controlling environmental risks in the workplace, and IAQ is increasingly viewed as one of the most important factors in ensuring worker safety.

“Poor indoor air quality can contribute to a range of health problems—from minor irritations to serious respiratory illnesses,” said a spokesperson from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). “It is essential that workplaces monitor and improve air conditions to safeguard employee health.”

Common IAQ hazards include exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, dust, carbon monoxide, and inadequate ventilation. Left unaddressed, these risks can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, respiratory issues, and in some cases, chronic illness.

Industrial hygienists use specialized equipment to measure contaminant levels in indoor environments, evaluate ventilation systems, and recommend mitigation strategies such as filtration, source control, and air exchange improvements.

IAQ assessments are especially critical in healthcare, manufacturing, laboratory, and office settings where workers may spend prolonged hours in enclosed spaces. In addition to health considerations, maintaining high air quality has been linked to improved productivity and reduced absenteeism.

Federal guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and recommendations from agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide a framework for evaluating and managing IAQ in occupational settings.

“Indoor air quality is not just a facilities issue—it’s a fundamental component of occupational safety,” said the AIHA spokesperson. “Employers must view it as part of their commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment.”

With growing concern over airborne illnesses and environmental exposures, IAQ is expected to remain a top priority in workplace health strategies for years to come.