St. Mary’s College of Maryland is committed to providing a work environment that is free of recognized hazards and investigate concerns which may be related to indoor air quality (IAQ).
What affects Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality may be affected by deficiencies in the ventilation system, vapors, dust generated in the work environment, materials infiltrating from outside sources (such as pollen or engine exhaust), or mold associated with moisture-affected materials. For concerns regarding mold, please visit the Mold page.
Such conditions within and around buildings and structures affects the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling sources of discomfort (e.g., uniformity of temperature, unwelcome odors) are important for the health of occupants in our buildings.
I have concerns about air quality in my workplace. What can I do?
If you have concerns regarding IAQ in your workplace, contact the Physical Plant at 240-895-4287. Personnel will speak with you to collect information on the issue(s) in the space(s).
Additionally, a request for an IAQ survey may be placed.
What affects Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality may be affected by deficiencies in the ventilation system, vapors, dust generated in the work environment, materials infiltrating from outside sources (such as pollen or engine exhaust), or mold associated with moisture-affected materials. For concerns regarding mold, please visit the Mold page.
Such conditions within and around buildings and structures affects the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling sources of discomfort (e.g., uniformity of temperature, unwelcome odors) are important for the health of occupants in our buildings.
I have concerns about air quality in my workplace. What can I do?
If you have concerns regarding IAQ in your workplace, contact the Physical Plant at 240-895-4287. Personnel will speak with you to collect information on the issue(s) in the space(s).
Additionally, a request for an IAQ survey may be placed.
What can I expect during an IAQ survey?
Typical IAQ surveys include:
- Real-time measurements for temperature, and relative humidity
- A visual inspection of accessible areas
- Review of the building ventilation
What happens after the IAQ survey is conducted?
Physical Plant or EHS staff will prepare a written report of survey results, including reported background information, measurements taken, and conclusions/recommendations. Copies of the report will be forwarded to the service requestor and any other associated personnel.
Indoor Air Quality Information
Other emergencies, including gas smells, smoke or unusual strong odors should be reported to Public Safety – call 4911 from a campus phone or (240) 895-4911 from any phone.
More information about Indoor Air Quality
“Good” Indoor Air Quality
The qualities of a good IAQ should include comfortable temperature and humidity, adequate supply of fresh outdoor air, and control of pollutants from inside and outside of the building.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommend, assuming slow air movement (less than 40 feet per minute) and 50% indoor relative humidity:
- that the operative temperatures should range from 68.5°F to 75°F in the winter, and from 75°F to 80.5°F in the summer (the difference in temperature ranges between the seasons is largely due to clothing selection).
- that indoor relative humidity be maintained at or below 65% [ANSI/ASHRAE 2017] with no prescribed lower humidity limit.