BE AWARE OF DIY INDOOR AIR QUALITY PRODUCTS  

In the last decade, the subject of indoor air quality — IAQ — has become a more common concern for the general population. More and more people are taking measures to improve their health by making sure the air quality of their environment is ideal. In the wake of this, many “do-it-yourself” IAQ testing products have entered the market.

One relatively inexpensive product, Awair, tests the surrounding environment for dust, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These factors can all contribute to the IAQ of an environment. And the unit sells for a very reasonable $199.

For all it claims to do however, Awair is a relatively low-cost product. As a comparison, professional equipment for accurately testing CO, CO2, temperature and relative humidity — the more common IAQ indicators — can cost as much as $2,500.

None of this is to say Awair or any do-it-yourself IAQ testing equipment is a scam or ineffective. The device does have the potential to help alert users of a potential problem. But the inexpensive price implies that the sensors being used are not that accurate. Consequently, it would be illadvised for building occupants to view these devices as the “final say” in regards to indoor air quality.

Building managers should be aware that individuals may bring an Awair or similar device into their office to check air quality. And if a tenant reports an IAQ issue based on the results of a device like Awair, managers should remember the drawbacks of DIY technology.

A building manager should by no means disregard a complaint. Rather, you should acknowledge the concern, but keep control of the situation by bringing in a qualified professional to give a second opinion. Responding with something along the lines of: “That’s a good indicator, but it may not be as accurate or as thorough as you would expect it to be. We can provide someone with the background, training, and equipment to check any concerns you have.”

Because indoor air quality is a genuine tenant concern, building managers need to keep their eyes on the future and prepare themselves to respond to the concerns raised by inexpensive “screening” equipment when tenants report them.