Indoor Air Quality
UNC Charlotte indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to air quality inside university buildings. These buildings have natural ventilation or mechanical heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The air quality in laboratories, classrooms and offices may contain sources of air contaminants: chemicals, fumes, and particulates. Common causes of air quality concerns include HVAC system failures, mold, inadequate air supply, and odors.
what you need to know
- If your work activities create odors, take action to reduce or eliminate exposure. This may consist of the following:
- Using “green” or low emission (low VOC) paint, carpet, or furniture.
- Opening a window, turning on a fan or local exhaust ventilation.
- Performing the activity outdoors.
- Scheduling work when the building is minimally occupied.
- Adjusting work schedules if the building indoor temperature reaches excessive levels.
- Not allowing gas powered vehicles to idle near building air intakes.
- Disposing of all foul odor foods and ensuring sink drains are regularly flushed.
- If you notice an odor, check with building occupants to determine if the problem is throughout the building or specific location.
Who to contact
| Issue | Responsible Party | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency -A strong natural gas odor with hissing noise indicating a gas leak -A strong chemical odor in research or science buildings -Visible smoke -Strong odor -Suspicious materials | Police and Public Safety Department | Dial 911 (if calling from a campus phone) 704-687-2200 (if calling from a cell phone) |
| Environmental Health and Safety -Visible mold -Symptoms or illness associated with office environment -Unknown building odors -Hazardous material -Minor spill cleanup | EHS | 704- 687- 1111 |
| Building Operations -Temperature, humidity -Light noise -Lack of air (“stuffy”) -Too much air (“drafty”) -Known odors (paint, mildew) -Exhaust odors -Construction dust -Roofing or construction odors | Facilities Management -OR- Housing & Residence Life Facilities -OR- Popp Martin Student Union | 704‑687‑1311 -OR- 704-687-7502 -OR- 704-687-5500 |
services
The Environmental Health and Safety Office offers the following services:
- Indoor air quality assessments
- Measurement of indoor air quality temperature and humidity
- Visual mold assessments
- Investigate indoor air quality concerns