It’s a fact: we spend about 90% of our time indoors (at home, at work, on public transportation, etc.). It’s important to know that the air we breathe indoors is, on average, eight times more polluted than outdoor air. This indoor pollution is responsible for...
Indoor air quality
Identify, understand, take action
Indoor air can contain up to eight times more pollutants than outdoor air. VOCs, fine particulate matter, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, allergens…
These invisible agents are present in your offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces, often without anyone realizing it.
These invisible agents are present in your offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces, often without anyone realizing it.
We have made indoor air quality (IAQ) our core area of expertise. Not to sell a product, but to empower you to understand what your teams and visitors are breathing, and to take informed action.
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Why are you responsible for indoor air quality?
In the workplace, air quality is not just a matter of comfort. It is a legal requirement.
The Labor Code requires all employers to assess and prevent risks associated with chemical agents present in the workplace air. These risks must be documented in the Single Document for the Assessment of Occupational Risks (DUERP) and compared to the Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELs) established by the INRS and ANSES.
For public-access facilities—such as daycare centers, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and offices open to the public—the regulations go even further: since 2023, an indoor air quality (IAQ) self-assessment has been required every four years, with formaldehyde and benzene measurement campaigns conducted at key stages (construction, renovation, and expansion).
Without measurement, there is no evidence. Without evidence, there is no compliance.
Indoor air pollutants you can’t see
There are many sources of poor indoor air quality, and they are often overlooked.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Substances such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde are released from building materials, paints, furniture, and cleaning products. Some are classified as carcinogens.
Fine particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10)
They penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. They come from the outside environment, combustion, printers, and textiles.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
It builds up whenever ventilation is inadequate. At concentrations of 1,000 ppm or higher, it causes fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased performance.
Formaldehyde
Found in the vast majority of indoor spaces, it is a potent irritant classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Allergens
Such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander, these substances accumulate in dust and the air, exacerbating asthma and respiratory allergies.
Our resources for a better understanding of indoor air quality
A Better Understanding of Air Treatment Systems
As air quality professionals, we are regularly contacted by people seeking information and explanations about various air treatment devices. This article will help you better...