The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has released a new topic guide about ‘indoor air quality’ (IAQ), which is now available to download for free from the association’s website.

The guide is written for those seeking some introductory information about indoor air quality including prevalence, history and definition, along with information on types of contaminants and their exposure limits, while readers are also provided with a useful site map.

BSRIA’s asset performance team leader, Blanca Beato-Arribas, provides the commentary for the guide and she commented: “People spend approximately 80 per cent of their time indoors. There is enough evidence that links poor air quality with permanent damages to health or even death.

“Therefore, we should be aware of the quality of the air that we breathe both at home and at work, and ensuring good indoor air quality at work should be a priority for employers.”

Beato-Arribas added that the guide will provide a short insight into the most common contaminants, both from indoor sources and external sources, and what the exposure limits to these contaminants are.

She said that the guide will also provide a summary of the current legislation and a guide map of what contaminants to investigate.

TG12/2016 ‘At a Glance’ – Indoor Air Quality is now free to download from the BSRIA website for members and non-members.

Earlier in the month, the BSRIA appointed Karl Godfrey to the newly created role of principal consultant – Facilities Management in its Sustainable Construction Group.

The appointment was said to reflect the association’s to offering a strategic FM consultancy through the whole lifecycle of building property management and maintenance adding commercial awareness to best practise. Offering FM guidance from both client and contractor perspective.

Godfrey has been working in the FM environment for over 20 years and has gained international experience in property and building services.