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Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
Christopher Chao
Christopher Chao
Course Overview: https://youtu.be/LLVb4FOn4uU
This course provides a basic knowledge of an emerging area – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in buildings. Learners will realize the importance of maintaining proper IAQ.
Read more
Course Overview: https://youtu.be/LLVb4FOn4uU
This course provides a basic knowledge of an emerging area – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in buildings. Learners will realize the importance of maintaining proper IAQ.
Read more
Course Overview: https://youtu.be/LLVb4FOn4uU
This course provides a basic knowledge of an emerging area – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in buildings. Learners will realize the importance of maintaining proper IAQ.
Characteristics associated with indoor air contaminants (IAC) are demonstrated, such as
• Particulate matters (PM2.5, PM10)
• Radon
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Asbestos
• Bio-aerosols, and more
Safe exposure levels, resulting health effects, measurement techniques, mitigate and control measures of these IAC are discussed.
Other important areas related to IAQ such as building ventilation systems, indoor flow characteristics, sick building syndrome, and thermal comfort are also covered in this course.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9neyiq/introduction
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Why do we care about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)? In the first module, basic concepts of IAQ are illustrated. Besides, Ventilation is effective in improving IAQ in general. We shall look into the ventilation concept, methodologies, and measurement techniques.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Why do we care about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)? In the first module, basic concepts of IAQ are illustrated. Besides, Ventilation is effective in improving IAQ in general. We shall look into the ventilation concept, methodologies, and measurement techniques.
Read more
Radon and Indoor Aerosol
In this module, two major Indoor Air Contaminants - Radon and Indoor Aerosol are discussed. Their properties, sources, health impacts, mitigation and control measures are explained. Besides, we will look into another effective method to improve IAQ - Use of Air Cleaners. Some industries, such as pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing, require very high cleanliness indoor environments. We will look into how professionals build cleanrooms for these industries.
VOCs, Ozone and Combustion Related Pollutants
In this module, three other major Indoor Air Contaminants that can easily be found at home and office. - (1) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), (2) Ozone and (3) Combustion related Air Contaminants (i.e., Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide) are introduced.
Bioaerosols and Asbestos
In the last module of course, we look into the two other major indoor air contaminants - Bioaerosols and Asbestos. Staying in a clean environment does not mean the environment is comfortable. "Thermal Comfort" is also an issue that we need to consider. We also look into "Thermal Comfort" in this module.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the characteristics, exposure levels, and effects of indoor air contaminants such as particulate matters, radon, volatile organic compounds, asbestos, and bioaerosols
Provides guidance on mitigation and control measures for indoor air contaminants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment
Includes discussions on building ventilation systems, indoor flow characteristics, and thermal comfort, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive indoor air quality management
Taught by Christopher Chao, an expert in indoor air quality, providing learners with access to up-to-date knowledge and industry best practices
Suitable for a range of audiences, including building engineers, architects, sustainability professionals, and homeowners seeking to improve the quality of their indoor environment
Emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper indoor air quality, highlighting its impact on health, productivity, and overall well-being
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Reviews summary
Indoor air quality foundation course
Learners say indoor air quality (IAQ) is well explained in this informative, easy-to-understand introduction by experienced instructors. The course is highly recommended for beginners, HVAC/facility professionals, and anyone interested in improving their understanding of IAQ in their homes and work environments. Students praise clear videos, helpful readings, and practical examples that support learning. The course emphasizes the importance of IAQ for health and well-being, covering pollutants, their sources, measurement methods, and strategies for improving indoor air quality.
Nice certificate received
"Received my nice certificates today."
Suitable for beginners
"It's an informative course and suitable for beginners."
"Perfect explanation given and easy to understand."
"I found the material presented in this course to be interesting as well as educational."
Clear and engaging videos and readings
"The presentation of this course is clear and easy to understand. The sound is clearly not too fast and not too slow."
"Very well-structured introduction to IAQ"
"well organised and easy to follow classes. Very informative"
Experienced and knowledgeable
"Just Excellent Course and Both of the trainers were having tremendous knowledge about IAQ."
"The knowledge I got from taking and completing this course can be used in daily life. very practical indeed."
Informative and covers IAQ basics well
"this course met my expectations and the videos were very clear,"
"Excellent introduction to indoor air quality issues"
"Learned a lot. The topics were well explained."
Unfamiliar pronunciation of some terms
"The lectures are very informative. I don't mean to be rude or racist but the speaker(s) have an unfamiliar way of pronouncing words in my opinion."
Accents may be difficult for some
"unfortunately, lecturers don't look directly to the camera in the videos and it sometimes caused me an inattention."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Indoor Air Quality with these
activities:
Create a Comprehensive IAQ Resource Library
Show steps
A well-organized library of resources will provide you with easy access to the information you need to make informed decisions about IAQ.
Show steps
-
Gather relevant materials from reputable sources, such as research papers, articles, and industry reports.
-
Organize the materials into a logical structure.
-
Create a system for easy retrieval of information.
Review Basic Principles of Airflow
Show steps
A strong understanding of airflow will help you grasp the concepts of ventilation and air pollutant dispersion.
Browse courses on
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Show steps
-
Review concepts of fluid dynamics, pressure gradients, and airflow patterns.
-
Apply these principles to analyze airflow patterns in indoor environments.
Attend an Industry Conference on IAQ
Show steps
Networking with professionals in the field will provide you with valuable insights and resources.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant industry conferences on IAQ.
-
Register for the conference and actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
Show steps
By learning about energy-efficient HVAC systems, you can contribute to reducing energy consumption and improving IAQ.
Browse courses on
HVAC Systems
Show steps
-
Research different types of energy-efficient HVAC systems.
-
Consider the pros and cons of each system in terms of energy efficiency, IAQ, and cost.
-
Identify opportunities to implement energy-efficient HVAC systems in your own environment.
Build a Filtration System
Show steps
Constructing a filtration system will help you apply the concepts of particle removal and air purification you'll learn.
Show steps
-
Research different types of filters and their applications.
-
Design and construct a filtration system using the appropriate materials.
-
Test the efficiency of the filtration system in removing indoor air contaminants.
Develop an IAQ Management Plan
Show steps
An IAQ management plan will help you ensure the long-term effectiveness of your IAQ strategies.
Show steps
-
Conduct an IAQ assessment to identify potential sources of indoor air contamination.
-
Develop a comprehensive IAQ management plan that outlines strategies for mitigating and controlling indoor air contaminants.
-
Implement the IAQ management plan and monitor its effectiveness on a regular basis.
Contribute to an Open-Source IAQ Monitoring Platform
Show steps
By contributing to an open-source platform, you can help advance the field of IAQ monitoring and improve the quality of indoor environments globally.
Show steps
-
Identify open-source IAQ monitoring platforms.
-
Contribute code, documentation, or data to the platform.
-
Collaborate with other contributors to improve the platform's functionality and accuracy.
Create a Comprehensive IAQ Resource Library
Show steps
A well-organized library of resources will provide you with easy access to the information you need to make informed decisions about IAQ.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather relevant materials from reputable sources, such as research papers, articles, and industry reports.
- Organize the materials into a logical structure.
- Create a system for easy retrieval of information.
Review Basic Principles of Airflow
Show steps
A strong understanding of airflow will help you grasp the concepts of ventilation and air pollutant dispersion.
Browse courses on
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review concepts of fluid dynamics, pressure gradients, and airflow patterns.
- Apply these principles to analyze airflow patterns in indoor environments.
Attend an Industry Conference on IAQ
Show steps
Networking with professionals in the field will provide you with valuable insights and resources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant industry conferences on IAQ.
- Register for the conference and actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
Show steps
By learning about energy-efficient HVAC systems, you can contribute to reducing energy consumption and improving IAQ.
Browse courses on
HVAC Systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of energy-efficient HVAC systems.
- Consider the pros and cons of each system in terms of energy efficiency, IAQ, and cost.
- Identify opportunities to implement energy-efficient HVAC systems in your own environment.
Build a Filtration System
Show steps
Constructing a filtration system will help you apply the concepts of particle removal and air purification you'll learn.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of filters and their applications.
- Design and construct a filtration system using the appropriate materials.
- Test the efficiency of the filtration system in removing indoor air contaminants.
Develop an IAQ Management Plan
Show steps
An IAQ management plan will help you ensure the long-term effectiveness of your IAQ strategies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Conduct an IAQ assessment to identify potential sources of indoor air contamination.
- Develop a comprehensive IAQ management plan that outlines strategies for mitigating and controlling indoor air contaminants.
- Implement the IAQ management plan and monitor its effectiveness on a regular basis.
Contribute to an Open-Source IAQ Monitoring Platform
Show steps
By contributing to an open-source platform, you can help advance the field of IAQ monitoring and improve the quality of indoor environments globally.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source IAQ monitoring platforms.
- Contribute code, documentation, or data to the platform.
- Collaborate with other contributors to improve the platform's functionality and accuracy.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Indoor Air Quality will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Indoor Air Quality Specialist
Indoor Air Quality Specialist
An Indoor Air Quality Specialist assesses and improves indoor air quality in various settings. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of IAQ, including the sources, effects, and mitigation of indoor air contaminants. It covers topics such as IAQ standards, measurement techniques, and control strategies. By gaining this knowledge, Indoor Air Quality Specialists can effectively diagnose and resolve IAQ issues, ensuring the health and well-being of occupants.
Indoor Environmental Consultant
Indoor Environmental Consultant
An Indoor Environmental Consultant specializes in assessing and improving indoor air quality in buildings. This course serves as a foundation for understanding the sources, effects, and control of indoor air contaminants. It provides knowledge of measurement techniques for indoor air pollutants, ventilation systems, and thermal comfort. This course can equip professionals with the necessary understanding to conduct indoor environmental assessments, develop mitigation plans, and advise clients on IAQ-related issues.
Architectural Engineering Manager
Architectural Engineering Manager
An Architectural Engineering Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of construction projects, with a focus on matters related to architectural engineering. This course provides knowledge of indoor air quality best practices, which enables architectural managers to ensure that the buildings they oversee have optimal ventilation, moisture control, and other factors that affect indoor air quality. This can be particularly valuable for managers working on projects in areas with strict building codes or in industries such as healthcare or education where indoor air quality is critical.
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial Hygienist
An Industrial Hygienist evaluates and controls workplace hazards to protect workers' health. This course provides insights into indoor air quality, particularly in occupational settings. It covers the identification, evaluation, and control of indoor air contaminants that may pose health risks to workers. Industrial Hygienists can leverage this knowledge to conduct workplace assessments, develop exposure control strategies, and ensure compliance with occupational safety and health regulations related to indoor air quality.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
An Environmental Health Scientist studies the impact of environmental factors on human health, including air quality. This course is specifically tailored to provide insights into indoor air quality in buildings, which is an important aspect of environmental health. It covers various indoor air contaminants, their health effects, and mitigation strategies. By understanding the principles of IAQ, Environmental Health Scientists can more effectively assess and manage indoor environmental risks and contribute to developing evidence-based policies and guidelines.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer applies engineering principles to protect the environment and public health. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of indoor air quality, including the sources, effects, and mitigation of indoor air contaminants. It covers topics such as air pollution control technologies, indoor air monitoring, and the design of healthy indoor environments. By gaining this knowledge, Environmental Engineers can effectively address IAQ issues in various settings, such as residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Building Scientist
Building Scientist
A Building Scientist investigates the performance of buildings in terms of energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and durability. This course provides insights into indoor air quality, a critical aspect of building performance. It covers topics such as IAQ standards, ventilation systems, and the impact of building materials on indoor air quality. By understanding these principles, Building Scientists can evaluate and improve the IAQ of buildings, ensuring the health and well-being of occupants.
Public Health Inspector
Public Health Inspector
A Public Health Inspector promotes and protects the health of communities through enforcing public health regulations. This course provides insights into indoor air quality, which is essential for maintaining healthy indoor environments. It covers topics such as indoor air pollutants, their health effects, and the role of ventilation in improving IAQ. By gaining this knowledge, Public Health Inspectors can effectively assess and address IAQ issues in public spaces, such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces.
Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational Health Nurse
An Occupational Health Nurse promotes and protects the health of workers in various industries. This course offers knowledge of indoor air quality, an important aspect of occupational health. It covers topics such as indoor air hazards, exposure limits, and the development of IAQ management programs. By gaining this knowledge, Occupational Health Nurses can effectively assess and improve IAQ in workplaces, ensuring the health and well-being of employees.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager develops and implements strategies to reduce the environmental impact of an organization. This course offers knowledge of indoor air quality, an important aspect of environmental sustainability in buildings. It explores the relationship between IAQ and energy efficiency, occupant health, and the use of sustainable building materials. By understanding these principles, Sustainability Managers can make informed decisions to improve IAQ while promoting overall sustainability in buildings.
Safety Inspector
Safety Inspector
A Safety Inspector ensures compliance with safety regulations in various settings, including buildings. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of indoor air quality, particularly in the context of occupational safety. It covers topics such as indoor air hazards, exposure limits, and control measures. By gaining this knowledge, Safety Inspectors can effectively evaluate and improve IAQ in workplaces, ensuring the health and well-being of employees.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs, builds, and maintains mechanical systems, including ventilation systems for buildings. This course provides an understanding of indoor air quality and its relation to ventilation systems. It covers principles of ventilation, air flow characteristics, and the impact of ventilation on indoor air quality. By incorporating this knowledge into their work, Mechanical Engineers can design and optimize ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
A Quality Assurance Manager ensures the quality of products and services. This course provides insights into indoor air quality, particularly in the context of quality control. It covers topics such as the impact of IAQ on product quality, IAQ monitoring techniques, and the development of IAQ management systems. By understanding these principles, Quality Assurance Managers can effectively incorporate IAQ considerations into their quality management systems, ensuring the safety and quality of products.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician
An HVAC Technician installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This course offers insights into indoor air quality, a critical aspect of HVAC systems. It covers topics such as indoor air pollutants, ventilation principles, and the impact of HVAC systems on IAQ. By understanding these principles, HVAC Technicians can effectively troubleshoot and optimize HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality.
Cleanroom Technician
Cleanroom Technician
A Cleanroom Technician ensures the cleanliness and sterility of controlled environments, such as cleanrooms and laboratories. This course provides insights into indoor air quality, particularly in the context of cleanroom management. It covers topics such as indoor air contaminants, filtration systems, and the impact of IAQ on product quality. By understanding these principles, Cleanroom Technicians can effectively maintain optimal IAQ in cleanrooms, ensuring the safety and integrity of products.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9neyiq/introduction
Reading list
We've selected 19 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.
Produced as part of the WHO's efforts to promote the health-related aspects of environmental protection, provides updated global guidelines on exposure to a variety of air pollutants, including those common to indoor environments.
Focusing on the practical application of findings from IAQ research, this guide introduces concepts of indoor air quality and relevant measurement and control methods.
Provides a comprehensive coverage of principles and practices of indoor air quality engineering, including chemical, physical and biological air pollutants, IAQ standards and guidelines, IAQ investigation and diagnosis, and health effects related to indoor air.
This textbook for undergraduate or graduate level courses in indoor air quality engineering. Provides a broad overview of the field of indoor air quality including sources and characteristics of indoor air pollutants such as particulate matter, radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bioaerosols, as well as the health effects of these pollutants.
This textbook offers a comprehensive treatment of IAQ and is particularly valuable for its focus on management practices.
Save
By Robert Alleyne is more technical textbook than popular science. However, it is useful as a reference and a source of more in-depth knowledge beyond the scope of this course.
Save
This handbook provides ASHRAE's official procedures for ventilation design. Sections specifically addressed to indoor air quality include modeling of indoor air pollutant dispersion and health implications.
Is an edited volume with chapters written by various experts. While it is more useful as a reference than a textbook, it may be a useful resource for learners who are interested in a broad overview of IAQ research.
This popular textbook useful reference for a variety of environmental engineering topics. It provides a good overview of IAQ as it relates to environmental engineering.
Provides a broad overview of air quality engineering, including indoor air quality. It covers the principles of air pollution control, measurement techniques, and control strategies.
This comprehensive textbook on the topic of air pollution control. While it is not specifically focused on IAQ, it provides useful background information on the topic.
Edited by Spengler, Samet, and Samet is primarily of interest to professionals in the field, but it may also be of some use to advanced learners who are interested in understanding the research behind IAQ.
This textbook provides a detailed look at the field of air quality and climate change. While it is useful as background reading for this course, it is not a primary reference for IAQ.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the indoor environment, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and lighting. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of building science.
Save
This textbook general introduction to the field of environmental health. While it does not focus specifically on IAQ, it provides useful background information for the topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of indoor air quality and moisture management, including sources, health effects, and control strategies. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of building science.
Detailed examination of the issue of ventilation as it relates to IAQ. It is of most interest to academics and professionals in the fields of HVAC and environmental science.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of indoor air pollution measurement techniques, including sampling methods and analytical techniques. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of environmental monitoring.
Save
This is an advanced textbook on the topic of aerosol technology. It is of most interest to academics and professionals in the field of environmental science.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9neyiq/introduction
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-2.5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Instructor
Christopher Chao
Language
English
Transcripts
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Good to know
Examines the characteristics, exposure levels, and effects of indoor air contaminants such as particulate matters, radon, volatile organic compounds, asbestos, and bioaerosols
Provides guidance on mitigation and control measures for indoor air contaminants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment
Includes discussions on building ventilation systems, indoor flow characteristics, and thermal comfort, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive indoor air quality management
Taught by Christopher Chao, an expert in indoor air quality, providing learners with access to up-to-date knowledge and industry best practices
Suitable for a range of audiences, including building engineers, architects, sustainability professionals, and homeowners seeking to improve the quality of their indoor environment
Emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper indoor air quality, highlighting its impact on health, productivity, and overall well-being
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