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Indoor Air Quality

Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) enhances occupant health and comfort. It contributes to increased workplace productivity and well-being. Poor indoor air quality has the opposite effect. It can cause drowsiness, headaches, eye irritation, and other symptoms.


Indoor Air Quality Investigation SOP

Common concerns and fixes:

Temperature and Humidity Issues

If the problem is a comfort issue related to temperature and/or humidity, contact the Department of Facilities for assistance.  Please visit the Facilities Adjusting the Indoor Climate website for information on temperature concerns and to find a link to the Facilities Work Request site.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in MIT Buildings (with few exceptions) per MIT Policy. It is not allowed near doorways or air intakes. This also applies to electronic cigarettes or other nicotine delivery methods as it may contribute to poor IAQ.

Foul Food Odor

Foul food can be a source of the strong odor.  There are many possible sources including trash barrels, a forgotten lunch in a desk, or even refrigerators. It is suggested to schedule a regular refrigerator and kitchen cleaning times.  If the odor is coming from trash or recycling, place a request through Atlas to reach Custodial Services and to have trash removed.

Odor from Pests

Common at the start of winter as animals come inside.   Place a request through Atlas to reach Pest Control and have the pest removed and the area cleaned.

Sewer Gas Odors

Sewage gas odors can enter occupied spaces through plumbing with dried gas traps.  Contact Facilities to seal drains that are no longer used. Add water to drains monthly to keep traps full.

Diesel or Vehicle Exhaust Odors

Engines idling near air intakes or open windows can introduce exhaust fumes into buildings. Contact your Building Manager to have vehicles moved and have signs posted.

Natural Gas Odor

Contact Facilities and EHS to check for leaks.

Outdoor and Indoor Construction Activities

Odors from painting, welding, construction vehicles. Call EHS who will work with the Facilities Project Manager to control odors. You may also call the Project Manager.

Mold Odors

Look for signs of water damage or mold growth. Contact EHS for an evaluation.

Chemical and Other Odors

Contact EHS for an evaluation.

For an investigation of an indoor air quality (or odor) concern, contact the EHS Office at our main number (617) 452-3477 or email environment@mit.edu.

Common concerns and fixes:

Temperature and Humidity Issues

If the problem is a comfort issue related to temperature and/or humidity, contact the Department of Facilities for assistance.  Please visit the Facilities Adjusting the Indoor Climate website for information on temperature concerns and to find a link to the Facilities Work Request site.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in MIT Buildings (with few exceptions) per MIT Policy. It is not allowed near doorways or air intakes. This also applies to electronic cigarettes or other nicotine delivery methods as it may contribute to poor IAQ.

Foul Food Odor

Foul food can be a source of the strong odor.  There are many possible sources including trash barrels, a forgotten lunch in a desk, or even refrigerators. It is suggested to schedule a regular refrigerator and kitchen cleaning times.  If the odor is coming from trash or recycling, place a request through Atlas to reach Custodial Services and to have trash removed.

Odor from Pests

Common at the start of winter as animals come inside.   Place a request through Atlas to reach Pest Control and have the pest removed and the area cleaned.

Sewer Gas Odors

Sewage gas odors can enter occupied spaces through plumbing with dried gas traps.  Contact Facilities to seal drains that are no longer used. Add water to drains monthly to keep traps full.

Diesel or Vehicle Exhaust Odors

Engines idling near air intakes or open windows can introduce exhaust fumes into buildings. Contact your Building Manager to have vehicles moved and have signs posted.

Natural Gas Odor

Contact Facilities and EHS to check for leaks.

Outdoor and Indoor Construction Activities

Odors from painting, welding, construction vehicles. Call EHS who will work with the Facilities Project Manager to control odors. You may also call the Project Manager.

Mold Odors

Look for signs of water damage or mold growth. Contact EHS for an evaluation.

Chemical and Other Odors

Contact EHS for an evaluation.

For an investigation of an indoor air quality (or odor) concern, contact the EHS Office at our main number (617) 452-3477 or email environment@mit.edu.