This glossary provides clear, concise definitions of key terms related to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in hospitality to support professionals in understanding the science, technology, and standards that drive healthier indoor environments.
A
🔹 Airborne Particulates (PM) – Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, including dust, pollen, and smoke. Measured in micrometers (PM2.5 and PM10).
🔹 Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) – The number of times the air within a space is replaced with fresh air in an hour. Higher ACH means better ventilation.
🔹 Air Exchange Rate – The rate at which indoor air is replaced with outdoor air through ventilation systems.
🔹 ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) – A professional organization that sets indoor air quality and HVAC standards.
🔹 AQI (Air Quality Index) – A standardized measure of air pollution levels, commonly used to report outdoor air quality but relevant for indoor monitoring.
B
🔹 Bacteria – Microorganisms that can be airborne and contribute to indoor air pollution. Some bacteria can cause illness when inhaled.
🔹 Bioaerosols – Airborne biological particles, including mold spores, bacteria, and viruses, which can impact IAQ and health.
🔹 Building-Related Illness (BRI) – A diagnosable illness caused by poor IAQ, often associated with mold, bacteria, or chemical exposure.
C
🔹 Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – A naturally occurring gas that can accumulate indoors due to poor ventilation, leading to drowsiness, headaches, and reduced cognitive function.
🔹 Carbon Monoxide (CO) – A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuel that can be deadly at high concentrations. Common in hospitality environments with faulty heating equipment.
🔹 CASPR (Continuous Air & Surface Pathogen Reduction) – A technology used in IAQ management to reduce airborne and surface contaminants.
🔹 Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) – A measure of how effectively an air purifier removes particles from the air.
🔹 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – A respiratory condition that can be aggravated by poor IAQ.
🔹 Combustion Pollutants – Harmful gases and particles produced by fuel-burning appliances, including stoves, fireplaces, and generators.
D
🔹 Dander – Tiny, often microscopic flakes of skin shed by animals and humans that contribute to indoor allergens.
🔹 Decibels (dB) – A unit used to measure noise levels, relevant to HVAC systems that impact guest comfort.
🔹 Duct Cleaning – The process of removing dust, debris, and contaminants from HVAC ducts to improve IAQ.
E
🔹 Electrostatic Precipitator – An air filtration technology that uses electrical charges to remove airborne particles.
🔹 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) – Secondhand smoke, a major indoor pollutant in hospitality environments where smoking is allowed.
🔹 Epidemiology – The study of how environmental factors, including IAQ, affect public health.
F
🔹 Filtration Efficiency – The ability of an air filter to capture and remove airborne particles.
🔹 Formaldehyde (CH₂O) – A volatile organic compound (VOC) found in furniture, carpets, and adhesives, which can cause respiratory issues and irritation.
🔹 Fungi – Mold and mildew that can grow in humid environments and negatively impact IAQ.
G
🔹 Gas-phase Filtration – A method used to remove gaseous pollutants from the air using activated carbon or other absorbent materials.
🔹 Green Building Certification – Certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) that promote sustainable and IAQ-conscious building practices.
🔹 Ground-Level Ozone (O₃) – A pollutant that can enter buildings from outdoor air and cause respiratory problems.
H
🔹 HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter – A type of air filter that removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
🔹 Humidity – The amount of moisture in the air; ideal indoor humidity is 40-60% for IAQ optimization.
🔹 HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) – The system that regulates indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity.
I
🔹 IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) – The condition of the air inside a building, measured by pollutants, humidity, and ventilation.
🔹 IAQ Sensor – A device that detects pollutants like CO₂, VOCs, and PM2.5 in real time.
🔹 Indoor Air Pollution – Contamination of indoor air by harmful substances, including chemicals, mold, and smoke.
L
🔹 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – A widely recognized certification program for sustainable and IAQ-friendly buildings.
🔹 Legionella – A bacteria that thrives in water systems and can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe respiratory illness.
M
🔹 MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) – A rating that measures the effectiveness of air filters, with higher numbers indicating better filtration.
🔹 Mildew – A type of mold that grows in damp environments and can impact IAQ.
🔹 Mold Spores – Airborne particles released by mold, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
N
🔹 Negative Air Pressure – A condition where indoor air pressure is lower than outdoor air pressure, which can help contain contaminants.
🔹 NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) – A U.S. organization that sets standards for workplace safety, including IAQ guidelines.
O
🔹 Off-Gassing – The release of VOCs and other chemicals from building materials, furniture, and carpets.
🔹 Ozone (O₃) – A reactive gas used in some air purifiers but harmful in high indoor concentrations.
P
🔹 PM2.5 – Fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
🔹 PM10 – Larger particulate matter, up to 10 micrometers in size, which can cause respiratory irritation.
🔹 Pathogens – Microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, that can be transmitted through the air.
R
🔹 Radon – A radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from soil and cause lung cancer.
🔹 Relative Humidity (RH) – The percentage of water vapor in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold.
🔹 Reentrainment – When pollutants removed from the air re-enter the indoor environment due to poor filtration.
S
🔹 Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) – A condition where building occupants experience health issues linked to poor IAQ, but no specific illness can be identified.
🔹 Smart IAQ Monitoring – The use of AI-powered sensors to track and improve indoor air quality in real-time.
T
🔹 TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) – The total concentration of multiple VOCs in indoor air.
🔹 Tobacco Smoke Residue – Chemical residues left by smoking that can linger in indoor spaces, affecting IAQ.
V
🔹 Ventilation Rate – The amount of fresh air introduced into a space, crucial for maintaining IAQ.
🔹 VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Chemicals emitted from paints, cleaning products, furniture, and other materials, which can affect air quality and health.
W
🔹 WELL Building Standard – A certification that emphasizes IAQ and other wellness-related building features.
🔹 Workplace IAQ – Indoor air quality standards specific to office and hospitality environments.
Download the new “IAQ Literacy 101“ eBook to learn more about the vital role of Indoor Air Quality in Hospitality today.
