Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/intro-indoor-air-quality

Introduction

## Course Review: Introduction to Indoor Air Quality ### Overview Understanding the air we breathe indoors is critical for our health and well-being, particularly given that many people spend the majority of their time indoors. The Coursera course "Introduction to Indoor Air Quality" shines a spotlight on this increasingly important subject. This course not only introduces learners to the fundamentals of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) but also underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment. ### Course Content The course is divided into four comprehensive modules, each covering essential aspects of IAQ: 1. **Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)** - The opening module lays the foundational concepts of IAQ and discusses why this topic is vital for everyone, from homeowners to industry professionals. The course details the significance of ventilation in improving indoor air quality and introduces various methodologies and measurement techniques. 2. **Radon and Indoor Aerosol** - This module delves deep into two major indoor air contaminants: Radon and Indoor Aerosols. Participants are educated on their properties, sources, and potential health impacts. Furthermore, the module explores effective mitigation and control measures, alongside the use of air cleaners. A fascinating highlight is the discussion on creating cleanrooms for specific industries, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, emphasizing the stringent requirements for indoor air quality in high-stakes environments. 3. **VOCs, Ozone, and Combustion-Related Pollutants** - From common household products to office spaces, this module introduces learners to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Ozone, and combustion-related pollutants like Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide. Understanding these pollutants is crucial as they are often present in our day-to-day environments and can have significant health impacts. 4. **Bioaerosols and Asbestos** - The final module addresses Bioaerosols and Asbestos, two critical yet often overlooked contaminants. It emphasizes the difference between a clean environment and a comfortable one, introducing the concept of "Thermal Comfort" and its relevance to IAQ. ### Target Audience This course is perfect for a diverse audience, including: - Environmental professionals - Public health practitioners - Building managers and maintenance personnel - Homeowners concerned about their living conditions - Anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of indoor environments ### Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, participants will: - Gain a solid understanding of key IAQ concepts and terminology. - Learn to identify and measure various indoor air contaminants. - Understand the health implications of poor indoor air quality. - Explore mitigation strategies useful in both residential and industrial contexts. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the "Introduction to Indoor Air Quality" course on Coursera. Its structured syllabus and expert-led discussions provide vital insights into a topic that affects everyone's health. Whether you're a professional seeking to enhance your skills or a homeowner wanting to ensure a healthy living space, this course is a valuable resource. The interactive nature of the course, along with its comprehensive modules rich in content, makes it engaging and educational. Completing this course will equip you with the knowledge necessary to tackle IAQ problems effectively, thus contributing to healthier indoor environments for yourself and others. To begin your journey into the world of Indoor Air Quality and make informed decisions about your indoor environments, consider enrolling in this course today. Check out the Course Overview here: [Introduction to Indoor Air Quality Overview](https://youtu.be/LLVb4FOn4uU).

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.

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.

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.

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.