Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Assessments
Air Quality could be monitored as indoor and outdoor. An indoor air quality assessment tests the levels of air quality within the premises of a building or structures. The process of an indoor air quality sampling differs but would include the collection and analysis of air samples using swab/sticky pads.
An outdoor air quality assessment can be a simple air quality screening assessment or a detailed air quality assessment involving dispersion modelling. The type of air quality assessment required depends on a number of factors including the size of the development, its proposed location and the extent of current knowledge about levels of pollutants close to the site. A detailed air quality assessment should quantify the air pollution exposure in accordance with the “Air Quality Impact Significance Criteria – New Exposure” and justify any mitigation measures associated with the design, location and operation of the development in order to reduce air pollution.
Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications
An Air Quality Assessment may be required as part of a planning application for developments which are likely to significantly affect local traffic flows, traffic composition or developments that are built close to existing busy roads. An Air Quality Assessment suitable for planning should include a review of the air quality around the development using monitoring or modelling, an assessment on the air quality during the construction phase and the air quality at the operational phase.
The monitoring of the air quality measures air pollutants such as gassesand particles. The monitoring of such pollutants allows for the improvement of the air quality through design of buildings and the control and implementation of mitigation measures.
Improving air quality is crucial in reducing the negative health impacts and providing a better quality of life.
