Indoor environments are highly complex and building occupants may be exposed to a variety of contaminants (in the form of gases and particles) from various sources such as office machines, cleaning products, construction activities, carpets and furnishings, perfumes, cigarette smoke, water-damaged building materials, microbial growth (fungal, mold, and bacterial), pests, and outdoor pollutants. Other factors such as indoor temperatures, relative humidity, and ventilation levels can also affect how individuals respond to the indoor environment.

Understanding the sources of indoor environmental contaminants and controlling them can often help prevent or resolve building-related symptoms.

It will soon be your responsibility to ensure that the buildings you design/build improve human quality of life.

Reading this text is a good first step toward being a responsible creator of the built environment.