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IAQ Smarts
A Smarter Way to Create a Healthier, Cleaner, Safer Environment
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Learn Indoor Air Quality
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What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of occupants. Poor IAQ can lead to respiratory issues, fatigue, headaches, and long-term health concerns.
Why It Matters
According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2-5 times MORE polluted than outdoor air—and sometimes up to 100 times more toxic! Since we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, IAQ directly impacts our health.
Common Indoor Pollutants
Mold spores, dust mites, bacteria, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, pet dander, pollen, and chemical off-gassing from furniture and building materials.
How to Improve IAQ
Proper ventilation, humidity control (30-50%), regular HVAC maintenance, air purifiers with HEPA filters, and professional IAQ testing to identify hidden problems.
Cleaning
Removes visible dirt and some germs. Cleaning physically removes contaminants from surfaces but doesn't kill germs. It's an essential first step before sanitizing or disinfecting.
Sanitizing
Reduces germs to safe levels. Sanitizing lowers the number of bacteria by 99.9% on non-food surfaces (99.999% on food surfaces). It does NOT kill viruses—only inactivates some.
Disinfecting
Kills almost 100% of specified germs. Disinfecting kills bacteria and inactivates viruses on surfaces. You MUST clean first—dirt blocks disinfectants from working.
Key Insight
You cannot skip cleaning! Surfaces cannot be sanitized or disinfected until properly cleaned. Germs hide under dirt, reducing the effectiveness of any product.
Use EPA-Approved Products
Always use disinfectants registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Check the EPA website to verify products are approved for your specific pathogen of concern.
Follow Dwell Time
Disinfectants must remain visibly wet on surfaces for a specific time (dwell time) to be effective. Always read product labels and follow instructions exactly.
Focus on High-Touch Surfaces
Prioritize door handles, light switches, faucets, countertops, phones, keyboards, and other frequently touched surfaces. These are the primary transmission points.
Consider Electrostatic Spraying
Electrostatic sprayers apply a positive charge to the disinfectant, causing it to "wrap" around surfaces for more complete coverage—even hard-to-reach areas.
Respiratory Issues
Poor IAQ can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Mold spores and dust mites are common culprits.
Sick Building Syndrome
Headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritation of eyes, nose, and throat—symptoms that improve when leaving the building.
Cognitive Impact
Studies show poor IAQ reduces cognitive function, productivity, and decision-making ability. Clean air = clearer thinking.
Long-Term Health
Chronic exposure to indoor pollutants can lead to serious conditions including respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer. Prevention is key.
Quick Comparison
Hover over each card to learn more
Cleaning
The first essential step
↻ Hover to flipWhat Cleaning Does
Removes visible dirt, debris, and some germs from surfaces. Essential first step before sanitizing or disinfecting. Does NOT kill germs on its own.
Sanitizing
Reduces bacteria to safe levels
↻ Hover to flipWhat Sanitizing Does
Reduces bacteria by 99.9% (99.999% on food surfaces). Goal: reduce infection risk. Does NOT kill viruses—only some inactivation occurs.
Disinfecting
Kills almost all germs
↻ Hover to flipWhat Disinfecting Does
Kills nearly 100% of specified bacteria and inactivates viruses. Must clean FIRST for effectiveness. Follow dwell time instructions.
□ Test Your IAQ Knowledge
Answer 5 questions to earn your IAQ Smarts badge!
Question 1 of 5
According to the EPA, how much more polluted can indoor air be compared to outdoor air?
Question 2 of 5
Can you disinfect a surface without cleaning it first?
Question 3 of 5
Do disinfectants "kill" viruses?
Question 4 of 5
What is "dwell time" when using disinfectants?
Question 5 of 5
What percentage of their time do Americans typically spend indoors?
0/5
Correct
Great Job!
□ IAQ Smarts Certified
Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question to reveal the answer
Is there a difference between bacteria and viruses?
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Yes! Bacteria are living organisms that can reproduce on their own, while viruses require a host to grow or reproduce. Examples of bacterial infections include strep throat and MRSA. Examples of viral infections include SARS-CoV2 (Coronavirus), the flu, and COVID-19.
Does sanitizing kill viruses like the flu or coronavirus?
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No. First, remember that you cannot "kill" a virus—you can only inactivate it. Sanitizing alone removes at least 99.9% of bacteria on non-food contact surfaces. The goal of sanitizing is to reduce the risk of infection, but it typically does not inactivate viruses. To inactivate viruses, you need to disinfect.
Do all disinfectants kill all germs?
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No. Disinfectants are registered for use against specific pathogens. They must be registered with the EPA. Always check the product label or the EPA website to verify the product is approved for use against the pathogen you're most concerned about.
How do I choose the right disinfectant?
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Choose a disinfectant registered for use against your pathogen of concern. Consider how harmful it may be to humans and pets. We recommend disinfectants with an HMIS rating of 0.0.0.0, a near-neutral pH level, and that are food-grade safe. Contact us for a list of approved Healthy Building Institute of America products.
What's the best way to apply a disinfectant?
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The most efficient method is electrostatic spraying. This applies a positive charge to the spray, which seeks out the negative charge of surfaces, causing the spray to "wrap" around surfaces—even hard-to-reach areas. However, don't forget the value of mechanical wiping with disinfectant as well.
How often should we disinfect our building or home?
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Maintain a daily enhanced cleaning schedule. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (door handles, light switches) at least daily. Other surfaces should be disinfected based on level of use. Public areas, restrooms, and areas where individuals spend the most time need increased attention.
Can I use the same disinfectant on all surface types?
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No. Disinfectants can damage some surfaces. Non-porous surfaces (glass, metal) can be disinfected, but porous surfaces (carpet, textiles) can only be sanitized. Semi-porous surfaces (concrete, wood) should be sealed to minimize migration of microorganisms.
How can I be sure my facility has been properly disinfected?
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Several testing methods exist: ATP testing monitors cleaning efficacy, litmus test strips monitor electrostatic application, and UV markers verify proper cleaning. Your provider should supply verification reporting including the disinfectant used and application methods.
Emergency Preparedness
Be ready for environmental emergencies
Need Professional IAQ Help?
Get expert guidance, testing, and solutions for a healthier indoor environment.
□ 1-866-807-5313IAQ Smarts Learning Hub
A Smarter Way to Create a Healthier, Cleaner, Safer Environment
□️ Understanding Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) impacts your health, productivity, and safety. Poor IAQ can lead to respiratory issues, fatigue, and long-term health concerns.
□ Cleaning vs Sanitizing vs Disinfecting
□️ Best Practices for a Safer Environment
- Use EPA-approved disinfectants
- Follow dwell time instructions
- Focus on high-touch surfaces
- Use electrostatic spraying when possible
Want to learn more about indoor environments and sustainability? Interested in infection control? Indoor Air Quality and how it affects your environment? Hurricane and Flood Preparedness?
Whether you're a consumer looking for credible information, or an industry professional seeking knowledge and continuing education credits, check out our online reference library, and we welcome you to attend one of our upcoming future webinars and get IAQsmarts.
Whether you're a consumer looking for credible information, or an industry professional seeking knowledge and continuing education credits, check out our online reference library, and we welcome you to attend one of our upcoming future webinars and get IAQsmarts.