Maintaining air quality in University buildings is a cooperative effort among the administrators who plan the use of each area, the employees who work in the area, and the Physical Plant HVAC department. Structural changes, changes in the function of an area or the number of people using the space can all adversely affect the ventilation system. Systems can also be over-taxed by windows left open or air vents blocked to adjust temperatures.

The most frequently observed problems associated with indoor air quality can be classified in three categories: inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination, and microbiological contamination.

Inadequate ventilation can be caused by changes in building layout, population or use, blocked vents, or improperly functioning equipment. Stuffiness, slow dissipation of odors, and complaints of dizziness, headaches, or fatigue may be indicators of an air flow problem. Chemical contaminants include: human body odors, personal grooming products, organics from office furnishings and equipment, ozone from copiers, chemicals from laboratories and environmental tobacco smoke. Microbiological contamination problems typically result from moisture build-up in HVAC systems or water damage to carpets, furnishings and ceiling tile. Inadequate ventilation can increase the effects of chemical and microbiological contaminants.

Periodic checks are performed on the HVAC systems to see that they are functioning properly and the Physical Plant makes every effort to ensure that the air quality in campus buildings is maintained. Air quality complaints should be directed to the Physical Plant.