| Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been recognized as a serious issue in the workplace. However, much of the information provided by IAQ building assessments is not appropriate for managers. Hence, measures to correct poor IAQ are seldom implemented or are inappropriate. This dissertation developed a set of indicators, based on IAQ data, which provides management with pertinent information for decision making.;The development of IAQ indicators required basic information about the development of indicators, (IAQ) building investigation methodology, forms of scientific evidence about IAQ contaminants, and existing IAQ guidelines. This information is in a easy to read and understand format because standard textbooks on these subjects are not suitable for building managers.;(IAQ) indicators were developed using a case study methodology, which helped to ensure that the indicators were practical and useful. The IAQ indicators were verified by a survey of building managers across Canada. The results of the survey validated the appropriateness and usefulness of the set of IAQ indicators.;The IAQ indicators used a pressure-state-response framework to model the causes (pressure) of the IAQ problems, determine the state of the indoor air, and list potential solutions (responses) to IAQ issues. The set of indicators consists of checklists for the pressures and responses and five measurements for state: effective temperature, effective ventilation, combustion infiltration, odour intensity, and particulate load.;Conclusions reached include: (1) Indicators are a good tool for decision-making but there is resistance to developing them. Indicators will always have compromises and will never be "perfect". (2) IAQ investigations are difficult to conduct because of the number of sources and complexity of the building. Building managers need to engage in pre-event risk communication to help prevent over-reactions of the occupants, when an IAQ problem occurs. (3) Three general cases result from the exposure to contaminants: usual, allergic, and unusual. The allergic and unusual cases should be expected but are difficult to manage. (4) A comprehensive set of IAQ guidelines does not exist and the existing set should be applied with care because of concerns over the application of the toxicological data and epidemiological data. |
