Indoor air problems often colloquially refer to mold and moisture damage, but indoor air problems cover the entire indoor climate. Indoor climate refers to the building's environmental factors that affect human health and comfort, such as building cleanliness, smoking, ventilation, heat and humidity conditions, radon, lighting and noise.
In addition to microbial growth due to moisture damage, typical sources of pollution are material emissions, mineral fibers, a dirty ventilation system and unusual odors such as sewer odors.
Many of the pollutants that cause problems are gaseous compounds or small particles that are easily carried by air currents. Determining the cause of indoor climate problems is not always easy, because there are several possible sources of pollution.
The indoor air problems observed in the city group's properties are multifaceted, and for this reason the solution to the problems requires active measures and cooperation. The main responsibility for safe and healthy properties lies with the property owner. Solving indoor air problems involves challenging multi-professional cooperation. Finding solutions requires coordinating different perspectives and work practices, as well as long-term work.
Indoor air problem solving process
The progress of the process and the responsibilities depend on whether it is a building owned by the subsidiary of the city of Imatra, Mitra Imatra Rakennuttaja Oy, or a space rented from an outsider.
The basic principle is that the building owner is responsible for building maintenance.
1) In rental premises, the owner of the premises and not the corporate administration or Mitra has the primary responsibility for ascertaining the condition of the building.
2) Mitra is responsible for examining the properties owned by the city group.
Studies to investigate indoor air problems are ordered from specialized consultants. The expert conducting research and investigations must have the necessary qualifications to investigate the chemical, physical and biological factors that cause harm to health. The research needs and scope of each building are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The presented repair method options are a compromise between the scope of the repair work and the costs of the repairs, however, so that by following the instructions, users can be guaranteed healthy premises. The repair plans are ordered from a qualified designer "Guideline of the Ministry of the Environment on the eligibility of building designers, YM2/601/2015".
Indoor air working group
The task of the indoor air working group is to develop common operating methods and create procedures for dealing with and solving indoor air problems.
If you suspect that you are suffering from an indoor air problem in the city premises
- Contact the school health nurse (students and guardians), occupational health (staff). The indoor air working group receives the official numbers of people with symptoms and problem rooms through this.
- If the symptoms do not improve after the corrective measures taken, contact the health nurse/occupational health again.