| Symptom pattern | Likely cause | Recommended test |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon headaches, drowsiness | Rising CO₂ from under-ventilation | CO₂ monitoring → |
| Eye, nose, throat irritation | VOCs from cleaning, furniture, print | VOC testing → |
| Wheezing, cough, dust sensitivity | PM2.5, bioaerosols | IAQ testing (PM + bioaerosol) → |
| Musty smell, allergic flares | Hidden mould or chronic damp | Mould air testing → |
| Dry skin, static, dry cough | Low RH (< 30%) | Humidity logging in IAQ study → |
| Stuffiness despite mechanical vent | AHU underperforming or imbalanced | Ventilation assessment → |
01
The symptom-to-test decoder
02
Why a symptom-first approach saves money
A generic "full IAQ survey" can cost three to five times more than a targeted study and rarely produces a clearer answer. Reading the symptom pattern first lets you commission a narrow, hypothesis-led test — typically two weeks of continuous monitoring plus one spot inspection — that confirms or rules out the most likely cause before any building works are specified.
03
The UK regulatory frame
UK workplaces sit under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and Approved Document F for ventilation rates. Healthcare estates additionally fall under HTM 03-01; schools under BB101; and any building with local exhaust ventilation under COSHH Regulation 9 (LEV testing). Knowing which standard applies determines what "pass" looks like.
04
What to do next
Pick the bridge guide closest to your dominant symptom — headaches at work, tired at the office, or musty smell in the office — and follow the test recommendation through to a UK service.
05
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my office air is making people ill?
If symptoms (headaches, fatigue, irritation) ease within hours of leaving the building and return on entry, and several occupants report the same issues, it is highly likely the building's indoor air is the cause. A 2-week IAQ monitoring study with an occupant survey will confirm it.
What test should I start with for a UK office?
Start with continuous CO2, PM2.5, TVOC, temperature and humidity logging across affected zones for at least 7–14 days. This single dataset addresses the most common UK office IAQ failure modes — under-ventilation, VOC sources and thermal comfort — and tells you whether a deeper investigation is needed.
Do we have to test if there are no complaints?
Not legally — but the HSE Workplace Regulations require 'sufficient' fresh air, and BB101, BREEAM and WELL all reward periodic IAQ assessment. Most UK offices benefit from a baseline test every 2–3 years and after every refurbishment.
Who is responsible for indoor air quality in a UK workplace?
The employer holds the duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. For multi-tenant buildings, the landlord typically owns the HVAC plant; the tenant remains responsible for the occupied space.