How To Boost Air Quality in Industry Settings & Why It Is Important To Your Bottom Line

For plant operators and engineers, industrial indoor air quality (IAQ) must be a top priority.

Inefficient and uncontrolled systems run the risk of releasing unstable gases into the environment, polluting the air and putting the health of facility occupants at risk in the process.

Just how serious is the problem of poor indoor air quality (IAQ)? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental risks to public health. In industrial settings, poor indoor air quality impacts occupational safety, increases liability, lowers productivity, and can jeopardize regulatory compliance.

Proper air quality solutions, including smart ventilation design and advanced flow control systems, are essential to keeping indoor air clean and safe. Implementing precision-engineered equipment, such as industrial dampers and airflow control valves, can drastically improve both safety outcomes and operational efficiency.

Common Industrial Air Contaminants

Industries such as oil refineries and mining are known for producing noxious fumes and harmful contaminants. Among the most concerning indoor air pollutants are:

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced when uranium decays. This radioactive gas can accumulate indoors through openings in buildings and facilities.

Studies have shown that exposure to radon can increase the risk of lung cancer by 3% to 14%, with the Center for Disease Control estimating 20,000 related deaths every year.

Mining is one of the most common industries where radon exposure occurs. In fact, since the early twentieth century, there’ve been links found between underground mining and lung cancer caused by radon.

Non-Biological Particles

Non-biological particles—such as coal dust and synthetic fibers—are light enough to suspend in the air and can include both liquids and solids.

When non-biological particles have a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller, they become inhalable to humans.

These particles can get deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream, potentially causing heart or lung damage.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds with low boiling points at room temperature. Some VOCs occur naturally, while others are man-made (i.e., fossils fuels). Considered to be one of the most common indoor contaminants, VOCs are up to 10X more likely to occur indoors compared to in outdoor air.

The adverse effects of VOCs can include central nervous system damage, difficulty breathing, irritated eyes, and much more.

How to Measure and Monitor IAQ in Facilities

Effective industrial hygiene begins with accurate air quality testing. Facilities should establish baseline measurements and continuously monitor indoor pollutants to ensure safe working environments. Two common methods for evaluating IAQ include:

Testing for VOCs

A common method for VOC testing involves using a photoionization detector (PID). PIDs are devices that use high-energy ultraviolet light to measure a facility’s overall VOC levels. With PIDs, results can be quick and reliable—without the use of a lab.

Another option for VOC testing requires taking an air sample that’s sent to a lab for further examination. While this method produces highly accurate and detailed results, the process can be a bit more costly (and time-consuming) than utilizing a PID.

Accurate air quality testing is foundational to long-term commercial indoor air quality solutions. It helps plant managers prioritize system upgrades and track the effectiveness of air pollution control technologies.

Visit the EPA’s official website for an extensive list of validated test methods for VOCs and other contaminants.

Solutions to Improve Industrial IAQ

Unsurprisingly, emission control through VOC abatement devices is one of the most impactful ways to prevent and improve poor IAQ.

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs), for example, use incredibly high temperatures to clean dangerous contaminants from the air.

When used in tandem with industrial dampers, VOC abatement devices are able to maximize their efficiency and total system performance.

This uptick in efficiency occurs because industrial dampers transport and control how contaminants enter a VOC abatement device, making them a must-have for facilities looking to maximize the effects of their IAQ efforts.

Regulatory Compliance and IAQ Standards

Several agencies regulate indoor air quality in commercial and industrial settings to ensure the protection of workers and the environment. Failure to meet these standards can result in severe consequences, including costly fines, operational shutdowns, and legal liability. Key regulatory bodies include:

• OSHA: Oversees occupational safety by establishing exposure limits for airborne contaminants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.
• EPA: Implements regulations on air pollution emissions and sets guidelines for acceptable levels of indoor air pollutants.
• ASHRAE: Provides widely adopted IAQ standards related to proper ventilation and the delivery of fresh air in commercial buildings.

To help facilities stay compliant, Kelair designs industrial dampers that support ventilation control, pollutant mitigation, and system reliability. By integrating Kelair dampers, operators can meet or exceed IAQ standards while protecting employee health and maintaining clean air throughout the facility.

Energy Efficiency and IAQ

Improving indoor air quality doesn’t just protect health—it can also improve a facility’s bottom line through better energy efficiency. By optimizing airflow using high-performance damper systems, industrial and commercial buildings can benefit from:

• Reduced load on HVAC systems, leading to less energy use and extended equipment life
• Smarter control of fresh air intake and exhaust flow to balance temperature and contaminant levels
• Greater system responsiveness that minimizes over-ventilation and wasted energy

Kelair’s strategically engineered dampers and automated control systems allow for precise management of ventilation while supporting sustainable operations. These solutions not only reduce energy costs but also improve compliance with IAQ and environmental regulations.

Why Kelair Dampers Are Ideal for IAQ Applications

Kelair’s industrial dampers are trusted by engineers and facility managers for their reliability, performance, and precision. When it comes to indoor air quality applications, Kelair offers:

• Custom Engineering: Designed to meet exact airflow, temperature, and pressure specs.
• Quick Turnaround: Standard lead times of 4–5 weeks, with expedited options as fast as 2–3 weeks.
• System Compatibility: Seamless integration with VOC abatement systems and commercial ventilation strategies.

From cleanroom environments to heavy industrial facilities, Kelair dampers play a critical role in maintaining IAQ and achieving compliance.

To learn more about our industrial dampers and their IAQ applications, contact a Kelair Products, Inc. representative today.