Indoor Air Quality

Independent indoor air quality assessments — identifying hidden risks and supporting healthier, compliant indoor environments.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

We spend more than 80% of our time indoors. When ventilation is poor or contaminants are present, air quality can decline rapidly — leading to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, coughing, irritation, poor concentration, and in some cases, chronic respiratory conditions. For employers, poor IAQ can also result in lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and WHS liability.

Factors such as mould, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), CO₂ buildup, dust, combustion by-products, and poor ventilation can all compromise indoor environmental quality — often without obvious signs.

Our Services – Independent Air Quality Assessments & Reporting

We provide comprehensive indoor air investigations using calibrated monitoring equipment, NATA-accredited laboratory analysis, and detailed reporting aligned with national guidelines and best practice standards.

IAQ Monitoring & Testing

We assess a wide range of indoor air quality parameters, including:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – A key marker of ventilation effectiveness

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – From paints, glues, cleaning products, or off-gassing

  • Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) – Fine dust and combustion-related particles

  • Temperature and relative humidity – Comfort, condensation, and mould growth potential

  • Formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemical irritants

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) – Where gas appliances or garages are present

We use portable real-time instruments as well as time-weighted sampling and laboratory testing, depending on the issue and location.

Mould & Microbial Investigation

If mould is suspected, we can conduct a focused investigation that includes moisture mapping, air and surface sampling, and evaluation of contributing factors such as leaks, HVAC issues, or poor building design. Results are interpreted in line with industry guidance and, where required, post-remediation verification can be arranged.

Workplace & WHS Compliance Support

For workplaces and public buildings, we provide IAQ assessments aligned with WHS obligations, Codes of Practice, and relevant standards such as:

  • Safe Work Australia’s IAQ guidelines

  • ASHRAE 62.1 and Australian Standard AS 1668.2 for ventilation

  • Relevant exposure standards for contaminants of concern

We help organisations respond to health complaints, WHS enquiries, or insurer requests with confidence and credibility.

Common Situations We Investigate

We regularly assess indoor air quality in:

  • Offices, classrooms, and open-plan workplaces with complaints of “stale” or “sick” environments

  • Residential buildings with signs of mould, dampness, or odours

  • Healthcare, childcare, and aged care facilities with high-sensitivity occupants

  • Retail and hospitality venues where ventilation or odour complaints impact staff or customers

  • New builds or refurbishments with lingering VOCs or formaldehyde off-gassing

  • Post-flood or post-fire sites to verify air quality before reoccupation

Why Choose Confluence Environmental?

We are independent consultants — not affiliated with cleaning companies, HVAC contractors, or product sellers. That means you get unbiased advice, rooted in science and experience. Our reporting is clear, regulator-ready, and tailored to help you take the right next steps — whether that’s improving ventilation, reviewing HVAC operation, or carrying out remediation.

We combine expertise in occupational hygiene, indoor environmental quality, and building health to deliver well-rounded assessments that help you manage risk and protect occupants.

Where We Work

We provide indoor air quality consulting across:

  • Greater Sydney and Western Sydney

  • Central Coast

  • Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Valley

  • South Coast, Mid North Coast, and rural NSW

Need expert advice?

Concerned about air quality at your workplace, school, or home? We’ll help you understand the risks and take action — quickly, clearly, and professionally.

Call 0493 042 642 or book online to request an IAQ consultation or quote.

A modern Sydney NSW office, a typical setting we conduct indoor air quality assessments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Q: What causes poor indoor air quality?

Poor IAQ can be caused by a range of factors, including inadequate ventilation, build-up of carbon dioxide (CO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints or cleaning products, dust and fine particles (PM2.5/PM10), mould and dampness, or combustion by-products from gas appliances. Even new buildings can have poor air quality due to off-gassing from furnishings or construction materials.

Q: What are the symptoms of poor indoor air quality?

Common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, coughing, eye irritation, congestion, and difficulty concentrating. In more serious cases, poor IAQ can trigger or worsen asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions — particularly in children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health concerns. These symptoms often worsen indoors and improve when occupants leave the space.

Q: Do I need indoor air quality testing?

You should consider IAQ testing if:

  • Occupants are experiencing unexplained health symptoms

  • You’ve had a water leak, flood, or mould issue

  • A building feels stuffy, humid, or musty

  • You're dealing with tenant or staff complaints

  • You want to verify conditions in a new build, renovation, or remediated site

  • You're required to demonstrate compliance with WHS or building ventilation standards

Our assessments are evidence-based and tailored to your concerns — no upselling, no guesswork.

Q: What do you test for during an IAQ assessment?

We assess a wide range of parameters depending on the site, including:

  • CO₂ levels (to evaluate ventilation effectiveness)

  • VOCs (e.g. from glues, paints, or furniture)

  • Particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) from dust, traffic, or combustion

  • Temperature and humidity (important for comfort and mould risk)

  • Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other gases (as required)

  • Airborne mould spores or surface contamination (if suspected)

Results are benchmarked against industry and health standards, with practical recommendations provided.

Q: Can you provide air quality reports for WHS compliance or insurance?

Yes. We provide clear, regulator-ready reports suitable for:

  • WHS documentation and compliance

  • SafeWork NSW investigations or inquiries

  • Indoor air complaints at workplaces or public buildings

  • Insurance claims related to water damage or mould

  • Pre- and post-remediation verification

  • Development handovers and fit-for-occupancy certification

We act as your independent consultant — not a contractor selling services — which means our advice is objective and defensible.

Q: How soon can you attend site?

We offer fast response times across NSW, with same-week or next-day site visits available in many areas, including Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter, and regional towns. We also provide urgent assessments for schools, aged care, insurance claims, and sites with health complaints.