TECHNICAL BULLETIN: Indoor Air Quality European Standard
Date: 29th November 2011
What is EN13779?
EN13779 is a European Standard for ventilation and air conditioning in nonresidential buildings. The standard aids ventilation designers to address factors inside and outside of a building that effect the environmental conditions for the occupants. EN13779 is a close to an indoor air quality standard that exists and includes guidelines on air change rates and filtration standards.
EN13779 classifies Outdoor Air Quality (ODA) into three categories by determining particulate and pollutant gas levels in the air.
Particulate matter concentrations are measured by PM10 (particulate matter up to 10 micron), and PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 micron), both of which have an effect on human respiratory systems.
Gaseous pollutants include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
| Category | Description | Location |
| ODA 1 | Pure air which may be only temporarily dusty e.g. pellen | Rural areas or sparsely populated villages |
| ODA 2 | Outdoor air with high concentrations of particulate matter and/or gaseous pollutants | Smaller town with industry and polluted city center |
| ODA 3 | Outdoor air with very high concentrations of particulate matter and/or gaseous pollutants | Larger town with industry |
Indoor air quality (IDA) is classified by levels of carbon dioxide present in the air and fresh air levels being introduced per person.
| Catergory | Description | CO2 level ppm | Outside Air m3/h/person |
| IDA 1 | Hight indoor air quality | < 400 | > 54 |
| IDA 2 | Medium indoor air quality | 400 - 600 | 36 - 54 |
| IDA 3 | Moderare indoor air quality | 600 - 1000 | 22 - 36 |
| IDA 4 | Low indoor air quality | > 1000 | < 22 |
| Outdoor Air Quality | IDA 1 (High) | IDA 2 (Medium) | IDA 3 (Moderate) | IDA 4 (Low) |
| ODA 1 (pure air) | F9 | F8 | F7 | M5 |
| ODA 2 (dust) | F7 + F9 | M6 + F7 | M5 + F7 | M5 + M6 |
| ODA 3 (very high concentrations | F7 + GF* + F9 | F7 + GF* + F9 | M5 + F7 | M5 + M6 |
Following the classification ODA and required IDA filtration selections can be selected to achieve a healthier indoor air quality for occupants.
* GF= Gas Phase Filters