AGM 2025
Dear members,
We have submitted that our Annual General Meeting be held on November 12th 2025.
Nominations are now CLOSED.
Closed nominations include all executive and ordinary member roles. Executive roles are a 2 year position while ordinary members are 1 year.
We would like to thank those who have served with us in the year/s and have not been re-nominated: Past president Claire Bird and Penny Tralau
NOMINATIONS FOR 2025 COMMITTEE INCLUDE
For Ordinary Members, this involves in being present at monthly meetings, voting on association progress, aiding in the technical working groups and events.
Executive roles:
President - Chairs general and Committee meetings, ensures meetings run smoothly, and acts as the primary leader of the Association.
Secretary - Maintains the member register, records meeting minutes, handles correspondence, issues notices, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
Treasurer - Manages financial records, prepares and presents financial statements, oversees funds, and ensures compliance with financial obligations under the Act.
Vice-President - Supports the President, chairs meetings in the President’s absence, and assists in leadership duties as delegated.
VACANT
Proxy forms will be made available here on the 29th of October 2025. The submission of these must be in prior to the AGM - this date being 12pm November 2025 and if delivering to the delegate in hardcopy this must occur 48 prior to the AGM.
Indoor Air Quality Australia Podcast
Have access to some special guests and some content only available through the members portal
Lunch & Learn #18: IAQA Expo 2023 Aussie Speaker Preview
Please enjoy this free webinar from the 1st of February 2023 where we spoke to our Australian members who are travelling to the USA and presenting at the IAQA Annual Meeting & Expo in Austin Texas.
For more information on the IAQA 2023 Annual Meeting click here
Thankyou to our speakers:
Dr Claire Bird Litmas Pty Ltd
The Impact of Fungal Spore Aggregation on the Interpretation of Direct Microscopy Data for Assessing Remediation and Exposure Risks
Charles Bodas Royal Melbourne Hospital
Respiratory protection for bearded healthcare workers: Evaluation of the under-respirator elastic band beard cover (Singh Thattha Technique)
Jason Green Greencap (proudly part of WSP)
Hazardous Building Materials & Potential Occupant Exposure After Natural Disasters - The Emerging Issues
Respiratory Protection for Exposure Prevention – Our last line of defense in Indoor Air Quality
Gregor Riese Opira Group
Health risks associated with current and emerging air cleaning technologies
Ivi Simms BEW Group
Conference Workshop: Healthy Building Scorecard
Building Science – Bushfire smoke Infiltration, Smoke filtration, Ventilation, and Fire Pressure
Lunch & Learn #8 Dr Zaheer Nasar – Detection and characterisation of biological materials in airborne particles: Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract
Biological materials in airborne particles (PM) have diverse sources, formation processes, composition and sizes. Knowledge has advanced substantially in recent years with regards to PM physical properties (mass, number, size) and chemical composition (chemical speciation). However, less progress has been made in the characterisation of biological materials in PM and the interaction between its abiotic and biological components. This significantly limits understanding of the role and impact of PM in the context of public health (allergenicity, toxicity, infectivity), climate (absorbing/scattering light) and ecosystems (nutrient transport/ dispersal of reproductive units). The inherent barrier to progress has been the prevailing mono-disciplinary perspective and associated methodological constraints. Of the many methods developed to rapidly characterise airborne biological materials, single particle ultraviolet light- induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) detection systems combined with optical particle measurements (size and shape) have demonstrated their potential to detect and characterise airborne biological particles in real-time. This presentation will offer an overview of different sampling and analysis methods and capability requirements to advance detection and characterisation of biological materials in PM and offer a snapshot view of potential and challenges of UV-LIF based detection systems to advance physico-chemical and biological characterisation of airborne particles in different environments.
Biography
Dr Nasar’s research interest lies in the physico-chemical and biological characterisation of aerosols, their societal impacts and developing control measures, with a specific focus on particulate matter (PM) and bioaerosols, across natural and built environments. He has extensively investigated aerosol and bioaerosols dynamics across diverse indoor/outdoor environments, the relationship between indoor/outdoor air quality, air hygiene diagnostics and airborne disease control measures. Currently, he is leading Cranfield’s work on the single-particle characterisation of biological materials in PM from different environments by using Light-Induced Fluorescence based sensor systems capable of performing a range of measurements on single particles in real-time. He is Co-I and network manager for the BioAirNet (one of the six networks funded through the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund Clean Air Programme) and also a member of BSI committee EH/2/5 - Emissions to internal environments as an expert on bioaerosols.
Lunch & Learn #8 Dr Normand Brais - The Role of UV in Safer Buildings
Many mistakenly assume that by following applicable building code and guidelines such as ASHRAE, they are providing properly decontaminated air. And, although the HEPA filter remains the best filter available for ventilation systems, like all filters there exists a determinable inefficiency zone that belies the myth that HEPA is the ultimate answer for air decontamination. To complete the air decontamination process initiated by filtration, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) needs to be added. UVGI has a long history of being used for the disinfection of drinking water in all major cities around the world since its first use in France in 1909. For the last 25 years, UVGI has been used extensively to disinfect the air streams within ductwork and air conditioning cooling coils. Public health agencies such as the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommend the use UVGI as a control technology to interrupt the transmission of pathogens inside buildings and to prevent the formation of biofilm that can severely impair the efficiency of air conditioning cooling coils. This presentation provides an overview of how UV germicidal light sterilizes microorganisms and the dosage that is required for various bio-contaminants including SARS-CoV2 to obtain an aseptic environment suitable for hospitals and clinics.
Speaker Profile:
Dr. Normand Brais holds a mechanical engineering degree and a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from Polytechnique, University of Montreal. He was appointed Professor at the Energy Institute of Polytechnique after he graduated. He has founded several technological companies in various fields such as atmospheric pollution from combustion, water treatment, OCT photonics, and air/surface UV disinfection. In 1995 he founded Sanuvox Technologies, which is now a worldwide technological leader in UV disinfection.
Lunch & Learn #6 Indoor Air Quality and Occupational Hygiene
Overview
Our chairpersons from across the globe from two of our most significant professional bodies will meet and discuss the skills we need to assess Indoor Air Quality risks in built environments!
There is a distinct difference between the Indoor Environmental Professional and the Occupational Hygienist in the way we approach and assess Indoor Air Quality and Mould. Our presenters will be speaking on the background to these assessments, how we assess exposure and how we look at the bigger picture.
Speaker Overview
We are very excited to welcome our speakers for the event:
Jay M. Stake - IAQA President
Jay is the Owner of J. & J. Consultants established in 1996. The business initially focused on construction management; however, over the past 20/plus years the focus evolved to indoor air quality assessment and consultation. In 2006, Jay became President of Structural Sciences, Inc. (SSI), which focuses on serving the relocation industry. With a network of 300+ inspectors.
Over the past forty/plus years, Jay’s professional life, after college, centered around the construction industry in a variety of ways:
Crisis Management Specialist for a national contractor lumber yard;
Owner and Manager of a Manufacturer of Division 10 architectural products;
Real Estate Investor and Trainer;
Certified RRP Training Provider for the State of North Carolina;
Indoor Air Quality Consultant: assisting homeowners, contractors, property managers, real estate agents, municipalities, commercial property, relocation industry, etc., on how to achieve a healthy and safe indoor environment.
For nine and a-half years, Jay established and facilitated a weekly real estate group. The purpose was to educate, train and network with investors and real estate professionals for the goal of growing profitable businesses. Additionally, Jay has provided training to indoor environmentalists and renovators. With a sound foundation of construction, as well as, knowledge of the indoor air quality arena, Jay has a unique background to his consultative role.
As a community-based business, charitable causes have always been part of Jay’s activities. He has been involved with non-profits with life challenged children; spearheading donation-drives; and, providing housing for Veterans.
In 1998, Jay became a member of the IAQA and has been actively involved in the association: attending the annual conferences; serving on a variety of the committees; being a member of the Board of Directors; and in 2018 being elected as President of the association. Other memberships include: EIA, NEHA and ASHRAE
Andrew Orfanos Immediate Past-President of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH)
Andrew is a full member of the AIOH, a certified Occupational Hygienist and the immediate Past-President of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.
Andrew recently moved into private consulting, having set up his own consultancy; Advanced Occupational Health & Hygiene Solutions in 2019.
Prior to this Andrew spent 9 years as the National Occupational Health & Hygiene Specialist for Caltex Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd, two years in the role of Corporate Occupational Health & Hygiene Manager at BHP Billiton and 5 years at Zinifex as Senior Occupational Hygienist at the Port Pirie Lead Smelter.
Andrew spent his formative Hygiene years at the Collaborative Research Centre in Occupational Health & Safety, University of Adelaide in a number of roles including laboratory analyst, tutor, Occupational Hygienist and Technical Advice Coordinator, providing consultancy services to South Australian state emergency services & government agencies.
Lunch & Learn #5 Restoration Industry Association - RIA, IICRC and Indoor Air Quality - Owen Boak
Our speaker will be Owen Boak, Chair of the Australasian Council of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Owen will be speaking to us about the RIA and The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and how their partnership has assisted through the COVID-19 crisis, and in their strategic partnership to elevate knowledge and professionalism within the industry.
Speaker Profile
Owen Boak is the Chairperson of RIA in Australasia and a member of the international Board of the Restoration Industry Association. A RIA Certified Restorer Owen has been involved in the Restoration and Remediation industry for nearly 30 years. Owen will be presenting on the relationship between RIA and the IICRC and how this relationship and others like it benefit our greater industry and what the Restoration Industry Association in Australia is doing.
Lunch & Learn #4 with Hank Nolin - Mould Inspection With Man’s Best Friend
Presentation Overview
For as long as history has been recorded, man has had a relationship with dogs. They have helped us in hunting for our food, herding our food, keeping us company around the camp fire, leading the blind and just being our best friends.
We have discovered that their noses are over 50,000 times more sensitive than the human nose. Society has made use of that ability by training them to find narcotics and explosives, and now, mould.
Canines have been used to detect hidden moulds for over 20 years. As one of the added investigative tools of a mould inspector, the dogs are able to pinpoint the location of mould infestations with a 98% rate of accuracy. They have been able to find mould behind fiber walls, wood and concrete. And they are your family friend when not working.
This program, with slide information and video presentation, will demonstrate The abilities of our four footed friends and how they can be an asset to your mould inspection business.
About our speaker
Hank Nolin is a native of New York City, now living outside of Daytona Beach, Florida USA. Hank is a retired Master Sgt from the US Army. In his 27 year career as a Military Policeman he spent 6 years as a K9 handler. During Operation Desert Storm, in 1991, he had the added responsibility of “Air Quality Inspector” in the Iraqi combat area.
Upon his return home he and his business partner continued training canines for explosive and narcotics detection. They received an inquiry from a client as to if dogs could be safely trained to detect hidden moulds is their buildings. The challenge was accepted. Over 1389 dogs later, here we are.
Hank has been actively working in the Indoor Air Quality industry for over 25 years and has performed over 1100 IAQ inspections in the USA and Canada. He is a Florida Licensed Mould Assessor and Instructor.
Thank you to our sponsors for this event!
Lunch & Learn #3 with Dr Tim Law - Sense and nonsense, science and non-science, around condensation and mould in buildings
Introduction to Tim's talk
In the latest 2019 version of the National Construction Code, condensation management provisions were introduced for the first time. Although a major milestone in itself, what does it really mean for buildings? And does it deliver on its objective of a healthy building?
This talk goes through the history and studies that underlie these provisions in Australian residential buildings (houses and multi-storey apartments), and interrogates the adequacy of these mandated minimum standards, together with the dangerous inadequacies where we find the construction code inadequate.
Tim's background
Tim Law (PhD) is an Architectural Scientist, and Principal at Archsciences. He is also a lecturer in Built Surveying at Victoria University. His research over recent years has been into the occurrence of condensation in new code-compliant buildings in Tasmania, and the study of mould and its impact on occupant health.
Tim has found the problem to be very widespread, very serious, and as a nation he has demonstrated that Australia is very far behind under countries in construction quality and legal recourse. He has completed reports for the Tasmanian building Regulator and the Australian Building Codes Board, and has been working behind the scenes for the inclusion of more robust condensation stipulations into the National Construction Code. He thrives on complex interdisciplinary work involving architectural science, environmental microbiology and public health.
Thank you to our sponsors for this event!
Lunch & Learn #2 with Jack Noonan- The WELL Building Standard and the fight against COVID-19
The Indoor Air Quality Association Australia is delighted to welcome back Jack Noonan, Regional Vice President of the International Well Building Institute to hear about the significant changes to the WELL tool to accommodate emerging infectious diseases.
Jack will speak to us on the following topics:
A reminder of the WELL basics
IWBI's COVID-19 work and formation of the global Task Force
Strategies from WELL to help in the fight against COVID19
Updates to WELL interventions as a result of the Task Force work
WELL Health and Safety (launched in June)
Guidelines for a future of healthy buildings that are prepared and resilient - learnings and insights (to be launched in August)
Jack is the Vice President, Asia Pacific, for the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Based in Melbourne, Jack's role involves leading the technical support, market development and operations across Australia, New Zealand, and, most recently, South East Asia.
Prior to his time at IWBI, Jack was the Manager of Climate Change Programs at Sustainability Victoria, a government agency, where he developed and led the TAKE2 Climate Change Program and informed state climate policy. This followed six years working at a building science consultancy, where he held a number of leadership roles including the National Relationship and Marketing Manager, State Manager and Senior Consultant. During this time, Jack worked closely with organisations such as NABERS, GBCA, WGBC, FMA, PCA, and local and state governments on healthy building design and practices, with a focus on indoor environments.
Jack holds Bachelor degrees in Science and Psychology, both from Monash University, as well as a Master of Business focused on the commercialization of science and emerging technology.
In 2009, he was a winner of the National Australia Bank Science in Business award.
His areas of expertise include air and water quality, healthy buildings, green buildings, sustainability rating tools, science commercialisation, and climate policy. He is a WELL Accredited Professional and a member of the International Society for Indoor Air Quality.
Jack is passionate about environmental justice and equity, as well as the health and education of communities. He also serves on the board of a local community organization focused on adult education and social inclusion.
Thank you to our sponsors for this event!
Lunch & Learn #1 with Bryon Price - The Role of HVAC Systems on Indoor Air Quality
In recent times dust storms, bushfires and the coronavirus have brought a focus to HVAC systems and their role in providing a healthy indoor environment during these events. This presentation will provide insights into HVAC design, operation and maintenance and how these systems can be configured to deal with these types of environmental challenges.
Bryon Price is a professional engineer with long and notable experience in building services. He is the Strategic Development Director for the A.G. Coombs Group of Companies.
Bryon is Chair of the Board of the Facility Management Association of Australia and Chair of the FMA's Knowledge and Advocacy Portfolio Groups. He is a long-standing member of the Board of the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating – AIRAH, and a member of the Board of Australian Refrigeration and Building Services - ARBS. He is a Co-Chair of The International WELL Building Institute Task Force on COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections.
Thank you to our sponsors for this event!