As for others, it is best to know who is complaining/concerned about air quality.

I provide below some topics that can be of concern to those who do not work directly in laboratories.

Dust/debris emanating from supply ducts in office/admin spaces.  Such debris can appear because of corrosion in damp ducts, but perceived as coming from laboratory chemicals.

Mold spores/biological allergens emanating from supply ducts -- which may of interest if there have been problems with high humidity that leads to condensation in work spaces

Air balancing to assure that (a) there is no recirculation of air from either lab to lab or from labs to non-lab spaces, and (b) that the pressure in the lab is always negative relative to corridors (easily measured qualitatively with a strip of Kimwipe; quantitatively measured by an industrial hygienist using differential pressure measuring device.  There are recognized guidelines for the degree of pressure differential when the lab door is closed -- my vague recollection is in the vicinity of 0.1 inches of water differential pressure (however consult an industrial hygienist). 

Sometimes goals with respect to energy conservation place an emphasis on recirculation of indoor air. This can lead to recirculation of slightly contaminated (below long-term exposure limits) lab air traveling to non-lab spaces -- where individual sensitivities MAY be a factor, but more often are the result of a concern about "strange odors" for chemicals that have a very low threshold for detection (e.g., mercaptans).

Inherent or unusual atmospheric conditions that cause lab exhaust air to be "ingested" by the building's fresh-air intake supply ducts. 

Fear factors causing concerns by non-lab personnel who work in a "CHEMISTRY" building.   This sometimes requires relocation of personnel who have such concerns, even though no reasonable IH air quality measurements indicate less than adequate air quality. 

The "traditional" measures of "air quality" which include air concentrations of particulates, water vapor (humidity), carbon dioxide, and oxygen.  These can have profound effects on personnel over prolonged periods.  In the interest of energy conservation, is too much air being recirculated in non-lab work areas?

FINALLY, the actual conditions in the lab work place for which OSHA standards (Subpart Z) provide detailed instructions. 29 CFR 1910.1200.  This requires an industrial hygienist to make measurements in the workers' breathing zone during actual performance of work.  Perhaps a hood is being used improperly so that vapor escapes.

Hope that this covers the broad topic of "air quality in chemistry buildings."

David Haugen, retired (who encountered each of the scenarios above).

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From: "David C. Finster" <dfinster**At_Symbol_Here**WITTENBERG.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 11:12:38 AM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Air quality in academic chemistry buildings