Air quality FAQ - What is the difference between indoor and ambient air quality?

This distinction is often applicable when talking about what laws govern the quality of air that people could be exposed to. Indoor air quality typically is used when referring to potential exposure to air contaminants inside a building. In the workplace, these exposures are part of worker safety program. Ambient air quality typically refers to the potential exposure of the public in spaces outside of source facility boundaries. In the workplace, ambient air quality is more often associated with the environmental program, rather than safety and health.