While indoor air quality (IAQ) is of great importance in people's homes, it is generally not the case in many offices. However, given the amount of time employees spend in the office, poor indoor air quality, if left unaddressed, can lead to productivity problems as well as increased absenteeism due to long-term health problems.
What causes indoor air quality problems in the office?
When it comes to indoor air pollution, several factors can go unnoticed. While outdoor pollution is easy to see (black smoke, unpleasant odors), indoor pollution hides behind the comforting breezes of air conditioners and the pleasant scents of air fresheners. And because you can't see it, it's easy to overlook its existence.
Here are some factors that often contribute to poor indoor air quality in offices or buildings:
Natural contaminants - Mold, dust, bacteria, pollen, and pet dander are just a few of the many natural contaminants found in indoor environments. These types of contaminants can affect both old and new indoor spaces and can be particularly harmful to people who suffer from asthma or other allergies. Chemical pollutants - Chemical pollutants such as tobacco smoke, gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, and the waste products of everyday items (paint, cleaning products, etc.) are another group of pollutants that negatively affect the air we breathe. Virtually all commercially manufactured items can also emit harmful chemical pollutants. The list is long, but the most common are polyurethane, formaldehyde, and VOCs. Particles and other debris - Contaminants from the outside can easily find their way inside, which can have a significant impact on your health. Dust particles, dirt, smoke, and building materials are just a few of the common contaminants that affect office air quality and contribute to indoor air pollution. How can you detect air quality problems in the workplace?
With many teams spending much of their lives in offices, poor air quality in the workplace can have a serious impact on their health. Before health problems arise from poor air quality, here are some approaches organizations can take to identify air quality problems before it's too late:
Inspect the ventilation system and make sure there is enough outside air circulating in each work area. Also, make sure the air is properly distributed in each zone and that any filtration systems are working. Eliminate any factors that may cause symptoms, such as thermal discomfort, mental stress, noise, vibration, poor lighting, ergonomics, etc. Test for the presence of airborne contaminants (mold, carbon monoxide, asbestos, etc.) using air analysis kits. These usually require samples to be taken and sent to laboratories for analysis.
5 Tips for Improving Office Air Quality :
While there is no solution to controlling all potential air contaminants, there are several ways to significantly improve overall air quality and prevent indoor air pollution.
Keep your workspace clean:
This is a no-brainer, even if you're not trying to improve air quality in the workplace. By cleaning up spills and messes immediately and fixing leaks as soon as possible, you'll reduce the amount of dust, pests, mold, and allergens that can affect air quality in your workspace.
What's more, replacing cleaning products that contain strong, toxic chemicals with environmentally friendly products also helps prevent the release of harsh chemical compounds into the air.
Use air cleaners:
There are many ways to control office air quality without the help of a professional. An air purifier, dehumidifier, air cleaner, and other commercially available devices are just some of the tools you can use to keep IAQ at healthy levels.
Change HVAC filters regularly:
Filters in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems need to be cleaned regularly to prevent dust and other airborne contaminants from circulating back into the home. Also, be sure to change filters from time to time, as clogged filters can also accelerate the buildup of pollutants and interrupt air circulation in enclosed spaces.
Provide good ventilation:
If possible, turn off your HVAC system from time to time and open windows to let fresh outside air into your workspace. Make sure there are no storage boxes, furniture, or other obstructions in front of vents, as they can block air circulation and make the workspace feel stuffy.
Another way to improve indoor air quality is to add houseplants to your office. Not only are they pleasing to the eye, but they also reduce carbon dioxide levels in the workplace and release fresh oxygen into the air.
Conduct periodic air analyses:
As mentioned earlier, indoor air testing will give you a good idea of the current state of indoor air quality and help you develop a more effective and balanced IAQ improvement plan. These tests often include checking airflow, ventilation, humidity levels, mold growth, odors, and water damage.
Say goodbye to poor IAQ:
Indoor air quality should be a top workplace priority because it directly affects the health and well-being of employees and workers. Poor indoor air quality in offices increases the risk of many health problems, including respiratory illnesses, infections, and even mental health.
By simply maintaining clean workspaces and good indoor air quality, properly managing your HVAC system, and conducting regular air testing, you can make your workplace a safer and more comfortable place to be.
