With the world becoming more and more polluted, we are all highly conscious about controlling the air quality in our homes and offices.
According to a report conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, most Americans spend eighty percent of their time indoors, so maintaining clean air is vital, especially in the workplace. One of the most common misconceptions people have regarding air quality issues is that indoor air quality is always better than the air outside but this is often not the case.
Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to ensure your office environment is safe and that your employees have clean air. This article is a guide to the effective measures that all employers can take.
1. Understand the Major Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
Among hundreds of common air pollutants found in commercial facilities and home environments, the most harmful include tobacco smoke, mold and mildew, dust, and chemical pollutants.
Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke can pollute an office, even when your employees smoke outside of the office building. This is due to cigarette smoke that lingers on people’s skin and clothing, even after they have put out their cigarettes.
Mold and Mildew
In buildings with a damp problem or a leaky roof or pipes, moisture is the ideal environment for mold and mildew to develop. Humid offices further exacerbate the problem and once the mold has developed it can be very difficult to eradicate. The issue can also occur simply because of the difference in temperature between outside and inside the office.
Dust
Whilst it may sound innocuous, dust is one of the most common pollutants found in indoor areas and it can have a major negative impact on your employees’ health. For offices with insufficient ventilation, dust can trigger allergies and other respiratory problems.
Chemical Pollutants
Chemical pollutants such as VOCs, PBB, PCB, and formaldehyde are frequently found in indoor spaces. These often come from furniture, upholstery, or different manufactured items that can emit chemical pollutants.
2. Change the Air Filters in Your AC
Most air conditioners have an air filter that needs to be changed regularly and this is one of the easiest steps you can take to improve the quality of the air in your office. The experts at filterbuy.com/ explain that by replacing the filters in a timely manner, the air in your office will be cleaner and the employees who work there will perform better. A clean air filter will trap particles such as dust as well as prevent air pollutants like chemicals from circulating back into your office. If you have clogged air filters in your office, they can negatively interrupt proper airflow while contributing to higher concentrations of harmful substances.
3. Increase Ventilation and Let Outdoor Air In
Open-air spaces with natural airflow can keep your office fresh with constant ventilation. If your office is on a high floor, you may want to consider leaving the windows open overnight. It will be impossible for burglars to climb up so high to steal your equipment, and the difference in air quality in the morning will be huge.
4. Install Commercial Air Purifiers
For office use, it is best to choose a commercial air purifier with high flow and increased levels of filtration to help get rid of pollutants. Keep in mind that most air purifiers can reduce particulate matters, but cannot remove chemicals and gases. Therefore, if you want your office to be free of chemicals and gases, it is highly suggested that you use an air purifier with an activated carbon filter. These have been proven to be the most effective and remove up to 90% of harmful substances.
5. Conduct Air Quality Tests
Having measurable air readings in your office will make it easier for you to adjust and control your air quality. Air tests should focus on a few important factors such as mold levels, humidity levels, degree of ventilation, and airflow. By having more insight, you can plan ahead and take proactive measures to ensure that your employees and visitors have the highest quality air possible.
Air quality in indoor areas such as office buildings can greatly affect a person’s health, job performance, and comfort. There are a number of factors that can influence your office’s air quality, which in turn, can affect how well your employees can work and focus on their tasks. Room temperature, ventilation, air circulation as well as mold spores and unpleasant odors can all have a major effect on morale, productivity, and employee health. Nowadays, it should be a priority for businesses to ensure that every employee has a safe and harm-free working environment. Follow this simple guide and you will be able to transform the quality of the air in your office.
