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As we go about our daily routines, we might not give much thought to the quality of the air we breathe in. After all, we spend most of our time indoors—whether at home or at work. What’s alarming is that indoor air pollution has been overshadowed by its outdoor counterpart, despite being equally harmful. We might not see or smell the pollutants, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. In fact, they could be present in concentrations that are several times higher than what we breathe outside. The implications of poor indoor air quality go beyond health issues—they could affect our cognitive abilities too. That’s why businesses should take this matter seriously and ensure that their employees breathe clean and healthy air that doesn’t affect their productivity.
What Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor air quality, or IAQ for short, is an important aspect of our daily lives that we often overlook. While the topic may seem mundane, its impact on our health and comfort can be significant. As pollution levels continue to rise, being mindful of the air quality around us has never been more critical. However, it is not just outdoor pollution that we should be wary of. Indoor air pollutants can have an equally damaging effect on our health.
RELATED: 6 Strategies for Improving Air Quality in Your Hospital Buildings
This is why understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors is crucial to reducing our risk of health concerns. The effects of indoor air pollution may not always be immediately noticeable, but they can have serious consequences if left unchecked. So the next time you step into a room, take a moment to think about the air quality within it. Your lungs (and future self) will thank you.
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The Impact Poor Indoor Air Quality Has On Your Workplace
Air pollution is a global health crisis, affecting not only our respiratory and circulatory systems but also our cognitive capabilities. Shockingly, poor air quality in the workplace results in the deaths of 800,000 people annually. It is important to note that the negative impacts of air pollution on our cognitive abilities can be just as detrimental as its physical effects.
A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan and other institutions has shown that individuals who work in well-ventilated offices with below-average levels of air pollutants possess better cognitive abilities and outperform those who work in environments with average levels of indoor air pollution. Employers must prioritize providing a safe and clean working environment for their employees if they want to maximize productivity and maintain a competitive edge.
Sick Building Syndrome
The air we breathe in our workplaces can significantly impact our health and well-being. Poor indoor air quality is linked to Sick Building Syndrome, a mysterious illness that often goes undiagnosed. While the exact causes of the syndrome are unknown, researchers believe it is related to poor ventilation and harmful chemical compounds like volatile organic compounds.
Exposure to these substances can lead to an array of flu-like symptoms, including headaches, dry cough, fever, and fatigue. It’s essential to address indoor air quality issues quickly to protect employees and ensure maximum productivity in the workplace. Luckily, correcting the problem is often as simple as improving ventilation and minimizing exposure to chemical pollutants.
Sources Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air pollution can come from a variety of sources. Even the building materials themselves can emit volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde that can affect indoor air quality. Even equipment like computers, printers, and cleaning products can release volatile components that can contaminate the environment over time. It’s not just materials; our breath can also contribute to the problem by releasing CO2 and other gasses. And it’s not just gasses, either; other human factors such as perfumes, gas from digestion, bacteria, and viruses can all impact the air we breathe.
Additionally, combustion from kitchens and open fires can produce pollutants. And let’s not forget about outdoor sources like vehicle exhaust, pollen, and spores. It’s important to be aware of all these potential sources of indoor air pollution to create a healthier environment for ourselves.
How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality At The Workplace?
People spend a significant amount of time indoors, especially in commercial and institutional buildings. Therefore, it is essential to maintain healthy indoor air quality to ensure the safety and well-being of the occupants. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has set Standards 62.1 to ensure healthy indoor air quality. Adequate ventilation is one of the critical elements of ASHRAE’s guidelines.
Moreover, it’s essential to keep mechanical HVAC equipment like air filters and ductwork well-serviced and maintained to prevent the growth of potential biohazards like mold and bacteria. Emissions caused by office equipment like photocopy machines should also be kept out of ventilation systems. Maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity level in buildings is also crucial to ensure the well-being of the occupants. By following these guidelines, we can minimize exposure to harmful substances and ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Is It Time For Indoor Air Quality Testing?
Breathing fresh, clean air is essential for good health, especially in the workplace where you spend most of your time. Poor indoor air quality can cause health problems like headaches, coughing, and respiratory issues. It’s vital to prioritize the air quality inside your building, and that’s where EnviroMavens comes in. Our team of certified industrial hygiene professionals can perform indoor air quality testing and remediation protocols to ensure that your work environment is safe.
EnviroMaven’s industrial hygiene services will improve your occupational and environmental health and safety, giving you peace of mind. We cater to several sectors, such as healthcare, education, retail, and corporate buildings, among others. So, if you live in Tennessee, Alabama, or nearby areas, call EnviroMavens today to schedule indoor air quality testing and remediation services.
Sources:
https://www.breeze-technologies.de/blog/why-indoor-air-quality-is-important-for-every-business/
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Americans%2C%20on%20average%2C%20spend%20approximately,higher%20than%20typical%20outdoor%20concentrations
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/improving-indoor-air-quality
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
https://www.breeze-technologies.de/blog/why-indoor-air-quality-is-important-for-every-business/
