Indoor air quality should be a primary concern for any business. It can impact the health, comfort, well being and productivity of building occupants. Different pollutants can cause sickness and most offices have a higher pollutant level than outside. The E.P.A. states that ” improved indoor air quality can result in higher productivity and fewer lost work days. EPA estimates that poor indoor air may cost the nation tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and medical care”.
The quality of air can be complex to understand because many factors contribute to the quality of air.
- sources of pollutants or odors design
- maintenance and operation of building ventilation systems
- moisture and humidity
One main objective of an indoor air quality program is to reduce people’s exposure to pollutants from these sources.
- Biological contaminants : Excessive concentrations of bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, dust mite allergen, animal dander and pollen may result from inadequate maintenance.
- Chemical pollutants :Sources of chemical pollutants include tobacco smoke, emissions from products used in the building, accidental spill of chemicals and gases.
- Particles: Solid or liquid substances which are light enough to be suspended in the air, the largest of which may be visible in sunbeams streaming into a room. Smaller particles that you cannot see are likely to be more harmful to health.
There are many different ways that people perceive or experience air quality. Here are some elements to help better understand.
- Odors
- Temperature
- Air velocity and movement
- Heat or glare from sunlight
- Glare from ceiling lights, especially on monitor screens
- Furniture crowding
- Stress in the workplace or home
- Noise and vibration levels
- Selection, location and use of office equipment
There are different ways of prevention to help avoid harmful or poor indoor air quality
- Do not block air vents.
- Comply with the office and building smoking policy.
- Clean up all water spills promptly, maintain office plants properly and report water leaks right away.
- Dispose of garbage promptly and properly.
- Store food properly.
- Notify your building or facility manager immediately if you suspect a problem.
If you notice a problem with your office your best solution is to call a commercial cleaning company to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
EcoCare specializes in making sure that your office building has superb indoor air quality and ensuring a healthy environment.
