Indoor air quality in any space, though often overlooked, is a very important aspect to maintaining a healthy facility. Air quality is directly related to the health of those using a space. The air we breathe is not always at the top of our minds when thinking about the cleanliness of a facility, but perhaps it should be!
Think about it. The one thing we do every day, almost without thought, is breathing. If those using a facility are breathing in air that is overly dusty, has mold spores, or other toxins circulating in it, they could experience negative health affects without even knowing the cause. To the contrary, if indoor air being breathed is well maintained and is intentionally managed to be clean, the users of a space will be healthier.
Poor indoor air quality in an office, school, or any other public facility means unhealthy conditions for those using the space. If the air is not clean enough and there are significant quantities of invisible toxins floating about, symptoms can range from sneezing, coughing, headache, and sore throat to more severe health issues like allergies, asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Any degree of sickness makes us uncomfortable but more severe effects of unhealthy indoor air can even cause sick building syndrome, which according to the EPA is when “building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building…”
Maintaining clean air inside a building is crucial for those using the space. Below are a few key tips that help maintain better indoor air quality at any facility:
- Change HVAC filters regularly
- Maintain indoor plants
- Use indoor air purifiers and ventilate
- Keep rugs inside and outside of doors clean
- Use the right cleaning supplies
How clean is the air in your facility?
You may opt to have your indoor air quality tested, which may reveal bigger issues that need to be addressed. However, the best way to ensure quality indoor air is to intentionally maintain it. The quality of indoor air at your business can mean the difference between a healthy, productive workforce and an unhealthy environment that causes sickness and absenteeism.
Facility managers: Take indoor air quality seriously and ensure the necessary processes are in place for quality air in your building. Again, let’s stress that indoor air quality is important for the health of everyone using the space.
