15 Feb 4 Indoor Air Quality Hazards Facing Office Buildings

Indoor air quality can have a drastic impact on people’s health, comfort, and even their ability to work. There are about 300 million people across the globe who suffer from Asthma and other respiratory illnesses, a number that’s expected grow by more than 100 million by 2025. Worst of all, as many as 250,000 deaths are attributed to Asthma every year. If indoor air quality remains poor, the occupants are going to suffer.

However, many businesses overlook factors that could potentially affect their indoor air quality. Here are just a few possible hazards that every company should keep an eye out for.

1. Lack of ventilation: Without proper ventilation, there’s no way to circulate fresh air in and out of a space. The air sits stagnant, collecting pollutants. It’s estimated that the quality of indoor air can be anywhere from two to five times more polluted than even the lowest quality outdoor air, and in extreme cases, as much as 100 times more polluted.
2. Poor maintenance of ventilation: Even if a building is properly ventilated, its indoor air quality can suffer if no basic maintenance is done. The ducts and heating and cooling systems’ filters need to be changed regularly. After all, humans shed more than 1 million skin cells in just an hour. If entire office buildings of people are constantly shedding dead skin and the filters aren’t changed, the particulate will build up and impede air flow.
3. High moisture and humidity: The presence of moisture indoors, particularly in areas that experience high humidity, can seriously increase the chances of mold growth. Mold releases spores into the air which are extremely hazardous to people’s health. Without sufficient air circulation, moisture can build up more quickly, expediting the growth of mold.
4. Construction: It’s not at all uncommon for office buildings to be renovated or to have additions put on. Unfortunately, all of the grinding, sawing, and sanding of materials can release massive amounts of particulates into the air. Not only are these dust particles dangerous when inhaled, but they’ll help block air filters.

Facing these hazards head on is the only way to ensure consistently high indoor air quality. Even just regularly maintaining ventilation ducts or installing a retractable vacuum system could keep employees safe and revenue steady.