The Surprising Facts About Indoor Air Quality

The air inside a modern office building can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside. Office workers who are exposed to clean air while on the job perform 26.4 percent better on high-level cognitive tests. They also report that they are better able to focus. Observational data suggests that they are also much more effective at handling crisis. They even sleep better at night allowing them to come to work prepared to be more productive. If you are an employer, then there are several steps that you can take to improve the air quality in your office complex.

 

Step #1: Recognize Common Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

Poor air quality in an office building can be caused by many different factors including:

• A poorly functioning or too small HVAC system.
• Lack of fresh air into the building
• Pollutants trapped in carpet and furniture
• Lack of plants
• Trash and other materials not being collected regularly
• Carpet

 

Step #2: Interview Employees

According to Cornell University, the next step is to interview your employees to find out if they have had any symptoms of feeling the effects of poor indoor air quality. Common complains include stuffy nose, headaches and feeling tired while at work even after a full night’s sleep. Water or itchy eyes was also a common complaint from workers forced to endure poor indoor air quality.

 

Step #3: Check to Make Sure That Fresh Air is Available

The next step is to start correcting the problem. Check by making sure that enough fresh air is being brought into the building. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers recommends a minimum of 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per person of outdoor air. Make sure that boxes, furniture or office equipment are not blocking the fresh air vents so that the air can move through the building freely.

 

Step #4: Check the HVAC System

While you are checking on fresh air flow, look at your HVAC system. Make sure that it is being maintained on a regular basis. Spend the extra money to make sure that you have the best filters for your unit and that they are being changed out regularly.

 

Step #5: Add Plants

Plants are a great way to increase the air quality in your office building. Studies reveal that the peace lily is the best at removing airborne volatile organic compounds from the air, and it is very simple to care for one. If you have a sunny office, consider putting a plotted garden mum there as they are extremely efficient at removing formaldehyde, xylene, ammonia, benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

 

Step #6: Call a Cleaning Service in Los Angeles

One thing that you absolutely must do is call a cleaning service. Removing dust bunnies and making sure that spills are cleaned up regularly will help improve indoor air quality and make your office look better. Dust mites and other things trapped in carpets are a common cause of allergies. Dusty office furniture often helps trap particles that small. In fact, bump this one up to the top of your list by calling LA Maintenance to be your cleaning service in Los Angeles today.