The air quality in commercial settings where you spend a significant portion of your life is of utmost importance. It directly influences your health and well-being and, by extension, your productivity — the bottom line of your business. While the benefits of IAQ have long been acknowledged, its prioritization and application in commercial buildings must continue to evolve. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the best practices and solutions that you can adopt to improve IAQ in your commercial building.
Understanding Your Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality fundamentally refers to the state of air within enclosed spaces. This is true particularly in terms of how it impacts the health and comfort of people living or working in these environments. It is a complex concoction influenced by multiple factors. These include the nature of the pollutants present, the rate of ventilation, the extent of exposure, and the susceptibility of the individuals.
Common Indoor Pollutants and Their Sources in Commercial Buildings
VOCs From Building Materials and Furnishings
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that readily vaporize at room temperatures. They are released from a wide variety of sources, including building materials, furnishings, and even cleaning products.
Allergens and Dust Mites
Allergens and dust mites thrive in carpeting, upholstery, and other soft furnishings. They invade your indoor space via shoes, clothes, pets, and wind drafts.
Biological Contaminants
Mold, bacteria, pollen, and viruses are examples of biological contaminants that can cause serious health issues if left unchecked. They are commonly found in areas with high humidity, such as restrooms and kitchens. Viruses like flu can also spread from individuals who are infected.
Particulate Matter
These tiny particles can include ash, soot, and aerosols, some of which are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Their sources are varied and include combustion processes, as well as activities such as printing and janitorial operations.
The Impact of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Occupant Health
Respiratory Issues like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be exacerbated by poor air quality. Particulate matter, allergens, and biological contaminants can all contribute to worsening symptoms in susceptible individuals.
For individuals with allergies or sensitivities, exposure to indoor air pollutants can trigger reactions such as sneezing, coughing, and congestion. Young children and the elderly are more vulnerable to these effects due to their weaker immune systems.
Financial Costs
The health issues caused by poor indoor air quality can result in expensive medical treatments and medications, including visits to doctors and specialists, allergy shots, and hospital stays. These costs can add up quickly for individuals and families, especially if there are pre-existing conditions that require ongoing care.
Also, lost productivity in the workplace can arise when employees keep calling in sick or are less productive while at work due to respiratory issues and fatigue. This can have a ripple effect on the company’s revenue and overall success.
Solutions to Improve IAQ in Commercial Buildings
1. Proper Ventilation
Adequate levels of fresh outdoor air are essential to dilute indoor airborne contaminants. Employing good ventilation practices such as natural cross-ventilation, mechanical ventilation systems, and proper exhaust systems can significantly reduce pollutant levels.
2. Air Filtration
High-efficiency filters installed in HVAC systems can capture large percentages of particles, including those that can cause respiratory issues. High-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most effective at capturing dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, and even some bacteria and viruses. Activated carbon filters are excellent at adsorbing gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from sources such as cleaning products, building materials, and outdoor pollution.
3. Humidity Management
Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% can prevent the growth of microbial contaminants, which can negatively impact IAQ. Regularly check for leaks or water damage and promptly address any issues to prevent moisture build-up. In addition, you can invest in a dehumidifier if your commercial building is located in a high-humidity area. If not, a humidifier can be used in dry climates to maintain a healthy level of humidity in the air.
4. Regular Cleaning
Scheduled cleaning of all building areas, particularly high-traffic and high-pollutant regions, is very important. Janitors are a must-have, but once in a while, you may also need to hire professional cleaning services to deep clean carpets and air ducts.
Call Us Today
If you live in Kennesaw, GA or neighboring areas and are concerned about the air quality inside your commercial building, call Controlled Climate Services today. We specialize in comprehensive indoor air quality assessments, offering tailored solutions and best practices to ensure you’re breathing clean, healthy air. We also repair, service, and install heating and cooling systems, as well as sell HVAC products like thermostats, fan coils, geothermal systems, and more. Let us help you create a safe and comfortable environment for your employees and customers.
