Reduce Indoor Air Pollution In The Workplace, Improve Health, And Enhance Productivity

Updated on February 18, 2020
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Indoor air quality has a tremendous impact on the productivity of workers, reducing performance of employees by 6% to 9%. Removing the sources of pollution and improving air inside are concerns that may be easily overlooked by employers. However, by addressing this problem, productivity levels are improved dramatically, given that clean air has a positive impact on the health and overall well-being of employees.

Improve Ventilation And Air Quality

One of the major obstructions to good indoor air quality is the lack of ventilation. Contrary to the notion that improving air quality can become an expensive undertaking for businesses, there are simple steps that owners can take to enhance the quality of air circulating in the office.

Improving ventilation by opening windows or doors and running fans are some of the things that can easily be done. Changing cleaning supplies or switching to natural cleaners can minimize the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, which are harmful to humans.

Another easy solution is to maintain the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the premises, improving efficiencies and reducing electricity costs. Changing filters regularly to trap fine particles of pollutants also improves the quality of air circulating indoors: if this is not done, the system will become dirty and less effective.

Positioning plants in the office not only spruces up the place and offers a soothing environment for workers; they emit oxygen that enhances air quality. In addition, plants trap dust and harmful particles, thereby purifying the air.

Use Technology To Monitor Indoor Air Quality

Technology can also be used to ensure that good air quality is maintained throughout the workplace. There are special devices that you can use to monitor air quality indoors. Some of these indoor air quality (IAQ) devices detect very small dust particles, pollen and VOCs. They can also measure temperature and humidity that can promote the development of mold and mildew.

Another use of IAQ devices is to measure the levels of carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2) released by the heating system. Automation and integration of these devices with the HVAC system can improve the quality of air. For example, some of these devices may be compatible with the HVAC systems and can activate fans when pollution levels inside the building have exceeded the threshold for good air.

Poor indoor air quality affects the health and well-being of workers. The effects of indoor air pollution can be mitigated by improving ventilation and harnessing technology to activate HVAC systems to remove pollutants, clean air, and improve its quality.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.