Most individuals need to be aware of the sheer number of contaminants in interior spaces. For instance, many office cleaning and freshening supplies contribute imperceptibly to airborne pollutants. Indoor air is far worse than outside air and significantly contributes to employees' health issues. This poor indoor air quality can cause chronic respiratory disorders, allergies, weariness, irritability, headaches, and asthma.
This is why maintaining safe and clean air within your business facility helps safeguard your workspace. Create a work environment that supports good air quality, benefiting the workers and the organization's output and standing. This post provides practical steps to enhance the air quality in your workstation.
Increase Ventilation And Filtration
Ensure the air in your workstation is filtered and ventilated to enhance quality. Filtration helps to collect and remove dust and allergens from the air, and ventilation dilutes and eliminates pollutants and moisture from the indoor air.
Open windows and doors to get fresh air into your workstation to lower the amount of indoor air pollution. If not, use mechanical ventilation systems with intake and exhaust ports. Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to filter your air; these filters can capture 99.97% of particles in the air that are 0.3 microns or bigger.
Proper ventilation can help maintain appropriate air quality in a workplace. However, ensure the HVAC system receives routine maintenance and filter changes for adequate air circulation.
Monitor And Control The Humidity
High humidity affects the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites, which influence the air quality at your office. These microbes can cause infections, asthma episodes, and allergic responses.
So, maintain the humidity level in your workstation between 30% and 50%. Use a dehumidifier if you need to keep the humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Start by measuring the humidity level using a hygrometer, and if it is too high, lower it with an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. You can raise it with a vaporizer or humidifier if it is too low. Ensure you clean and maintain these devices to stop germs and mold growth.
Clean And Maintain Your Workspace
When dust and grime build up on surfaces, they lower air quality. Keep floors, desks, and other surfaces clean to prevent the accumulation of harmful contaminants.
Cleaning and upkeep can help keep surfaces and the air free of dust, grime, debris, and bacteria, preserving good air quality. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum, a microfiber cloth, and natural or non-toxic cleaning supplies to clean your workspace. Also, consider hiring a cleaning company to thoroughly clean your workspace.
Avoid air fresheners, scented candles, and aerosol sprays that release VOCs and allergens. Many scented items, including perfumes and air fresheners, can potentially emit toxic compounds into the atmosphere. Put in place a policy banning fragrances to cut down on these emissions. Maintaining your workstation also entails fixing leaks or cracks that might result in mold or moisture issues. Get rid of trash or debris that can draw rats or bugs that could taint the air.
Adopt Healthy Habits And Behaviors
Form healthy routines and behaviors that can lessen your exposure to allergens and pollutants to enhance the air quality at your office. One of the healthy habits includes banning smoking and vaping indoors. These activities can release dangerous particles and chemicals into the air.
Also, direct against strongly scented items, including perfumes, colognes, and deodorants, since they may trigger allergic responses, headaches, or nausea. Good hygiene is also needed to stop the transmission of bacteria and viruses.
Keep Plants In Your Workspace
Plants are visually pleasing and may also clean the air in and around your office. Indoor plants contribute to better indoor air quality by naturally eliminating certain toxins and pollutants from the air. They take in pollutants through their roots and leaves, then release clean oxygen into the atmosphere. Some plants—like peace lilies and spider plants—can improve air quality. Scatter a few plants around the office to help filter the air in the office s
Bottom Line
Given its direct impact on your workers' and employees' health and well-being, indoor air quality should be one of your top priorities. With poor IAQ, you risk respiratory infections, which can jeopardize your mental health. To enhance the quality of the air indoors, you can work with experts or do everything independently. Working with a professional cleaning company like Bayside CBS is your best bet to ensure your workspace is clean. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
