Indoor Air Quality, or IAQ has become a hot topic and a growing concern for commercial and industrial buildings in recent years. IAQ not only has a direct impact on employees’ comfort, but also on their productivity and overall health. Ideal IAQ includes a properly functioning HVAC system to provide a source of fresh air, control of pollutants, and comfortable humidity and temperature levels. Having properly installed mechanical insulation helps to support HVAC systems in providing ideal air quality by preventing mould and microbial growth.
Where does indoor air pollution come from? Poor indoor air quality is caused by a combination of factors including:
- Chemicals used for cleaning
- Specific activities in the building
- Smoke and fumes
- Ventilation issues
- An old building
- Poor ventilation
It’s understandable that some of the factors contributing to air pollution may be unavoidable. To keep your employees safe and healthy, it’s necessary to keep the workplace clean, maintain your HVAC system, and change your filters regularly. In addition to proper building maintenance, it’s helpful to know the signs that indicate poor IAQ. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to get your building’s air quality tested as soon as possible and make necessary changes to improve the situation.
Coughing or difficulty breathing
If there’s a lack of ventilation, the concentration of particles in the air could trigger respiratory issues, resulting in coughing or difficulty breathing. The fresh oxygen in the room will gradually decrease and inhaling polluted air filled with carbon dioxide could lead to severe health complications.
Dust buildup
Some dust is normal, but if you notice high levels of dust, this can be an indication of pollutants in your building and poor ventilation. The dust can attract dust mites, triggering allergies and asthma in your employees.
Allergic reactions
If there are contaminants lingering in the air, a common symptom is allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchiness, rashes, and watery eyes. If you notice allergy symptoms without an obvious cause, this could be due to pollutants in the air.
Headaches or nausea
Unexplained headaches, lightheadedness, or nausea could be caused by the contaminants in the air. Possible sources include cleaning chemicals, carbon monoxide, fumes, smoke, and other pollutants that accumulate indoors over time.
Strange smells
Unpleasant smells in the building can indicate pollen, mould, or stagnant air, which means the air quality is less than ideal. Another sign of poor air circulation is when smells linger longer than they should.
Mould
Mould grows in buildings where conditions are damp, temperatures are high, and proper ventilation is lacking. Black mould can cause chronic respiratory complications, headaches, and nausea. If you notice mould growing, it’s best to consult a professional to address the root cause and provide a cleaning.
It’s essential to ensure the air quality of your commercial building is clean and safe to protect your employees’ health and comfort. If you notice any of the warning signs, it’s time to take action and hire a professional to test the air quality and the HVAC system before the situation worsens. The professionals will inspect the building’s ventilation system and test for air pollutants to give you an informed solution. In addition to getting an inspection, it’s important to continue promoting your IAQ by cleaning regularly, maintaining your HVAC system, and changing filters regularly.
