Employee safety always stays a top priority for any business. And while companies often focus on physical safety measures, indoor air quality (IAQ) also plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and productive workplace. Indoor air can hold two to five times more pollutants than outdoor air, which can negatively impact employee health, leading to respiratory issues and frequent sick days.
The upside? Many hidden sources of indoor air pollution can be managed with some simple adjustments. Here are five common culprits and practical solutions to improve the air quality your employees breathe.
1. Cleaning products
Many commercial cleaning solutions emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harmful chemicals that can remain in the air long after cleaning is finished. Prolonged exposure to VOCs contributes to headaches, respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea and other health complications. Products like bleach, air fresheners and multipurpose cleaners are often the biggest offenders.
Solution: Switch to non-toxic or green-certified cleaning products low in VOCs. Ensure proper ventilation during and after cleaning, and avoid using air fresheners altogether, as they can introduce more harmful chemicals into the air.
2. Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell or taste and is naked to the human eye. It emerges from bedrock material, passes through soil and can seep into buildings through foundation cracks. While it’s harmless outside due to dilution, radon buildup indoors can become a serious health risk. In fact, according to the American Lung Association, long-term radon exposure has proven to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
Solution: Test your building for radon, especially if you’re in an area with known radon issues. If levels exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Action Level of 4 pCi/L, install professional mitigation systems to decrease exposure.
3. Building materials, furniture and carpeting
New office furniture, carpets, paints and adhesives can emit formaldehyde and other VOCs into the air — a phenomenon known as off-gassing. This airborne release can continue for months after purchase, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health risks. Continued exposure can lead to headaches, respiratory illnesses, hormone disruption and more.
Solution: Select furniture and carpets made from natural, untreated materials or certified by programs such as GREENGUARD. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help reduce dust and allergens trapped in carpets. Additionally, use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and adhesives for workspace renovations, and always maintain adequate airflow during these projects.
4. HVAC systems and air ducts
Over time, dust, mold and bacteria accumulate in HVAC systems and air ducts, spreading pollutants throughout the workplace when the system operates. Employees can experience aggravated allergy and asthma symptoms.
Solution: Change your air filters regularly according to manufacturer’s guidelines and schedule professional cleaning for your HVAC system and air ducts. Consider installing high-efficiency filters or air purifiers to trap smaller particles like pollen, smoke and dust.
5. Mold
Mold thrives in damp areas such as bathrooms, break rooms and personal trash cans. Mold spores can become airborne, triggering respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions. In some cases, toxic mold can lead to serious health complications and business liability concerns.
Solution: Develop a comprehensive moisture management plan. Fix leaks promptly, ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and break rooms and maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Regularly inspect moisture-prone areas, such as around windows, under sinks and near water fountains. The dampness and mold assessment tool from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can help. If mold is found, hire certified professionals for remediation and document all actions taken.
Indoor air pollution may be invisible, but its effects on employee health are very real. Addressing these hidden sources helps you create a cleaner, healthier and more comfortable business environment.