Professional cleaning services tips and advice for improving office indoor air quality to ensure employee health and safety.
Professional Cleaning Services and Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality plays a significant role in the health and well-being of office workers.
Poor air quality contributes to work fatigue and lack of job engagement, as well as numerous health issues.
San Joaquin Valley smog has decreased in the last few years, but a significant road still lies ahead.
Sources contributing to the problem are:
- Geophysical Environment - The Valley's bowl shape makes it difficult for the wind to push air out of the region.
- Rapid Population Growth - The relatively low housing costs, combined with increased birth rates has caused an increase in population, meaning an increase in the number of individuals contributing to pollution.
- Shipping Corridor - A lack of modern rail transit has contributed to an increased amount of diesel truck traffic through the I-5 and I-99 corridors.
- Large-Scale Dairies - Rapidly increasing local milk production, compounded by extremely weak regulations before 2003, has contributed significantly to the air pollution issue.
For More Information:
Health Effects of Air Pollution
According to San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, air pollution contributes to:
- Irritation of mucous membranes
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chest pain and tightness
- Dry throat
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Air pollutants such as ground-level ozone and particulate matter can aggravate chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
When exposed to high levels, people may experience shortness of breath, pain during deep breaths, and impaired lung function.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association goes on further to state:
When exposed to such allergens, 10 percent or more of the population may exhibit symptoms including sneezing, swollen airways or asthma-like attacks.
Indoor Air Quality and Office Health
Air pollution costs San Joaquin Valley residents more than $3 Billion annually in health-related expenses.
Poor indoor air quality is a contributor to sick building syndrome.
Common factors that contribute to indoor air pollution and poor air quality are:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2), tobacco smoke, perfume, body odors – from building occupants.
- Dust, fiberglass, asbestos, gasses, including formaldehyde – from building materials.
- Toxic vapours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – from workplace cleansers, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants, glues.
- Gases, vapours, odours – off-gas emissions from furniture, carpets, and paints.
- Dust mites – from carpets, fabric, foam chair cushions.
- Microbial contaminants, fungi, moulds, bacteria – from damp areas, stagnant water and condensate pans.
- Ozone – from photocopiers, electric motors, electrostatic air cleaners.
Establishing Good Indoor Air Quality
Good indoor air quality is typically the result of several factors:
- Ventilation.
- Humidity.
- Temperature.
- Air Movement.
To achieve a high quality of indoor air:
- Ensure the air ducts and vents are not blocked.
- Open windows and doors where practical.
- Use HEPA filtered vacuums and air filters.
- Clean carpets and upholstery regularly.
- Remove all trash daily.
- Properly water indoor plants on a regular basis.
References
- San Joaquin Valley Hits Air Quality Milestone
- Indoor Air Quality
- An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality
Takeaway
The Central Valley's air quality, though improving, is still pretty bad, especially in the Summer.
Air quality contributes to mild to severe allergic reactions in a significant number of the population.
Those reactions contribute to poor work performance and customer experience, translating into lost profit.
Factors that add to bad indoor air quality range from the office building to toxins we bring in with us.
There are several steps that, when managed by a professional, will significantly improve the overall air quality in your office.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of professional cleaning services for your business, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 395-3009
In Fresno CA, call (559) 473-1790
