Occupational Matters IAQ health check will ensure your office safety
Indoor environments are enclosed and air quality is reduced from lack of ‘new’ air entering the area. There are four major contributing factors to IAQ pollutant sources; heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, pollutant pathways and people. Air quality can be improved by eliminating pollutants, controlling emission inputs, increasing ventilation and adding air cleaners to enclosed area. Indoor ventilation is a problem as it causes occupants to breathe in recycled air and traps pollutants, increasing levels from 2.5 to even 100 times higher than outdoor exposures.
Pollutants entering the indoor area can be classified into dust, pollen, biological spores (mould/bacteria), and moisture content, high temperatures and emission inputs.
Indoor pollution is effecting and causing more health related implications due to the increased indoor activities either by personal choice or through occupational reasons.
Many office environments are now being affected by what is known as sick building syndrome. Buildings poor IAQ is due to tightly sealed buildings, not allowing indoor air to escape or outdoor air to enter. These buildings are constructed by cost effective measures and create poor air by limited ventilation to save energy, synthetic building materials/ furnishings releasing fibers and increased usage of chemicals products (personal care products, pesticides, office chemical products and household cleaners). The symptoms of this syndrome can include headaches, dizziness, and sinus congestion, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throats and lack of concentration.
Emission source inputs from are from technology surrounding our indoor worlds both at work, in the car and at the workplace. These can affect our indoor happiness by combustion pollutants are CO, NO X and SO2.These pollutants are given off from fuel sources being used within a small area and by products lower ventilation by absorbing already reduced oxygen levels. Fuel sources are used in heating and cooking appliances and outcomes of the pollutants can induce typical poor indoor air quality respiratory complaints.
Solutions
- Keep indoor humidity to below 60% (Optimum level – 30 to 50% relative humidity)
- Lower humidity by addition of humidifier
- Control or repair water leaks, clear damaged furnishings or carpet immediately, indoor spills and condensation as dry surfaces stop mold growth
- Air conditioners drip trays and filters should be regularly maintained
- Ensure combustion emissions are redirected to outside environment
- Minimise dust by thorough cleaning of indoor area i.e. furnishings, surfaces and air conditioner filters
- Improve air flow by checking ventilation system is delivering the correct air exchanges to area (Optimum rate – 10 air exchanges)
- Upgrade ventilation with pollutant removing function
- Reduce use of chemicals indoors i.e. aerosols, paints, solvents, air fresheners, cleaners and fume producing consumables
- Conduct regular maintenance of the ventilation system
- Identify biological contaminants by testing to reduce allergic and respiratory reactions
Occupational Matters hygienist would be able to complete indoor air quality testing to detect the possible source of contaminants and concentrations to ensure the occupational safety for your workplace. Our expert hygienist can offer advice on how to improve your IAQ in your home or work environment.
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