For the most part, we take our air conditioning and ventilation for granted. There are few places in the Western world that don’t have access to air conditioning and ventilation, and we are able to spend up to 90% of our time in America indoors. However, we don’t always look at the potential danger of our indoor air.
In the U.S. the top concerns for air quality actually happen indoors, rather than the outdoor air pollution that we can see from industrial sites. The EPA lists these indoor air contaminants as top health concerns in both residential and commercial facilities:
- Dust particles
- Bacteria and viruses
- Combustion products
- Excess moisture leading to mold and mildew
- Radon
- Pesticides
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
These contaminants can hurt our immune systems or cause a host of short- and long-term diseases that are hard to recover from. Respiratory issues such as COPD and asthma can also be exacerbated by these contaminants, or even be caused by them after prolonged exposure. For the safety and wellbeing of your staff, you should follow these steps to improve your commercial facility’s indoor air quality:
Unblock air vents.
Air vents can be blocked by furniture, appliances, or other structures near the vent. This can cause problems with circulation, causing contaminants to stay in the system for longer. By removing any potential barriers to airflow, you can create better indoor air quality.
Ensure proper ventilation with combustion products.
Appliances such as your furnace, water heater, and commercial stoves should be outfitted with advanced ventilation to remove any potential dangers in your facility. These appliances need to be on a tight maintenance schedule in order to ensure safety and health for your tenants. Talk to MaintenX about your preventative maintenance options for these products.
Watch out for water intrusion.
Your HVAC system is a prime location for condensation and coolant leaks if you are not diligent in its maintenance. These leaks can cause mold and mildew to grow, which will eventually be circulated through the air. In order to prevent this danger. Schedule regular preventative maintenance on your unit.
Reduce harmful chemical use.
Industrial and manufacturing facilities often use harsh cleaning chemicals or substances in their production, but you can limit the exposure of your employees to improve their workplace health. By limiting exposure to these substances and not using them when necessary, you can improve your indoor air quality. Exposure to VOCs is especially critical, so check with manufacturers before using certain cleaning products, upholstery, and pesticides.
MaintenX cares about the health and wellness of your facility’s staff. That is why we place extra emphasis on clean working environments and HVAC maintenance to ensure you’re not circulating these contaminants in your air. To learn more about our preventative care services, contact us today!
