Indoor Air Quality | Improve Air Quality in Your Workplace

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace

One of the most important factors that can significantly impact the health, well-being and productivity of employees in any workplace, is the indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can lead to many health issues and reduce overall work efficiency. Understanding the sources and effects of common pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust and mould is essential for creating a healthier and more productive work environment.

IOH Solutions is a leader in the industry of detecting, identifying and mitigating these hazards by conducting comprehensive air quality assessments. We explore a few sources of poor indoor air quality and investigate their causes and potential effects on productivity below.

3 Contributors to Poor Indoor Air Quality and Their Effects on Employees’ Health

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are chemicals emitted as gases from various solids or liquids, including paints, cleaning supplies, adhesives, office equipment, like printers and copiers, production materials and more.

Prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, and dizziness, and contribute to long-term health problems such as liver or kidney damage, and even cancer.

2. Dust: Airborne dust particles can originate from outdoor sources like pollen and dirt or indoor sources such as carpet fibres, upholstery, paper products and production processes. Workers can track dust indoors if they do not clean their footwear adequately before entering the workplace. Indoor dust may occur when inefficient cleaning procedures are implemented, or incorrect cleaning materials are used.

Inhaling dust can trigger allergic reactions, exacerbate asthma and irritate the respiratory system, leading to reduced lung function over time.

3. Mould: Moisture and inadequate ventilation can promote mould growth in workplaces, especially in areas prone to humidity and excessive moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens or crowded factory floors. It thrives in damp, moist or wet environments with poor airflow, and its reproductive spores can be circulated to other areas through ventilation systems.

Airborne mould spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. Long-term mould exposure may also lead to chronic conditions.

3 Effects of IAQ on Productivity

Poor indoor air quality not only affects the health of employees but can also hamper productivity:

1. Increased absenteeism: Employees may take more sick days due to respiratory illnesses, allergies and other symptoms caused by poor IAQ.

2. Presenteeism: Even when present, employees may suffer from reduced concentration, headaches and discomfort which can decrease productivity.

3. Decreased morale: A workplace perceived as dirty, dusty or unhealthy due to poor IAQ can negatively impact employee morale and overall job satisfaction.

Solutions for Improved Indoor Air Quality

At IOH Solutions, our team of qualified specialists can identify IAQ hazards by conducting extensive air quality assessments and formulating effective strategies. Since 2003, we have assisted companies across most industries with occupational hygiene solutions. We are accredited by SANAS to conduct hygiene inspections specialising in areas like indoor air quality and other occupational health regulations. Moreover, we are registered with the Department of Labour as an approved inspection authority (AIA).

We will assess your premises by performing thorough evaluations and mitigate further risks by advising on the implementation of effective cleaning regimes to improve your work environment overall. For more detailed information or an obligation-free consultation, contact us today to investigate the status of your indoor air quality.