Your employees probably spend from eight hours and up breathing the air within your company. Unfortunately, the air indoors can be just as polluted — if not worse — than the air outdoors. Low-quality indoor air can Impact you and your employees' health, well-being and productivity [1], according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  It’s a good idea to address any air-quality issues you have in the workplace to improve indoor air quality with air purifiers, clean products and proper maintenance.

Learn about the five steps you can take for a healthier environment for both employees and clients.

1.       Measure Pollutant Levels

When considering indoor air quality, a good place to start is to measure the amount of radon in the air. Carbon monoxide is another chemical to test for. Both are odorless and colorless and can cause a multitude of health problems. Your company may also be susceptible to other contaminates including harmful gases, soot and particles from cooktops, furnaces and gas ranges. Contact the EPA for testing, or you could decide to perform the tests yourself.

2.       Perform Routine Maintenance

Aside from upkeep on your HVAC system, there are other regular maintenance tasks you should perform within your business. Monitor indoor moisture levels to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria, and install dehumidifiers when necessary. Check your gutters, downspouts and leaders to be certain they are working properly, and make sure the gutters carry water away from your building.

Advise employees to store food properly, and dispose of garbage immediately to prevent odors and mold. By keeping your environment clean, you prevent insects and other pests from making your business their home. Cockroaches are well known for causing respiratory illnesses, so it’s best to address this issue with insect repellents or to hire a professional pest control specialist.

3.       Maintain Proper Ventilation

Did you know that particles can hide in your commercial duct work and can build up in your HVAC and ventilation systems? This occurs when your air filter has not been changed regularly. Particles get trapped in the filter, which gets distributed into the air when the system turns on. To avoid this from occurring, have your air ducts inspected yearly. And, when a visible buildup occurs, have your ducts scrubbed and cleaned.

4.       Purchase Environmentally-Conscious Products

Before purchasing any furniture or office supply products, be sure you know what you’re getting. Many desks, chairs and other items are manufactured using chemicals during the finishing process. These chemicals are released into the air as the products are used. Look for office chairs and other items that bear the Greenguard Certification. These eco-conscious pieces of furniture have been tested to meet rigorous standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air thereby helping to improve the quality of your environment. Visit ul.com/gg for details.

5.       Install Air Filter Systems

There are many types of air purifiers on the market that can assist in cleaning up your commercial indoor air quality. From tabletop systems to whole office purifiers, choose one to best suit your company needs. Air cleaners are measured by their percentage efficiency rate. The higher the rate, the better the purifier will filter your air. These devices work by scrubbing your indoor air of dust, pollen, mold and other minute particles. The result is healthier odor-free air.

If you’re concerned about indoor air quality within your place of business, your best bet is to have your building inspected and address any problem areas. Remove anything that could be causing illnesses and symptoms with your employees and also assure them that every breath taken is clean and fresh air. With just a few simple adjustments and the installation of an office air purifier, you can keep employees healthy, safe and productive.

1. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/office-building-occupants-guide-indoor-air-quality