Indoor air quality is vital to your health and well-being, especially in a commercial setting where people spend a significant amount of their time. And as a property owner or manager, you need to identify and address potential sources of indoor air pollution to maintain a safe, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment.

This article highlights three primary things that affect indoor air quality in a commercial building and provide insights on how to improve indoor air quality.

Poor Ventilation System

A poorly designed or maintained HVAC system is one of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality. An HVAC system helps regulate temperature and humidity levels to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. However, if the system is not maintained or cleaned adequately, it can harbor mold, dust, and other contaminants, leading to poor indoor air quality. The contaminants will circulate throughout the building, leading to various indoor air quality issues such as respiratory irritation, eye and skin irritation, fatigue, and headaches. In some cases, poor indoor air quality can even trigger asthma and allergy attacks.

To improve indoor air quality, check on the performance of your HVAC system regularly and clean or replace air filters regularly. It is also important to ensure that the system is adequately ventilated and that outdoor air can enter the building. Remove any blockages inside the vents that may prevent proper airflow. Additionally, make sure to air out any damp areas regularly to reduce the risk of mold growth.

Chemical Pollutants

Another common cause of poor indoor air quality is the presence of chemicals in the environment. Chemical contaminants come from various sources, including cleaning agents, building materials, office equipment, furniture, and more. These pollutants can be released into the air in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can cause a range of health issues, such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.

To reduce the impact of chemical pollutants, switch to non-toxic or green cleaning products, choose low-VOC building materials, and try to open windows and doors to allow the exchange of fresh air. Proper ventilation can also help remove harmful chemicals from the indoor environment, so ensure there aren't any obstacles blocking airflow. Additionally, consider installing an air purification system in the building to filter out pollutants and improve indoor air quality. These devices can capture a large percentage of chemical pollutants, drastically reducing the risk of health problems.

If you need an air quality assessment or advice on how to improve your indoor air quality, contact an experienced indoor air quality specialist for assistance. They will be able to provide a full assessment and help you develop an effective plan to ensure the best possible indoor air quality in your building. And with their help, you can take the necessary steps to improve indoor air quality and protect the health of those in your building. Reach out to facility air quality maintenance services near you to learn more.