The world is still in a global pandemic. However, many companies are now opening offices for their employees. With the proper management and following of health protocols, the world will be back to normal.
Your workplace should be a place where you feel safe. It should provide a healthy environment for you despite the pandemic. Here are different ways to help in improving the workplace indoor air quality.
Installing air filters in your workplace
An air filter helps to remove pollutants in the air. A merv 13 removes very fine particulates that can harm you while working in the office. There are different functions of an air filter, including:
- clean the air
- traps and holds particulates and contaminants
- giving a comfortable and healthier workplace
Keep your workplace clean.
A clean workplace eliminates the possibility of contaminants building up. You can consider using eco-friendly cleaning tools and products. Here are some ways to keep your workplace clean:
- use storage for your things
- declutter the things you do not use
- advocate paperless transactions
- clean your desks and tables after eating
- sanitize your hands
- dust off your workplace computer
- use trash bins
Do not block your air vents.
Air vents help the air indoors to circulate well. Remove all the blockage to keep your workplace clean and airy. There are three methods you can use to ventilate your office, this includes:
Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation uses natural forces or openings to drive air inside your workplace. The openings include:
- windows
- doors
- chimneys
- ventilators
Mechanical ventilation
Mechanical ventilation circulates fresh air quality using ducts and fans. You can install these ventilators on the walls or ceilings of your workplace.
Hybrid or mixed-mode ventilation
Hybrid or mixed-mode ventilation uses both natural and mechanical ways of ventilation. This ventilation is ideal for offices and workplaces with a low ceiling.
Add plants inside your office.
You can add plants inside your office to get better air quality. Indoor plants are good filters of contaminants and pollution in the air.
Plants clean the air through photosynthesis. Indoor plants can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
According to NASA, here are some of the best plants that can help with air purification:
- Boston fern
- Gerber daisy
- Purple waffle plant
- Golden pothos
- English ivy
- Snake plants
- Chinese evergreen
- Peace lily
- Bamboo palm
- Ficus
Conduct air tests in the office
Air tests determine the correct information about workplace air quality. A higher carbon dioxide level indicates that the office has poor air quality. When conducting an air test, you should also note the following:
- humidity levels
- current airflow
- oxygen level
- ventilation level
- water damage
- average mold growth
- office odor level
Proper garbage disposal
Spoiled food contaminates the air causing poor air quality. Garbages also attract pests that generate a smelly odor in the workplace. Always follow the main components of proper waste disposal, including:
- refuse
- reduce
- reuse
- repurpose
- recycle
What are the causes of poor indoor air quality?
There are many reasons and causes of poor indoor air quality in the workplace. The causes include:
Smoke from cigarettes or tobaccos
Smoking in the undesignated area of your workplace can cause poor indoor air quality. The smoke from a cigarette contains chemical compounds that are bad for the health and environment.
Chemical pollutants
Office and building materials emit pollutants. These pollutants can destroy the air quality inside the workplace. Here is a list of some chemical compounds that can harm your office:
- gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
- office waste products from paints and cleaning supplies
- particulate matter made up of sulfates, organic chemicals, allergens, nitrate, and soil or dust particles
Dust
Dust build-up in your office contributes to poor air quality. According to American Lung Association, dusting off can improve indoor air quality. There are different ways you can get rid of the dust, including:
- using cloth when cleaning
- moping the office floors
- vacuuming the dirt and dust
- hiring professional cleaners
