Recognizing the enemies of quality indoor air and the long-term effects of ignoring them.
Located in the heart of a bustling city, Anytown Elementary School once stood as a beacon of education. However, hidden within its walls was a silent threat that jeopardized the health and well-being of its students and staff. This is the story of Anytown Elementary School’s struggle with poor indoor air quality and the courageous individuals who fought for change.
Poor indoor air quality can have significant costs for organizations beyond what may be immediately apparent. Your company may be experiencing issues associated with poor IAQ beyond your employee’s health. Hopefully, the direct impact on human health and well-being is a priority but there are also indirect costs associated with bad indoor air quality that are not always recognized. Here are six ways in which poor indoor air quality can affect organizations:
Decreased productivity: Indoor air pollution can cause discomfort, fatigue, headaches, and respiratory problems, all of which can diminish employee productivity. Workers may have trouble concentrating, reduced cognitive function, and increased absenteeism, leading to decreased overall output and efficiency.
Increased healthcare expenses: Exposure to pollutants in indoor air can lead to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, respiratory infections, and other chronic conditions. These health problems can result in increased healthcare expenses, including medical consultations, medication costs, and potentially more serious treatment requirements.
Higher employee turnover: Unhealthy indoor environments can contribute to employee dissatisfaction and discomfort, leading to higher turnover rates. Recruiting and training new employees can be costly and time-consuming for organizations, impacting overall productivity and stability.
Absenteeism and sick leave: Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate existing health conditions or create new ones, leading to increased sick leave and absenteeism. The cost of paying employees during their absence, as well as the need for temporary replacements and reduced productivity, can have a significant monetary impact on organizations.
Increased energy consumption: Addressing indoor air quality issues often requires improving ventilation and air filtration systems, which can result in increased energy consumption. Higher energy usage leads to increased utility costs, impacting the organization’s bottom line.
Damage to reputation: Organizations that neglect indoor air quality may face reputational damage. Employees, customers, and stakeholders may view an organization negatively if it is perceived as not prioritizing the health and well-being of its workforce. Negative publicity or social media attention can harm the organization’s brand and potentially lead to a loss of business.
“Dealing with a global health crisis has made employers see even more clearly just how important it is to have healthy employees – and the responsibility they have to look after their people’s wellbeing,”
Richard Branson
Employer Liability to Ensure Clean Indoor Air
Employers have a duty to provide a safe and healthy work environment, which includes addressing indoor air quality. Here are five common aspects of an employer’s legal responsibilities.
Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: Employers are typically required to comply with occupational health and safety regulations that include provisions for maintaining good indoor air quality. These regulations may specify ventilation requirements, permissible pollutant levels, and guidelines for addressing indoor air quality issues.
Preventive Measures: Employers should take proactive measures to prevent indoor air quality problems. This may involve regular inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems, ensuring proper ventilation, and monitoring pollutant levels. Employers should also assess potential sources of indoor air pollution, such as chemicals, allergens, and particulate matter, and take steps to minimize their presence or exposure.
Communication and Information: Employers should communicate with employees about indoor air quality concerns, potential hazards, and any measures being taken to address them. This may include providing information on the proper use of ventilation systems, encouraging employees to report any issues, and educating them on the importance of good indoor air quality.
Prompt Response to Complaints: Employers should have procedures in place for employees to report indoor air quality concerns or complaints. Employers must promptly investigate and address such complaints, taking appropriate action to identify and resolve the underlying issues.
Training and Education: Employers may have a responsibility to provide training to employees regarding indoor air quality, including awareness of potential hazards, proper use of ventilation systems, and any specific protocols or procedures related to maintaining good indoor air quality.
It is important for employers to consult relevant occupational health and safety legislation, as well as any industry-specific regulations, in their area to understand the specific requirements and legal responsibilities related to indoor air quality. Additionally, seeking guidance from occupational health and safety professionals or legal experts can help ensure compliance and the well-being of employees. Several industries are more likely to have poor indoor air quality due to the nature of their operations and the potential emission of pollutants. Examples of the industries that commonly face challenges with indoor air quality include:
Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities: Industries involved in manufacturing, such as metalworking, chemical production, and electronics manufacturing, often generate airborne pollutants and hazardous substances that can have a negative impact on indoor air quality.
Healthcare Facilities: Although healthcare facilities focus on patient care and cleanliness, they can still face challenges in maintaining optimal indoor air quality. Factors such as the use of chemicals, disinfectants, and airborne pathogens can contribute to the deterioration of air quality in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings.
Laboratories: Laboratories dealing with research and analysis often handle chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other hazardous substances. Poor ventilation systems or inadequate controls can result in the release of these pollutants into the indoor environment, affecting air quality.
Commercial Kitchens: Restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments can have poor indoor air quality due to the combustion byproducts from cooking appliances, such as gas stoves and ovens. Grease, smoke, and odors can accumulate if exhaust systems are not properly maintained or designed.
Printing and Graphic Arts: Printing presses and graphic arts facilities involve the use of inks, solvents, and chemicals that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These emissions can contribute to poor indoor air quality if not adequately controlled.
Beauty Salons and Nail Salons: Hair and nail salons often use a variety of products containing chemicals, such as hair dyes, nail polishes, and adhesives. These substances can release harmful fumes and VOCs, leading to poor air quality if ventilation is insufficient.
To mitigate costs and promote a healthy indoor environment, organizations should invest in regular maintenance of HVAC systems, proper ventilation, effective air filtration, and monitoring of indoor air quality. Implementing policies and programs to raise awareness about the importance of indoor air quality, along with providing a comfortable and healthy workspace, can contribute to a more productive and sustainable organizational environment.
Additional resources:
Going the extra mile affects employees and your bottom line. Most IAQ experts strongly suggest going beyond established guidelines and regulations, but it is a good place to start.
Relevant Blogs:
Frequently Asked Questions About IAQ
Is Your Building Making You Sick
The Truth About Air Filtration and Disinfection Technologies to Improve Your IAQ
Video: HALO Air Purification System
Additional Guidelines and regulations exist to ensure good indoor air quality. Here are four examples:
ASHRAE Standards: The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provides guidelines and standards for ventilation rates, acceptable indoor air quality, and HVAC system design. The most referenced standard is ASHRAE Standard 62.1, which outlines minimum ventilation rates and requirements for indoor air quality in commercial buildings.
LEED Certification: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, includes criteria for indoor environmental quality, including ventilation, air filtration, and the use of low-emitting materials. Buildings seeking LEED certification must meet specific requirements to ensure good indoor air quality.
OSHA Indoor Air Quality Guidelines: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provides guidelines for maintaining indoor air quality in the workplace. These guidelines address various indoor air pollutants, ventilation requirements, and strategies for preventing and resolving indoor air quality issues.
Local Regulations: Most states have their own regulations or guidelines pertaining to indoor air quality. These regulations may set specific standards for ventilation rates, permissible pollutant levels, and requirements for building design and maintenance. It is essential for organizations to familiarize themselves with the applicable regulations and guidelines in their region and ensure compliance. Consulting with experts in the field of indoor air quality, such as air filtration experts who offer proven, professional vetted solutions, HVAC professionals or environmental consultants, can also help organizations implement appropriate measures and maintain a healthy indoor environment.