Time to Clear the Air

Keeping spaces free of viruses and other pathogens has been a hot topic over the last few years. To maintain facility safety, surface cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing using strong chemical cleaners has increased. Heightened use of chemical cleaners has multiplied the amount of chemicals put into the air we breathe, creating a growing health and wellness concern.

Indoor Air Pollution – It’s a Thing

Did you know that air pollutant levels are actually two to five times higher indoors than outdoors? Pollutants that are commonly found indoors include pollen, dust, viruses and other pathogens as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Through a process called “off-gassing”, VOCs from cleaners, paint, air fresheners and other products are released into the air.

The Invisible Risk

Inhalation of indoor air pollutants can cause short and long-term health effects. Exposure to pollen, dust and mold may result in sneezing, coughing, fever and dizziness. In environments with inadequate ventilation, people also face greater risk of infection from pathogens lingering in the air.

For some people, even brief exposure to VOCs can lead to nausea, dizziness and headaches, while prolonged exposure can be associated with central nervous system damage and serious diseases.

Sick Building Syndrome

Over the last three decades, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has become a more common diagnosis used to describe the adverse health effects linked to the time individuals spend in buildings with poor air quality.  The pollutants and gasses that leech into the air and are recycled through HVAC systems can lead to increased rates of SBS. The phenomenon has been exacerbated in recent years as buildings continue to be constructed closer together, living and working spaces are scaled down, and energy conservation measures limit the amount of outside air that makes it inside. These compounding factors explain why it’s more important than ever to clean indoor air.

Purifying Indoor Air

The latest air purification technology is designed to combat air pollutants and keep indoor spaces healthy and safe. Here’s how it works: air is pulled into an air purification unit and passed through a filtration system where pollutants are trapped. Clean air is then pushed back out into the space.

With an air purification system, the air in any room can be changed at varying frequencies, depending on how many people typically occupy the space and how frequently the space is used.

There are a few elements to consider when choosing an air purification system for your facility. Square foot capacity, filtering type and sound level are factors that differ from system-to-system, so it is important to understand these differences and select the correct specifications for each space.

To learn more about air purification technology, ask our Cleaning and Hygiene experts. They will assess your facility, discuss a range of options and recommend the right solution for a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.