It’s time to breathe easier. After the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor air quality (IAQ) has rightfully become a focus for workplaces. Even as the pandemic subsides, the need for clean and healthy indoor air remains a priority. Poor IAQ impacts employee health, comfort, and productivity, making industrial air filtration and ventilation systems critical investments for businesses. This guide explores what you need to know about IAQ and actionable steps you can take to improve the air quality in your facilities.
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?
Health and Safety
According to OSHA, indoor air pollution contributes to a range of health issues, from asthma and chronic lung diseases, infections, and even lung cancer. Poor IAQ has also been linked to irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs as well as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. It is crucial that your workplace invest in clean air to reduce the likelihood of these symptoms and helps protect vulnerable populations such as those with preexisting conditions.
Comfort and Efficiency
Comfortable workers are efficient workers. Uncomfortable breathing environments can lead to decreased focus and lower productivity. Proper air quality enhances employee comfort, ensuring they remain alert and productive throughout the day. In addition to protecting your workers, clean indoor air should be the focus of any place where people could possibly be at risk, including environments like hospitals, schools, or grocery stores. It is particularly important to protect folks with disabilities.
Environmental Impact
Improving IAQ is part of creating environmentally responsible spaces. Upgrading to modern industrial ventilation systems and air filtration technologies can boost energy efficiency while reducing environmental harm. Learn more about eco-friendly strategies in our Knowledge Center article.
How Industrial Air Filtration Helps Improve IAQ
Industrial air filtration systems play a vital role in reducing indoor allergens, pollutants, and harmful particles. The filtration process involves removing particles and other pollutants from the air. The minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV) standard allows you to compare the efficiency of different filters. The gold standard filter is a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles that are 0.3 micron in size and an even greater percentage of larger or smaller particles (both of which are trapped more efficiently). Portable HEPA purifiers target smaller spaces whereas industrial-grade filtration can handle high-traffic or high-pollutant areas like warehouses, factories, and industrial facilities.
Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Understanding the causes of poor IAQ is the first step toward addressing them. There are many environmental and ventilation issues that can lead to bad air quality. Poorly maintained or outdated industrial ventilation systems can trap pollutants instead of expelling them. High or low humidity can create uncomfortable and potentially hazardous conditions, such as mold or overly dry air. Some common indoor pollutants:
- Tobacco products
- Combustion appliances such as stoves, ovens, space heaters, and fireplaces
- Cleaning products and building materials emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Excessive moisture leading to mold growth
- Outdoor pollutants, such as radon, pesticides, and allergens, infiltrating indoor spaces.
Some pollutant sources - like building materials - release pollutants at a fairly consistent rate whil activities like smoking or cleaning are more intermittent. In some scenarios, appliances or other indoor products malfunction or are not vented properly, releasing higher than normal concentrations of pollutants. Once emitted into the air, each pollutant type can vary in how long it lingers in the air. Some can last for long periods even after the activity that produced them has stopped.
Seasonal Factors Affecting IAQ
Seasonal changes impact IAQ, with unique challenges presented during each time of year:
- Winter: Limited ventilation traps pollutants indoors, while heating systems often lower humidity, making the air uncomfortably dry.
- Spring: Pollen counts surge, increasing indoor allergens when windows are opened for fresh air.
- Summer: High humidity can lead to mold growth, and outdoor ozone can infiltrate indoor spaces.
- Fall: Similar to spring, pollen and other allergens are a concern in many areas.
Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Addressing IAQ requires a combination of targeted strategies and advanced tools:
1. Control Pollution at the Source
There are some key ways to control air pollution before it becomes a problem:
- Maintain appliances to prevent malfunctions that release pollutants
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce the emission of VOCs
- Seal doors and windows to minimize outdoor pollutants entering indoor spaces
2. Enhance Ventilation
Industrial ventilation systems are critical in facilities where natural airflow is insufficient. Upgrading to modern systems improves airflow and reduces pollutant buildup. Additionally, strategically placed fans can enhance circulation and distribute clean air throughout the workspace.
3. Invest in Air Quality Tools
Modern IAQ tools are designed to provide immediate and long-term benefits:
Portable Air Purifiers:
Ideal for offices, classrooms, or smaller spaces, these units reduce indoor allergens and eliminate harmful particles.
Portable HEPA Purifiers:
Compact and efficient, these purifiers are perfect for targeting specific areas, offering HEPA-level filtration without needing large installations.
Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers:
Ensure humidity levels remain optimal to prevent mold growth or discomfort from dry air. Investing in humidifiers or dehumidifiers ensures that humidity levels remain between 30-50%, creating a balanced and healthy indoor environment regardless of the season.
Industrial Air Filtration Systems:
For larger environments, these systems are indispensable in tackling heavy-duty air quality challenges.
Industrial Ventilation Systems:
Enhance airflow in large spaces, reducing pollutants efficiently.
High-Efficiency Air Filters:
Upgrade your HVAC systems for cleaner, healthier air.
Indoor air quality affects your workforce, their productivity, and your business’s success. By tackling pollutant sources, upgrading ventilation, and using advanced tools like portable air purifiers and industrial air filtration systems, you can create a healthier, more comfortable environment.
Ready to take the next step? Explore Global Industrial’s full range of IAQ solutions and let us help you transform your workspace into a cleaner, more productive environment.
The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional. Under no circumstances will Global Industrial® be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.