Sources of Contamination of the Office Air Quality
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Posted On :
Apr-24-2018
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Article Word Count :
688
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When the quality of air is compromised in the office it can cause negative effects on the environment. The effects are not just respiratory irritations but can be drastic like cancer. The contaminants of air quality result from various sources of which some are unexpected.
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When the quality of air is compromised in the office it can cause negative effects on the environment. The effects are not just respiratory irritations but can be drastic like cancer. The contaminants of air quality result from various sources of which some are unexpected. To address some of the issues, you will have to consider indoor air quality testing and evaluation to ensure a better working condition for you and your staff.
Poor Ventilation
A large number of indoor air contaminants come from poor ventilation. In healthy ventilation processes, fresh air moves in as contaminated air go out of the office or room continuously. When air does not circulate properly nor doesn’t at all, the environment becomes moist and because of that, the place develops moisture which promotes growth of microorganisms including mites and mould. This is when you hear people complaining about stuffiness. An HVAC system that is not operating to current standards allows pollen, VOCs, smoke, insects and microorganisms and other outdoor air contaminants to enter or if generated internally to build up in the office area or room causing the occupants to get headaches, allergies and sometimes even worse conditions like cancer over extended period of exposure. Where no sources of moisture are present in the building and symptoms associated with exposure to mould are experienced in the office area by occupants, mould in HVAC system may be suspected. This would require careful mould inspection and testing by qualified mould specialist.
Renovation and Construction
During building renovation or construction activities small, fine dust particles are generated from the construction materials and released into the indoor air. This contaminated air can be dangerous if inhaled since in most circumstances it contains toxic chemical substances. Any construction done in a workplace puts everyone around at risk of inhaling these substances if no adequate control measures are implemented. It is recommended to avoid using the same space during and sometime after construction for the air to clear.
Building Materials
Some building materials can contaminate the air quality of the office area. Good examples are synthetic mineral fibre (SMF), asbestos, lead paint, lead dust in ceilings, PCBs, VOCs and formaldehyde. All these hazardous building materials can have serious health risks if occupants are exposed to them in uncontrolled form. To avoid disturbance to these hazardous materials you need to engage a hazardous materials consultant to carry out hazardous materials survey and prepare hazardous building materials report or hazmat report. When contractors working on the building have adequate procedures in place they can control the release of such contaminants into indoor air and prevent unwanted exposure.
Office Equipment and Machines
Office equipment and machines like printers, photocopiers, and even furniture are capable of generating toxic substances into the air such as ozone, carbon black and nanoparticles. When these substances become excessive, the air is made unhealthy for the workers to use because of the diseases they can get. Competent indoor air quality consultants should be engaged to test indoor air for those contaminants and evaluate exposure and control measures.
Cleaning Agents and Supplies
A great number of cleaning agents have chemicals and substances that can cause harmful diseases when you breathe. Take note that even those that brag to contain natural properties and are environmental friendly may also be hazardous. You and your employees need not worry about these contaminants but it is important to know to reduce your exposure to as low as reasonably practicable.
If cleaning is not thoroughly done and dust particles and residue are left behind in the case where non-HEPA vacuum cleaners are used, they can build up and contaminate the indoor environment exposing all the employees to risky inhalation.
The air quality of an office is important to your staff. Ensuring that it is clean can improve productivity at the workplace and foster a healthy environment for everyone. You need an occupational hygienist Sydney and other specialists to carry out relevant testing and identify potential contaminants in the office environment so that the proper solutions are put in place.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Sources of Contamination of the Office Air Quality_321601.aspx
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Author Resource :
The author is an experienced occupational hygienist in Sydney and a blogger offering expert services to industries such as construction, government, Defence and much more. Visit https://www.healthsafetyconsultants.com.au/ for details!
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Keywords :
indoor air quality testing, mould inspection and testing, occupational hygienist Sydney,
Category :
Health and Fitness
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Health and Fitness
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