How to Improve the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Your Workplace

Do you work indoors? If so, you should consider taking steps to improve the air quality of your workplace. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside of most homes and commercial buildings is at least five times more polluted than the outdoor air. The good news is that you can improve your workplace's indoor air quality (IAQ) by following these tips.

Add Plants

For cleaner air in your workplace, decorate it with plants. Plants have an air-purifying effect when used indoors. They absorb airborne pollutants -- dust, mold, bacteria, etc. -- while simultaneously producing fresh oxygen. You can add plants throughout your workplace to improve its IAQ.

Change Air Filters Regularly

You should change your workplace's air filters on a regular basis. Air filters are used in heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems. Both residential and commercial HVAC systems typically have at least one air filter. As air flows through them, the filters will remove pollutants from the air. But air filters are only effective if you regularly change them. Neglecting to change the air filters in your workplace's HVAC system will result in higher concentrations of airborne pollutants.

Check Ventilation Systems

Another tip to improve your workplace's IAQ is to check all ventilation systems. Certain machines and appliances must be ventilated when used indoors. Any gas-burning machines and appliances, for instance, will typically require ventilation. They must be connected to a pipe or flue so that the combustion gases will be expelled outdoors. Clogged or otherwise defective ventilation systems can cause combustion gases to build up inside of your workplace, thereby polluting the indoor air.

Get the Ductwork Cleaned

When was the last time that you had your workplace's ductwork cleaned? If it's been over a year -- or if you've never had it cleaned -- you may want to schedule an appointment. There's a correlation between IAQ and ductwork cleanliness. Homes and buildings with dirty ductwork typically have poorer IAQ than those with clean ductwork. if your workplace has dirty ductwork, some of the pollutants trapped inside of the air ducts will gradually escape into your workplace.

Monitor Humidity

Monitoring the humidity in your workplace can help you improve the IAQ. High humidity levels contribute to airborne pollutants. If the humidity is high, mold will grow. And mold spores are airborne pollutants. By monitoring the humidity, you can take action if it's too high. A humidity level of 50% or higher may require action to prevent mold growth.