6 Ways to Check Air Quality at Work

Step 1. Everything from building materials to cleaning agents can be to blame

There are many factors that can worsen the air quality in an office space. Poor ventilation is the most common cause, but it is not the only cause of the problem. Cleaning products, air fresheners, and pesticides can affect air quality; office machines can emit smoke; while furniture and building materials can release chemicals such as formaldehyde into the air. Dust and mold also contribute to this problem.

• If there is a renovation or new construction work in your office, this problem could be caused by things like dust, paint, or adhesives.
• Exhaust fumes from vehicles can also enter the building through the ventilation system.

Step 1. Workers in your office may experience sinus and respiratory symptoms

You may experience a dry or burning sensation in your eyes, nose, and throat, or have frequent stuffy or runny noses. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea may also appear. More subtle symptoms usually include feeling tired, lethargic, irritable, or forgetful. All of these symptoms can be caused by poor air quality in the room, regardless of the source of the problem.

• Of course, the air quality in the office may not be related to any of the above symptoms – the problem could be due to other things, such as stress, poor lighting, noise, or vibration.
• These problems can occur in people in certain areas of the office or can spread throughout the room. In addition, some people may not feel any of these symptoms at all, while others may experience quite severe symptoms.
• If you become aware of the appearance of the above symptoms, report to management, consult a doctor, and report the matter to a doctor, nurse, or head of the health and safety department working at your company.

Question 3 of 6: What should I do if my workplace has poor air quality?

Step 1. Start by walking around the office to find the source of the problem

Sometimes, the cause of poor air quality is very easy to find if you look for it. For example, you may notice thick dust coming out of the top of the door frame or chemical packaging that is not stored properly in the cupboard. Be sure to check the vents when walking around – check that the air ducts in the vents are not clogged as this has a major impact on air quality.

• The type of chemical used by cleaners can also be a source of trouble – make sure all cleaning supplies in the office are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
• Watch for pungent odors in new building materials or furniture – they may also emit VOCs.
• Consult with building maintenance staff to find out the frequency with which office air filters are replaced and ventilation cleaned.
• Look for areas that are prone to mold growth, such as wet carpets or areas that are waterlogged.
• Check that the ventilation openings in the building are located in areas frequented by cars or trucks, and ensure that the ventilation inlets and outlets are not close together.

Step 2. Perform testing if you suspect certain contamination

Testing is useful if you think the air in the office is contaminated, but it doesn't have to be the first step. A portable air test is especially useful if you know what to test and where the test will be performed. However, this test is not accurate for measuring air quality in general. On the other hand, professional testing is much more accurate, but the cost is higher. Because of this, it's best to do a test if you have identified the source of the problem that is disturbing the air quality.

Question 4 of 6: How do I test the air quality in the workplace?

Step 1. Use a portable air sensor if you know the contaminant you are testing

If certain areas of the office affect the air quality of the entire room, you can use a portable air sensor to check. However, each sensor is only used to test for certain contaminants so you should know what to test before buying the device.

• Choose a sensor capable of testing for small particles if you believe the air in the office is contaminated with dust, dirt, mold, soot, or chemicals escaping from a nearby vehicle or factory.
• Choose a gas sensor to test for the presence of gases such as ozone from office machines, VOCs from cleaning products, or nitrogen dioxide from motor vehicle emissions.

Step 2. Contact a professional for more intensive testing

Professional indoor moisture testing costs a lot of money so it's best to do this if you really believe your office has been contaminated. If you believe testing is necessary, find a nearby consultant who specializes in indoor air testing. Use the internet to search for keywords such as “environmental consultant near me” or “air hygiene survey service near me.” In the United States, you can find a list of these service providers on government health institutions' websites.

• Look for a consultant with a specific certification, such as the American Council for Accredited Certification or the Indoor Air Quality Association certification.
• The cost of the service depends on a variety of factors, from the contaminants being tested, the size of the office, and the scale of the test.
• Get a professional test done as soon as possible if you suspect a dangerous contaminant such as radon, lead or asbestos.
• If you are performing your air test professionally, be sure to notify the occupational health and safety staff, if available.

Question 5 of 6: How to improve air quality in the office?

Step 1. Identify and fix the source of the contamination

Some problems, such as clogged air vents or dusty environments, are very easy to fix; You just need to get rid of the blockage in the ventilation or do a thorough cleaning of the office. Other issues, such as improper ventilation, chemical pollution from nearby buildings, or mold infestation, may need to be resolved with the building owner, environmental agency, or even the local government.

• For example, the exhaust duct in the office may need to be moved so that it is not too close to the air duct. This may require major construction work.
• Don't rely on portable air purifiers to improve air quality in the office – they are less effective and some products can even emit ozone which can worsen air quality in the office. It's best to fix the source of the problem directly.

Step 2. Make a strategy to keep the air clean in all office areas

Ask everyone in the office to participate in improving the air quality in the office. If employees smoke, make sure they do so outdoors and away from air vents. Establish policies on how to store and dispose of food, and ensure that maintenance and cleaning staff use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products.

• To prevent mold growth, clean up spills as soon as possible and don't over-water plants in the office.
• Also, make sure everyone understands that ventilation in the office should not be blocked by anything.

Question 6 of 6: Can poor air quality cause disease?

Step 1. Yes, there are many diseases that can arise as a result of this condition

If you breathe dirty air indoors, you can develop problems such as asthma, Legionnaires' disease, or humidifier fever. You may also develop extreme sensitivity to certain contaminants over time – so instead of adapting your body to unhealthy exposures to air, you may end up experiencing more serious health problems if you continue to work there.

• Asthma can be triggered by a variety of airborne contaminants, including cigarette smoke; dust, mold and other small particles; or dust mites, cockroaches, and other insects.
• Legionella bacteria are the cause of Legionnaire's disease -the bacteria are usually found in damp or damp areas.
• There are many different types of bacteria and fungi that can trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis and cause coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and fever. Similarly, toxic bacteria are also suspected as the cause of humidifier fever which has flu-like symptoms.
• Some contaminants, such as radon or asbestos, don't cause immediate symptoms – the health problems you experience can show up years later.