Commercial Indoor Air Quality

While there have been plenty of discussions about outdoor air quality, we don’t often think about the quality of our air indoors. It is estimated that Canadians spend between 60 and 90 percent of their time indoors. With all this time spent indoors, it’s important to ensure the air we breathe is good quality. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that indoor air quality may be 50 times worse than the air we breathe outside. Commercial building owners may feel stuck when prioritizing between sustainability or health and safety issues. In reality, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. By learning about the latest advancements and options in indoor air quality, you can make the best decisions for your commercial space, clients, customers, and employees.

Commercial Indoor Air Quality Testing

To check if your commercial building meets indoor air quality standards, you may want to schedule professional air sampling. While the test isn’t designed to solve air quality issues, it will shed light on the indoor air you breathe. An air sample can identify a wide range of known pollutants, including:

• Asbestos
• Lead
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Formaldehyde
• Particulate matter
• Mould contaminants

In addition to workplace air quality testing, you can also request an audit of HVAC inefficiencies and the building’s history. These details can provide further insight into the issues at hand. Information on your building’s temperatures, humidity levels, and CO2 can help fill in any gaps. Such information helps to paint a complete picture of your building’s indoor air quality or IAQ.

Which Factors Impact Air Quality Indoors?

Most commercial buildings are designed to be airtight. Although this improves energy efficiency it jeopardizes indoor air quality. Airborne contaminants build up fast inside airtight buildings because they have nowhere to go. Chemicals are often the most noticeable contaminants; new paint, flooring, and other furnishings can lead to issues like fatigue, allergies, and nausea. Even cleaning chemicals can impact your space’s IAQ.

Humidity can also impact indoor air quality. When there’s too much moisture in the air, mold and dust mites thrive. On the other hand, a lack of humidity can cause dry skin, rashes, and eye irritation. HVAC issues can also contribute to poor IAQ. Dirt and dust in air vents and the ductwork can pollute the heated or cooled air circulating through your commercial building. Excessive moisture from leaks encourages mildew and mould growth, which can trigger certain health conditions. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system can help reduce, and in many cases eliminate such issues.

Protect Your Family and Your Property Investments

While indoor air quality standards may not be at the top of your priority list, abiding by them can help improve the experiences of your employees and customers. When people can breathe easily, without inhaling dust or other contaminants, they’re likely to spend more time in your business. IAQ is no longer a preference — indoor air quality is a genuine health concern for many businesses.

Maintaining good indoor air quality not only protects your staff, customers, and your business. When the air is too humid, equipment, flooring, and appliances may also be negatively affected. Moisture gets trapped, causing wallpaper to peel and condensation to increase. Before you know it, your well-kept commercial space is in jeopardy — unless you take action.

If you’re hoping to improve indoor air quality in your commercial space and avoid discomfort and health problems, have your IAQ regularly monitored by a professional. Maintaining good air quality is important for the health of the commercial space you oversee. Periodically checking the indoor air quality in your commercial space will help ensure the health and safety of those who visit and work there.

Contact Us

At Aire Serv, we’re committed to providing our customers with the best experiences possible. If you’re concerned about your IAQ, workplace air quality testing can identify any issues. Our professionals perform all sampling using OSHA, EPA, and NIOSH best methods by adhering to recommended levels whenever possible. To make your appointment, give us a call or schedule service online today.