Page 90 - OHS, June 2022

INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Answer the Call: Improve Indoor Air Quality and Improve Health
Clean air is attainable and beneficial for the bottom line if approached correctly.
IBY DUSTIN DEVAN
n March, as part of the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan,1 the EPA released the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge,2 a call to action for all building owners and operators, schools, colleges and universities and organizations
of all kinds to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ). This move from the EPA is a great first step toward cleaner and safer indoor spaces for office workers, teachers and students, renters and other building occupants, and signifies a growing awareness in this area since the onset of the pandemic. Facility managers, landlords and building operators should take note and begin their IAQ journey now.
Implementing the federal guidelines begins with an understanding of how air quality impacts the health and safety of occupants, includes accurate monitoring and recognizes the importance of data security. Clean air is attainable and beneficial for the bottom line if approached correctly.
What Makes Indoor Air Quality Important?
We often focus on outdoor air pollution but according to the EPA, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than those found outside.3 And while air quality in indoors spaces has been largely overlooked in the past, the pandemic brought forth a newfound awareness and concern from consumers and now, the government. According to a recent worldwide survey, 72 percent of office workers report being worried about the air quality of their office space and more than 60 percent are prepared to leave their job if their employer does not address their concerns to establish a healthier indoor environment.4
For those looking to implement the strategies suggested by the EPA, which includes creating an indoor air action plan and optimizing fresh air ventilation, it is important to first understand the underlying, invisible variables that exist in the air and impact quality of breath. The most important factors are carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), temperature and humidity; some of which can have adverse health effects.
While carbon dioxide monitors are common, TVOCs are considered less often despite being a diverse group of toxic chemicals commonly found in cleaners, paint, upholstery and other everyday goods. An abundance of TVOCs can cause headaches, fatigue, skin reactions and other negative health effects. Similarly, the fine dust particles of PM2.5, which is prevalent in densely populated cities where production and power consumption is systematic, can permeate membranous tissue in the respiratory system where it can enter the vascular system and cause chronic irritation and aggravation of allergies and asthma.
It’s in business leaders’ best interest to focus on air quality as it not only plays a large role in how people feel but also affects performance5 and productivity, decision making6 capabilities, and even how frequently someone calls out sick7 for work due to
symptoms such as headaches, nausea and fatigue. However, before turning to an expensive new HVAC, air filtration or ventilation system, building managers must identify where improvements are most needed by first getting an accurate read on their current state of the air.
Facility Managers Must Start Where They Are
Monitoring air quality is critical to establishing a baseline for any indoor space. By examining trends in obvious factors like humidity, temperature and CO2, in addition to the oftentimes overlooked factors such as TVOCs, PM2.5, light and noise, facility managers can make informed investments to improve air quality. The solution may be as simple as changing air filters and increasing ventilation by opening windows, or it could require a complete overhaul of the HVAC system. Without establishing an IAQ baseline it’s impossible to track the effectiveness of existing IAQ systems and identify the most cost-effective ways to achieving a healthier environment.
Air quality monitoring is not a one-and-done reading, but rather, a tool to be referred to on an ongoing basis which enables a proactive approach to cleaner air. Consistent monitoring ensures facility managers can maintain a healthy IAQ but also gives occupants peace of mind knowing their safety and wellness are considered and appropriate steps are taken.
Ensure Data Security
Introducing any new technology into the infrastructure of an office, apartment, school or other building creates a risk for data
84 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2022
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