Page 30 - OHS, April/May 2025

I N D O O R I N D O O R A I R A I R Q U A L I T Y
Q U A L I T Y
Creating a Healthier Indoor Environment
Creating a Healthier Indoor Environment
Best practices for IAQ management in the workplace.
Best practices for IAQ management in the workplace.
BY AARON SCHROEDER
BY AARON SCHROEDER
workplace safety discussions, but it’s one of the most crucial fac-
Indoor air quality (IAQ) may not always be at the forefront of
tors aff ecting employee health, comfort, and overall productivi-
ty. While most professionals understand the importance of IAQ,
what oft en goes overlooked are the nuanced strategies to actively
manage and improve it in real-world, fast-paced environments.
Let’s go beyond the basics and dive into practical, oft en under-
utilized, approaches to IAQ management that workplace safety and
health professionals can integrate into their day-to-day operations.
We’ll explore setting actionable IAQ standards, performing mean-
ingful assessments, and how intentional workplace design can make
a lasting impact on air quality. By implementing these strategies, you
can foster a healthier, more effi cient workplace environment.
Why IAQ Management Needs a Proactive Approach
Understanding IAQ is only the beginning—ensuring it remains at
optimal levels requires ongoing eff ort. Th e reality is that poor IAQ
doesn’t just manifest overnight. It’s a slow build-up of small is-
sues—ineffi cient ventilation, unregulated moisture levels, unnoticed
chemical emissions—that accumulate into bigger health hazards.
Th e challenge lies in the fact that many organizations adopt a
reactive stance, addressing IAQ only aft er employees complain or
health symptoms arise. In today’s work climate, where employee
well-being is linked directly to engagement and productivity, pro-
fessionals need to transition toward proactive IAQ management.
Setting IAQ Standards: Focus on Health,
Not Just Compliance
Yes, regulatory guidelines set a foundation for acceptable IAQ, but
merely complying with these benchmarks oft en isn’t enough to en-
sure a truly healthy workspace. To create a lasting impact, safety
professionals must focus on proactive health-driven goals, not just
hitting compliance targets.
Go beyond the basics and begin setting health-centric met-
rics. Most standards focus on quantifi able measures like carbon
dioxide (CO2) levels, particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). But to be truly eff ective, IAQ management
should include comfort-related factors like temperature, and hu-
midity. For example, most research has shown that maintaining rela-
tive humidity levels between 40-60% can help reduce the transmis-
sion of viruses and is better for respiratory health, an insight that can
directly infl uence workplace policies on HVAC operations.
IAQ is not a static issue. It fl uctuates with seasons, work sched-
ules, and even employee headcount. Instead of sticking to static
guidelines, develop and prioritize dynamic IAQ goals that can be
adapted throughout the year. For instance, during fl u season or peak
allergy months, IAQ thresholds should be stricter to help prevent ill-
ness outbreaks. Consider adopting seasonal “IAQ checks” for your
HVAC system to adjust its performance based on anticipated needs.
Air Quality Assessments: A Shift to Real-Time Data
Traditional IAQ assessments rely on spot checks and audits, but
these methods miss fl uctuations that happen between inspec-
tions. Continuous monitoring providing real-time data is the game
changer in IAQ management, off ering constant insights that can
alert professionals to problems before they escalate.
Th e future of IAQ management lies in leveraging IoT (Inter-
net of Th ings) technologies. Real-time IAQ sensors continuously
monitor key parameters, providing instant feedback on the quality
of the air in various zones. Th ese monitors not only detect harm-
ful pollutants but can also track temperature, humidity, and CO2
levels at any given moment.
Th is allows safety professionals to identify trends in IAQ fl uc-
tuations and make adjustments on the fl y. For instance, if CO2
levels spike during peak offi ce hours, adjustments can be made to
increase ventilation or regulate occupancy in certain areas. Th ese
insights can also inform long-term adjustments in building main-
tenance schedules, helping avoid costly reactive fi xes.
Monitoring data is only useful if it informs action. Safety pro-
fessionals should establish thresholds for automated actions based
on real-time data. For example, when particulate levels exceed ac-
ceptable limits, the building’s HVAC system should increase air
exchanges. If humidity levels start to climb, dehumidifi ers can be
activated in specifi c areas to help prevent mold growth.
More advanced systems even integrate with Building Manage-
ment Systems (BMS) to streamline these actions, meaning fewer
manual interventions and more seamless IAQ control.
Workplace Design as an IAQ Strategy
While IAQ oft en conjures up thoughts of mechanical systems and
HVAC upgrades, one of the most underrated aspects of managing
air quality is workplace design. Th e layout and features of your of-
fi ce or industrial space can signifi cantly impact how air fl ows and
pollutants accumulate.
Workplace design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a fundamental
aspect of IAQ. Poorly designed layouts that restrict airfl ow, block
vents, or overcrowd workstations can lead to stagnant air and an
increase in indoor pollutants.
Reconfi guring workspaces to allow for better air movement is an
easy, oft en low-cost way to improve air quality. For instance, avoid plac-
ing large furniture in front of windows or HVAC registers to ensure free
airfl ow. In high-density areas, consider installing mobile air purifi ers
to help supplement ventilation and reduce contaminant buildup.
Choose materials that promote health—in recent years, the
push for sustainability has extended beyond energy effi ciency to
include healthier building materials. VOC emissions from certain
paints, carpets, and offi ce furniture can contribute signifi cantly to
indoor air pollution. When renovating or updating spaces, opt for
low-emitting materials.
Additionally, natural elements like plants not only boost em-
ployee morale but can also help improve IAQ by fi ltering pollut-
ants from the air. When strategically placed in areas with limited
ventilation, plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants
can act as natural air purifi ers.
28 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL/MAY 2025 www.ohsonline.com