Does Office Cleaning Improve Indoor Air Quality?

The Dark Side of Your 'Clean' Office

Most people spend over 90% of their time indoors. But have you ever paused to think about the air you're breathing at the office while you’re finalizing reports or brainstorming innovative ideas? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher indoors than typical outdoor concentrations. Startling, isn't it?

As our awareness of indoor air quality grows, it's time we improve the situation. One of the simplest yet effective ways is through office cleaning. But we're not just talking about a quick dust-off of your desktop. It's about a strategic approach that reduces pollutants and enhances the very air you breathe for hours on end. Discover how a clean office can lead to cleaner air and why it may just be the secret to not only a healthier work environment but also increased productivity and well-being.

What do we mean by indoor air quality?

Indoor air quality simply means the condition of the air inside our homes, workplaces, schools, and other indoor spaces. Think of it like the weather indoors. Instead of worrying about rain or sunshine, we're interested in things like chemicals, dust particles, gasses, and biological stuff like mold or bacteria.

It's a big deal because we spend so much time inside. Good or bad indoor air quality affects our health. Too much of the wrong stuff in the air can lead to problems like headaches, or even serious diseases over time. So, when we talk about indoor air quality, we're talking about how good or bad the air you're breathing indoors is for your health and comfort.

How does indoor air quality differ from outdoor?

Indoor air quality refers to the cleanliness of the air within an enclosed building like the office. It’s influenced by pollutants like dust, mold, and chemical fumes. On the other hand, outdoor air quality is affected by pollutants such as smog, ozone, and particulates from vehicles and factories. We can control indoor air quality more directly through cleanliness and ventilation, while outdoor air quality depends more on environmental policies.

What causes indoor air pollution?

• Mold and Mildew: When it gets damp and humid, mold and mildew start releasing spores that really mess with your indoor air quality.
• Cleaning Products: Sure, they're great for wiping away grime, but many of them are non-eco friendly and contain volatile organic compounds which aren't so great for the air we breathe indoors.
• Building Materials: Some older buildings slowly release things like asbestos, lead, or radon into your office.
• Furniture and Carpets: That new item smell often means they're off-gassing volatile organic compounds and particulates. Good for aesthetics, but not so good for air quality.
• Dust: It's more than just an annoyance. It's a mix of tiny pollutants like dust mites, fibers, and even microplastics that degrade the quality of your air.
• Poor Ventilation: Without fresh air circulating, indoor pollutants just keep building up. Effective ventilation is crucial for a breath of fresh air.

Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of symptoms, often starting with irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, along with persistent headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. People with allergies or asthma may notice worsening symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and sinus congestion. Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions to specific indoor pollutants like mold, spores, or dust mites. Long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality can even contribute to serious health issues like respiratory diseases and heart disease.

How does cleaning improve indoor air quality?

Regular cleaning plays a significant role in improving indoor air quality. Dust, dander, mold spores, and other allergens accumulate on surfaces and in the air over time. When you clean, you remove many of these particles. This decreases their concentration in the air you breathe.

However, it's crucial to use cleaning products that don't contribute to indoor air pollution. Some cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds that can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose, and cause headaches. They can even damage the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. So, choosing "greener" or less toxic cleaning products usually help maintain better air quality.

Regular and green cleaning reduces the level of pollutants which improves the overall indoor air quality.

What else can improve your office air quality?

Improving the indoor air quality at an office can greatly contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment. Here are five practical ways to achieve this:

• Regular Maintenance of HVAC System: A well-maintained HVAC system filters out many pollutants. Regularly replace filters and service the system to ensure it's functioning optimally.
• Use of Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can help to remove contaminants and improve overall air quality particularly in office spaces where ventilation may be limited.
• Mindful Selection of Cleaning Products: Choose cleaning supplies that are free from harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds. Green cleaning products clean effectively without harming the quality of your indoor air.
• Promote Good Ventilation: Open windows when possible to increase air circulation. If this isn't an option, consider installing exhaust fans or air exchange systems.
• Green Spaces: Indoor plants can absorb pollutants and emit oxygen which improves air quality. Plus, they can even make the office more pleasant and stress-free.

Remember, a healthy office environment leads to happier, more productive employees, so it's well worth the effort to improve indoor air quality.