The Need, Importance and Scope of Air Quality Testing
The quality of indoor air is a very important factor in the health of employees. The quality of air has a direct impact on the health, comfort, and concentration levels of an employee. Poor indoor air quality could be the reason for most people falling ill. Hence, indoor air quality testing is an investment in the health of your employees and the continuity of your business. This also improves the overall air-quality at the workplace. Indoor air quality is also referred to as indoor environmental quality.
There are several factors that affect the quality of indoor air. These could include uneven temperatures, poor ventilation and air circulation, mold and fungi, a high level of pollutants and other suspended particulate contaminants. Thus, fresh air, adequate sunlight, good ventilation systems, and controlled humidity can drastically bring about a healthy working environment at any workplace. Oftentimes, odor control may also be an integral aspect of maintaining the high quality of indoor air.
Here are some indicators that the quality of indoor air at your workplace is probably not up to the mark:
1. The presence of strange, unpleasant odors that that persist.
2. Uncomfortable temperatures and a feeling of stuffiness and uneasiness that makes for a non-conducive work environment.
3. Employees that constantly complain of cough, fever, and sneezing when at work, but experience no such symptoms when they are out of the workplace.
4. Headaches and drowsiness that results from the lack of proper ventilation.
5. Employees complaining of itching and skin irritation owing to the presence of dust mites.
All of these are symptoms that your building or facility isn't being managed professionally in so far as air quality is concerned. The only way to deal with this problem would be to enlist the services of a professional firm that can carry out air quality testing.
These results arising from these tests will give you a clear picture of the problems. For instance, there might be certain leaks and seepages in your building that are probably contributing to the increased humidity levels. These can be addressed by waterproofing.
Thus, hiring a firm that can carry out comprehensive tests is the best way to create a healthy work atmosphere. Here are some typical services provided by firms that deal with indoor air quality testing and assessment:
1. Airborne dust particle characterization
2. HVAC duct evaluation
3. Monitoring levels of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and so on
4. Odor investigations
5. Air and surface mold testing
6. Air handling system inspections…and so on
It is recommended that you choose a firm that has extensive experience in conducting indoor air quality assessment. Such a firm will likely also provide value-added services such as presentations, awareness sessions, and training.
There are several factors that affect the quality of indoor air. These could include uneven temperatures, poor ventilation and air circulation, mold and fungi, a high level of pollutants and other suspended particulate contaminants. Thus, fresh air, adequate sunlight, good ventilation systems, and controlled humidity can drastically bring about a healthy working environment at any workplace. Oftentimes, odor control may also be an integral aspect of maintaining the high quality of indoor air.
Here are some indicators that the quality of indoor air at your workplace is probably not up to the mark:
1. The presence of strange, unpleasant odors that that persist.
2. Uncomfortable temperatures and a feeling of stuffiness and uneasiness that makes for a non-conducive work environment.
3. Employees that constantly complain of cough, fever, and sneezing when at work, but experience no such symptoms when they are out of the workplace.
4. Headaches and drowsiness that results from the lack of proper ventilation.
5. Employees complaining of itching and skin irritation owing to the presence of dust mites.
All of these are symptoms that your building or facility isn't being managed professionally in so far as air quality is concerned. The only way to deal with this problem would be to enlist the services of a professional firm that can carry out air quality testing.
These results arising from these tests will give you a clear picture of the problems. For instance, there might be certain leaks and seepages in your building that are probably contributing to the increased humidity levels. These can be addressed by waterproofing.
Thus, hiring a firm that can carry out comprehensive tests is the best way to create a healthy work atmosphere. Here are some typical services provided by firms that deal with indoor air quality testing and assessment:
1. Airborne dust particle characterization
2. HVAC duct evaluation
3. Monitoring levels of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and so on
4. Odor investigations
5. Air and surface mold testing
6. Air handling system inspections…and so on
It is recommended that you choose a firm that has extensive experience in conducting indoor air quality assessment. Such a firm will likely also provide value-added services such as presentations, awareness sessions, and training.