The modern office has everything a person could want, from fancy computers to modern coffee machines and everything in between.
But what most people don’t realize is the health issues linked with working inside a cubicle workplace. Working long hours seated in one position can impact your health in many ways, but what is more dangerous is the air you breathe.
Most modern offices don’t have proper ventilation, and most of the time the windows and doors are kept shut while the air conditioning is running. Poor ventilation means no fresh air in the room and stale air gets recycled through the HVAC over and over.
So, how do you keep the air clean? Simply, install an office air purifier.
If you’re a business owner, a facilities manager, a production lead, or simply someone concerned about the quality of office air, this article is for you.
What Contributes to Low Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Office Spaces?
Humans breathe out carbon dioxide, the more people in the room the more carbon dioxide in the air. So, the higher the number of employees working in a room higher the risk of air pollutants, especially if there is no proper ventilation system. Furthermore, you never know if someone is carrying bacteria or viruses.
In short, the air you breathe inside the office can be 10 times more polluted than the air outside. Here are a few things that contribute to low indoor air quality.
1. Employee Activities
Office activities like printing, photocopying, or brewing coffee all release chemicals into the air somehow. This chemical has the potential to degrade the quality of the air. Furthermore, some chemicals can increase humidity levels in the room, promoting the growth of mold and bacteria.
2. Smokes
Most modern offices have a kitchen and smoking room for employees. The smoke from cigarettes, gas stoves, and other sources can release harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nicotine, and particulate matter.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds are everywhere. Office wall paints, carpets, adhesives, furniture, cleaning products, and electronic devices, all produce volatile organic compounds. These chemicals can pollute the air and can cause headaches, irritations (eyes, nose, and throat), and respiratory problems.
4. Building Materials
If your office is inside an old building chances are that the air has already been polluted. Old buildings use materials such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and lead-based paint, which release harmful substances into the air.
5. Humidity and Chemicals
The level of humidity in the office can also negatively impact indoor air quality. Low humidity can irritate the respiratory system, while high humidity promotes mold growth. On top of that, if the cleaner uses harsh chemicals to clean the office, the problem could escalate even further.
The Impact of Poor Office Air Quality on Employees
The quality of the air in a workplace can have a huge impact on physical and psychological health, morale, and productivity. Here's a breakdown of some specific consequences.
- SBS - Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is triggered when a person is exposed to pollutants and allergens from stale air. Some common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye, nose, or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors.
- Cognitive Function - A recent study conducted by Harvardconcluded poor indoor air quality can significantly decrease cognitive functioning such as decision-making, concentration, and productivity.
- Increased Absence Rates - A person working in an office with poor air quality is likely to get sick. This can disrupt workflow, burden colleagues, and ultimately impact overall business productivity.
- Decreased Productivity - Bad odors, humidity, and buildup of CO2 can make the working environment uncomfortable, leading to feeling tired, sluggish, and unable to focus or complete tasks efficiently.
- Other Health Risks - Exposure to polluted air for long periods can cause long-term health issues such as cardiovascular problems, respiratory illness, and in severe cases even cancer.
How to Improve Office Air Quality
The best way to improve office air quality is to invest in a reliable air purifier. Other ways to improve air quality are:
- Bring in Nature - Adding indoor plants like snake plants and peace lilies can improve the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
- Minimize the Use of Cleaning Chemicals - Avoid using air fresheners or fragranced products as much as possible. Encourage the use of natural cleaning products in the office.
- Embrace Natural Ventilation - Keep the windows and doors open whenever possible to allow fresh air into the room. Fresh air helps push out stale air from the room.
- Deep Clean - Encourage cleaning the office with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Similar to office air purifiers, HEPA vacuum cleaners help remove dust, allergens, and other contaminants from the carpets and upholstery.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Air Purifier in the Workplace?
Air purifiers can work wonders in the office by improving employee mood and work productivity. Here are a few reasons why you should install an office air purifier.
- Improve Air Quality - As the name suggests, the sole purpose of an air purifier is to purify the air. Installing an office air purifier like the MS601 can help capture a wide range of allergens and airborne pollutants.
- Improved Air Circulation - Air purifiers not only purify the air but also help to circulate fresh air throughout the room. It works as a defender for bad air by pushing stagnant air out of the room.
- Boost Employee Health and Well-Being - Office air purifier helps remove allergens that can trigger allergies or asthma. It also creates a comfortable working environment by minimizing fatigue and improving concentration and decision-making abilities.
- Reduced Bad Odors - Unpleasant odors can come from anywhere, from a person's perfume, cleaning products, cooking areas, and washrooms. Office air purifiers help tackle all these smells and provide a comfortable working environment.
How to Choose an Air Purifier for Office Buildings
Choosing an office air purifier is the trickiest part of the purchase. You need to consider many things such as the size of the room, the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), and noise levels. Here are a few things to keep in mind while selecting an air purifier.
- Room Size - You should select an office air purifier depending on the size of the office. Too small or too big might lead to unnecessary costs and a lack of efficiency. As a rule of thumb, choose an air purifier with a CADR that is at least two-thirds the square footage of the room.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) - CADR simply means how much an air purifier can clean the air per minute. The bigger the room the higher the CADR you’ll need. MS601 Extra Large Room Air Purifier For Allergen Removeris best for a 3027 ft²/ 281 m² room.
- Noise - Mechanical noise can be irritating, especially in the office environment where people need to concentrate. Look for an office air purifier that is labeled as “quiet.”
- Filter Type - This is the most important part of the selection process. For an air purifier to effectively clean the air it should be equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air). The MS601 comes with 4-stage Filtration and removes 99.97% of 0.3-micron airborne particles and 98.29% of 0.01-micron airborne particles
Where to Place Air Purifier in Office
For an air purifier to work at its best placing it at the right location is important. The best place is often at the center of the room or in high-traffic areas where pollutants concentrate most. But keep in mind that high-traffic areas often lead to faster clog filters.
Another option is to keep it near the window where there is natural airflow. This helps the air purifier capture polluted air more efficiently. Avoid placing it close to walls, corners, or tight spaces as it can restrict airflow. You should allow maximum airflow near the unit for optimal intake and output.
Lastly, no matter where you keep it, always keep it slightly elevated off the ground and away from direct sunlight.
Can an Air Purifier Help in Open Offices?
Yes, air purifiers can help in open offices but there are limitations. Air purifiers work best in the immediate area around them and for poorly ventilated rooms. Open offices that have multiple ventilation systems are good but if you use only one purifier, the rush of wind can push out the clean-out.
An open office might need multiple air purifiers around the room to fully clean the air. Strategically placing the purifier is another trick to improve its efficiency in large open spaces.
You Can’t Direct the Wind, but You Can Adjust the Sails
Good air quality is not just about comfort but more about health. Imagine yourself as a manager walking into your office, greeted not only by energetic and optimistic similar faces but also by the air that feels fresh.
Installing an air purifier in the office is also not a luxury, it's about making the place a thriving workplace. If you’re a manager, an owner, or a team leader, you have the power to transform your office or team by prioritizing air quality.
Invest today in a reliable office air purifier and make your workplace an oasis of clean air. To purchase the MS601 Extra Large Room Air Purifier, click here.
