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Sponsored by: ENCON Heating & AC
March 1, 2021

Workplace Health and Safety Starts with Indoor Air Quality

As businesses begin to reopen and tenants return to their workspaces, the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in their buildings will become increasingly important. Very often, IAQ issues can be easily missed; hidden behind air blown by the building’s heating and air conditioning system and the smell of air fresheners. Because most building managers and employees do not see the potential issues, it is easy to dismiss that problems may exist. Although the most recent events of COVID have made IAQ discussions more prevalent, dust, mold, and chemical pollutants can also adversely affect air quality. Many building owners and property management firms will need assess their current HVAC systems and look to technology to purify building air and give employees and tenants peace of mind. A mix of practical low-cost building adjustments as well as advanced technology solutions can help reach the goal of increasing indoor air quality and creating a long-term sustainable indoor environment. There are four main concepts that should be reviewed to establish a comprehensive strategy for your building: Filtration, Ventilation, Humidity and Supplemental Air Cleaning Technology. 

Addressing Filtration

Upgrading filters can enhance the cleanliness of the air in your facility by increasing the density of the filter media to capture additional airborne particulates. Not all filters are created equally. Filtration is measured on a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale of 1–20. A higher MERV rating improves filtration effectiveness by trapping more particles by virtue of a tighter weave (such as a pleated filter). But you should not just opt for the highest MERV available, as there is a balance involved: a filter that works too well could constrict critical air flow through the unit. Suitable filters are typically in the 5–13 MERV filter range.

Reviewing the Building’s Ventilation

If too little outside air ventilation enters the building, then indoor pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and comfort issues. Commercial buildings are required to bring in a minimum amount of outside air whenever the building is occupied, however, over time the amount of outside air brought into buildings is often reduced to promote lower energy costs and easier operation of equipment. Building operators should ensure the proper operation of the ventilation system and airside economizers.

Maintaining Appropriate Levels of Humidity

A significant amount of research over the years has shown that when humidification/dehumidification systems are able to maintain the indoor relative humidity between 40%-60% that it improves immunity against respiratory infections and discourages the transmission of certain airborne infectious organisms. Adding humidification to existing buildings can be challenging if the envelope is not properly constructed because improper levels of insulation or humidification controls can lead to condensation buildup on surfaces, which can then lead to mold growth. Despite these risks, humidification belongs in the IAQ conversation because of its proven ability to increase the health/comfort of the occupants.

Leveraging Supplemental Air Cleaning Technologies

There are two main technologies that have been and the forefront of the IAQ discussion. These are needlepoint bipolar ionization( BPI) and ultra-violet lights (UV-C). Both are proven technologies delivering clean indoor air that is safe and healthy, albeit in different fashions. BPI technology “Poor indoor air quality has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.” 

purifies the air by releasing ions into the airstream to eliminate airborne particulates, odors, and pathogens. In contrast, UV-C units treat the air stream and disinfects the air that comes in direct contact with the bulb. The quality of indoor air inside offices, schools, and other workplaces is important not only for workers’ comfort but also for their health. Poor indoor air quality has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Reviewing and addressing these four items can significantly increase IAQ in your office and help avoid the adverse effects of poor air quality.