Air Quality
Improve air quality for better health & better-quality products
What affects indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Pollutants in the air affect indoor air quality (IAQ) and, perhaps surprisingly, indoor air has been proven to be more contaminated than the air outside. Bacteria, moulds, pollen and viruses can breed in air ducts, humidifiers and drain pans and pose a significant health risk to those occupying the building.
How does poor IAQ impact our health?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we spend on average 90% of our life indoors; therefore, the air we breathe inside has the potential to impact our health hugely. Contaminated air can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing and sore throats, eye irritation, headaches and allergic reactions. These symptoms, if experienced when in one particular building, are referred to as Sick Building Syndrome.
An increased level of pollutants in the air also reduces oxygen levels, which can impact brain processes and cognition. By improving IAQ and thus protecting the health of your employees, productivity, motivation and performance levels will also improve.
How does IAQ affect my products?
If dust, debris and dirt that contaminates the air are not effectively removed, the service life of machinery is reduced due to corrosion, toxicity and mould damage, and the potential for downtime is increased. The quality of the finished product can also diminish, and products in storage can be damaged.
5 Top Tips for Improving IAQ
Ensure the correct filter grade is being used.An effective air filtration system will ensure good air quality. Select the right grade, depending on the dust level in your environment. For further guidance, speak to one of our qualified engineers.
Schedule a regular maintenance programme for your filtration system.Regular monitoring and maintenance will ensure good airflow throughout your ventilation systems. Avoiding blocked or contaminated filters will prevent bacteria or fungi getting into the ductwork and through to the ventilated rooms.
Provide an adequate supply of filtered air to all areas.This supply should include a proportion of fresh air from an external air source.
Clean and disinfect ductwork.Regular inspection and specialist cleaning of the ductwork will prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt, and avoid the breeding of bacteria and fungi that contaminates the ventilated air.
Clean and disinfect AHUsTo keep AHUs, coils, filter & fan chamber and grilles delivering hygienic air, ensure they are cleaned and disinfected at least once a year, using specialist equipment to tackle hard-to-reach areas.