Maintaining quality indoor air is more important than ever, as studies show pollution levels in London and other parts of the UK continue to rise. Poor air quality causes sickness, absence from work and even increases the risk of heart attack.
But simple steps can make a significant difference, and separating fact from fiction can help you protect your workplace, school or home. Below are some of the myths surrounding air quality and what you can do to combat them.
Myth 1: Indoor air is always safer than outdoor air
Given the high levels of outdoor pollution we often hear about, it’s easy to think we’re better off inside. However, a recent study of schools in London found levels of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide were higher inside the classroom than outdoors.
This can increase the rate of childhood asthma, so effective ventilation should be a high priority for schools in urban areas.
“Children spend a great deal of time inside school buildings,” the report by researchers at University College London and the University of Cambridge said. “The exposure of children’s developing lungs to air pollution can result in reduced lung function that persists through to adulthood, increasing susceptibility to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.”
Myth 2: A good air conditioning system is enough
No matter how much you have invested in an air conditioning or ventilation system, regular maintenance is essential to keep it operating to its full potential. Unfortunately, many companies neglect this aspect of their building care, which means dust, debris and mould can build up in filters and on equipment.
A qualified servicing engineer should visit at least once a year to clean components such as fan blades and coils, while replacing filters helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Myth 3: Air quality is only a problem in big cities
We know air quality poses a risk to health in London and other major cities, but recent research shows areas that are typically low in pollutants can be affected even by short-term spikes in emissions.
The risk of heart attack in Jena, Germany, more than doubled within 24 hours of a rapid increase in nitric oxide. Jena only exceeds pollution levels on a few days each year, but such a spike can be caused by something as simple as high levels of vehicle traffic.
Over time, buildings have been made more and more airtight to help reduce energy use by preserving heat. If ventilation is overlooked in these buildings, the air can become stagnant and affect the performance of their occupants.
However, where air quality is well understood and prioritised, the opportunities for improved health, satisfaction and productivity are abundant. If you’re interested in learning more about how air quality affects your workplace, and the steps you can take to optimise it, click below to contact a member of the 361 Servicing team.
