Offices are typically more insulated as compared to the homes. As a result, the air is not circulated, which leads to lack of fresh air, which in turn can lead to allergies and other conditions. Chronic allergies can affect the performance of the employees negatively, which of course can affect the bottom line. These issues may be mitigated by installing a good office air purifier – but let’s a closer look at the factors.
The pollutants
Carbon and HEPA filtration trap harmful particles along with gases and chemicals. Persistent odors in the office can also be removed by an air purifier. HEPA filters effectively remove 99.97% of all particulates, such as, pollen and dust that pass through the filter, releasing purified air to the office. Sick Building Syndrome is receiving more and more attention and it is preventable. By reducing, mold, bacteria, viruses, odors and more, Sick Building Syndrome can be prevented.
Only one part of the solution
The ability to remove particles, including microorganisms, is not, in itself, an indication of the ability of an air cleaning device to reduce adverse health effects from indoor pollutants. The use of air cleaning devices may help to reduce levels of smaller airborne allergens or particles. However, air cleaners may not reduce adverse health effects completely in sensitive population such as people with asthma and allergies. For example, the evidence is weak that air cleaning devices are effective in reducing asthma symptoms associated with small particles that remain in the air, such as those from some airborne cat dander and dust mite allergens. Larger particles, which may contain allergens, settle rapidly before they can be removed by filtration, so effective allergen control measures require washing sheets weekly, frequent vacuuming of carpets and furniture, and dusting and cleaning of hard surfaces. (For more on allergen control, visit www.epa.gov/asthma). There are no studies to date linking gas-phase filtration, UVGI, and PCO systems in homes & offices to reduced health symptoms in sensitive populations.
Conclusion
Indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. The best way to address this risk is to control or eliminate the sources of pollutants, and to ventilate a home with clean outdoor air. The ventilation method may, however, be limited by weather conditions or undesirable levels of contaminants in outdoor air. If these measures are insufficient, an air cleaning device may be useful. While air cleaning devices may help to control the levels of airborne allergens, particles, or, in some cases, gaseous pollutants in a home or office, they may not decrease adverse health effects from indoor air pollutants.
You got my attention when you said that an air purification system can filter pollen and dust that can result in allergies. My husband and kids are all prone to allergies, so it’s important for me to make sure that their allergies won’t trigger. I will make sure to consider investing in home air purification products. Thanks!
I can agree with you that Sick Building Syndrome is highly preventable and that installing air purifiers and removing the dust and mold particles from the air will contribute to this. My boss will surely hear about this since he is concerned with the high illness rate. I looked it up and learned that most were related to the air, so an air purifier might do the trick.
I can understand how a business could really benefit from getting their air filtrated safely to prevent diseases. It could be really beneficial for a business to make sure that they have the right equipment to clear the air. It was interesting to learn about how they can reduce airborne allergies and particles by controlling what is in the air.