How Poor Air Quality Affects Health and Wellbeing
Greetings, Net Zero News Community,
It may come as a surprise to many, but indoor spaces can often harbour higher concentrations of pollutants like particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological aerosols than the outdoor environment. This alarming phenomenon is frequently exacerbated by everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, and the use of various household products. Claire Robinson, sales director at IAconnects—a specialist in IoT monitoring solutions—delves into the significant risks posed by poor air quality for employees and highlights the vital role facilities managers play in combating this invisible threat.
Numerous studies have underscored the relationship between air quality and productivity, establishing a clear link between the two. Research indicates that poor indoor air quality can diminish productivity by as much as ten per cent. When you consider the increased number of sick days attributed to environments with subpar air quality, the financial toll becomes staggering; it is estimated that the global economy suffers a loss exceeding £178 billion annually as a result.
Yet, the implications of poor air quality extend far beyond mere productivity declines. Employees frequently report experiencing headaches, eye irritation, and fatigue when exposed to hazardous indoor air. Not only that, but these adverse conditions have also been associated with heightened levels of stress and anxiety.
Looking to the long-term, the health ramifications become even more concerning. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can heighten the risk of chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Recent studies have even suggested a potential correlation between poor air quality and the onset of dementia. In 2019, the Alzheimer’s Society convened a roundtable comprising experts in neurology, epidemiology, and environmental risk, where they reached a consensus that further research is essential. However, they confirmed that poor air quality undoubtedly impacts cardiovascular health, revealing a strong connection between heart and brain health. This may indicate that long-term exposure to polluted air could elevate the risk of developing dementia.
This situation raises significant concerns for employees who have little control over the air quality they breathe while at work. It is imperative that we take action to address this issue.
A National Move Towards Cleaner Air
In the UK, various initiatives are underway to enhance air quality in workplaces. One such initiative is The Air Quality Grant Scheme, which allocates funding to local authorities, supporting projects aimed at raising awareness and reducing air pollution levels.
Recent projects have included educational programmes for schoolchildren, the implementation of e-cargo bikes for businesses, and training healthcare professionals to assist vulnerable populations in mitigating their exposure to air pollution. Since 2010, over £53 million has been awarded to more than 500 projects aimed at making a tangible difference.
There are also more targeted programmes, such as the Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education (SAMHE) initiative, which promotes the use of digital tools for monitoring indoor air quality. While this project focuses specifically on schools, the insights gained can be invaluable for office environments as well.
Making a Change: Steps Towards Improved Air Quality
It is essential for tenants to understand how their choices can impact air quality. Studies conducted by environmental agencies indicate that cleaning products contribute to 20 to 30 per cent of indoor VOC emissions. This percentage can soar to 50 per cent in offices during and immediately after cleaning activities.
This principle extends to the selection of paints, carpets, and even furniture. Any chemical products—such as paints and solvents—stored on-site should be kept in well-ventilated areas that are distanced from occupied spaces.
Employees can also play a direct role in improving air quality by limiting the sources of indoor pollutants. For instance, it is advisable to restrict activities such as burning candles or using aerosol sprays. A single paraffin candle can release up to 10 mg of particulate matter when burned for just one hour, depending on the type of wax and wick used. Alarmingly, this emission level is comparable to that of second-hand smoke in confined spaces.
On a more positive note, there are natural solutions available for reducing levels of carbon dioxide and VOCs in indoor environments. Incorporating plants into occupied spaces can significantly enhance air quality. However, it is crucial to remain mindful of employees’ allergies when introducing greenery into the workplace.
Facilities managers (FMs) have a pivotal role in enhancing air quality within buildings. Before they can tackle the problem effectively, they must first assess the current state of air quality in their facilities. This is where technology comes into play; real-time monitoring solutions are essential for enabling informed decision-making regarding air quality improvements.
FMs can take the lead in promoting air quality by ensuring that their sites are equipped with IoT monitoring solutions, allowing tenants to track air quality changes over time. This data empowers FMs to make informed choices about the types of products they utilise and the practices they implement.
On average, individuals spend approximately 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime, with a significant portion of that time typically spent in an office setting. FMs have a substantial opportunity to influence air quality, thereby enhancing employee health and well-being.
If you’re interested in discovering your air quality monitoring potential, we encourage you to visit the IAconnects website. There, you can fill in a questionnaire to receive a personalised air quality score: IAconnects Indoor Air Quality Scorecard.
This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. For more insightful content, consider subscribing to stay informed.
