Eliminating indoor air pollution

Did You Know? Since air circulation is often restricted inside, it is speculated that indoor pollutants are far worse for humans than poor outdoor air quality. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy claims that indoor pollutant levels are potentially 100 times the outdoor levels, and may pose major health risks.

Use these techniques to reduce the amount of pollutants in your place of business:

• Do not allow smoking in or around your business.
• Install a radon mitigation system to significantly reduce the level of radon gas in your lobby.
• Do some research on the household products that you currently use to determine if they have any harmful effects or interactions with the environment and/or your health.
• Before using building materials, review the harmful health effects and, if needed, select alternative materials that are friendlier to your body.
• Monitor your environment to make sure that there is adequate airflow and proper exhaust systems installed.
• Ventilate your office well by opening doors and windows and running fans, especially if you are moving, painting, using staining products or doing other office improvement tasks.
• Have a service technician inspect your appliances annually to ensure these items are working properly.

Safety First
There are both long- and short-term health effects of indoor air pollution.

• Short-term effects of indoor air pollution include eye, nose and throat irritation, upper respiratory infections such as pneumonia, headaches, nausea and allergic reactions.
• Long-term effects of indoor air pollution include chronic respiratory disease and lung cancer, heart disease, brain, nerve, liver and kidney damage.