It's no surprise that air quality in an office can often be poor. With so many people in such a small space, dirt, dust and other debris can really build up quickly – not to mention the added influence of any office renovations or new building construction nearby. Poor office air quality can lead to Sick Building Syndrome, which affects employees anytime they're inside. If workers complain about headaches, respiratory problems, coughing, or fevers while on the job, it could very well be due to an indoor air quality issue – especially if these symptoms only occur at work and clear up by the time people get home.

Here are some ways to help:

• Keep your air vents open and unblocked. If furniture, boxes, or other items block the path of your air vents, the air inside your office won't circulate properly and could cause health issues.

• Replace air filters frequently. If your air filters are clogged, airflow becomes nonexistent. Over time, dust and debris will build up behind the filters and settle inside your air ducts, putting your employees' health at even more risk. As a general rule, air filters should be replaced every 6-12 months.

• Maintain a healthy level of humidity. Humidity between 30 and 50 percent helps keep dust mites, mold, and other allergens under control. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to control the humidity level in your office.

• Clean spills immediately. Excess moisture or residual dampness supports the growth of mildew and mold, which can cause severe health risks. It's more expensive to remediate mold damage than it is to prevent it, so it's in your best interest to reduce the risk of mold growth by cleaning up spills or leaks as soon as you see them.

• Add some office plants. Not only do plants add a pleasing, peaceful aesthetic to any office, they also absorb toxins and produce more oxygen, which means employees will be able to breathe more easily.

• Use fresh air whenever possible. If your office has windows, open them up and let that fresh air in. When weather permits, keeping your windows and doors open helps circulate fresh air in and stale air out.

• Keep your office clean. Regularly vacuum, dust, sanitize, clear away clutter and promptly dispose of all garbage as it accumulates. Often, it's easiest to schedule regular professional cleanings to ensure this crucial component of indoor air quality doesn't get overlooked. Keeping clean ensures fewer pollutants have a chance to mix with the air and make your employees sick.

• Inspect and clean your air ducts. If there are any signs that your air ducts are impacting air quality or circulation and need to be cleaned, call in experts to assess and correct the issue before anyone's health is compromised.

• Have your air quality tested. Experts in air quality have the right tools and know-how to measure air quality in offices, from the airflow to humidity

Call CleanGreen and we can help you maintain a safe environment for your employees.