Navigating Indoor Wellness into the Fall

As the first leaves of Autumn begin to fall from the trees, the landscape is painted in vibrant reds, yellows and oranges. The air grows crisper and the days get shorter. Everywhere you look you’re reminded Fall has arrived and pumpkin spice is back.

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What we tend to miss however, is the toll your indoor air quality takes when the seasons change outside. Let’s dive deeper in how the weather change can alter your IAQ and things you can do to navigate this.

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1. Heating Maintenance: Offices typically kick on the heat as the temperature outside gets cooler. If those systems are not properly maintained, they can push out dust, allergens and pollutants into the air.
2. Ventilation: To maintain a comfortable temperature inside a building, management may decrease the cycle of outdoor air which can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants.
3. Seasonal Decorations: Some offices may spruce up the place with some fall decor. Fresh flowers, pumpkins or hay may introduce allergens into the workplace. Synthetic decorations may sit there and collect dust, compromising your indoor air.
4. Fragrance: Pumpkin Pie? Toasted Marshmallow? Apple Cider? Cinnamon Spice? Although these scents fill the air with warmth and comfort, they also may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affecting your IAQ.

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Maintaining good IAQ in the workplace is crucial to the safety and health of your employees. Make sure you are maintaining your heating and cooling systems throughout every season and providing proper ventilation into your workspace, allowing for outdoor air exchange while maintaining indoor temperatures. Encourage employees to limit fragrances, promote cleaning protocols and educate employees on the importance of indoor air quality. 

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Looking for other ways to manage, monitor and report on your IAQ? Reach out to WellStat today to schedule a demo and learn more about our real-time indoor air quality monitoring and energy management.

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For further reading on potential health risks, here are some articles for consideration:

Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?

Where are fragrances found and what are the dangers?

Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Systems, Part of Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools

NYCA_TP_DOAS.pdf

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