Feel it coming in the air: The guide to a healthy workplace

When the song "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins came out in 1981, not only did it become one of my all-time favourite songs 30 years later when I first heard it, but it also got me the perfect title for today's piece on a very perturbing issue of the dwindling quality of air at your workspace!

In today's edition of the Adappt Chronicle, we will dive deep into protecting your workspaces from the unseen toxins in the air you breathe.

So brace yourselves for high-impact information overload on the air quality index at your workspace!

But before we do.

Take a moment to visit Adappt's workspace a tool that seamlessly integrates into the future of work without any hassle and best of all? It's FREE.

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The Gravity Of Commercial Real Estate In 2023

Let's look at a few stats:

North America has a total office space of 4,230 million square feet, when you break that down it includes 22.5 million desks and 5.6 million rooms. That translates to about 42.3 million employees give or take.

In ASEAN and China total office space translates to about 567 million square feet which gives us about 3.7 million rooms desks and 1 million rooms. That's space for about 5.5 million employees on a daily basis

In the UK and EU workspaces comprise about 2371 million square feet which give them 13.6 million desks, and 3.3 million rooms and that translates to about 23.71 million employees per day in their offices

In India, offices occupy a staggering 600 million square feet, equal to 4 million desks and 1 million rooms. That can roughly accommodate 6 million people in the country's workspaces.

In Japan, office spaces occupy 1060 million square feet, equal to 7 million desks and 1.7 million rooms. Japan can accommodate about 10.7 million people in their workspaces!

Now, why have we laid out the commercial square feet of the world? Because they all have one thing in common. The air their employees breathe!

What is Indoor Air Quality and How do we define Indoor Air quality?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indoor air quality (IAQ) is defined as

The air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.

What are the short-term and long-term Impact of Poor Air Quality on Health?

Short-term impacts of poor air quality on health:

1. Respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties, often leading to exacerbations in those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.
2. Aggravation of asthma and asthma-like symptoms.
3. Increase in hospital admissions and doctor visits due to respiratory problems.
4. Cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks in susceptible individuals.
5. Fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.
6. Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Long-term impacts of poor air quality on health:

1. Development of respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
2. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
3. Reduced lung function growth in children.
4. Adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm births.
5. Long-term exposure can even lead to premature mortality from heart and lung diseases.
6. Increased risk of cancer, especially lung cancer.
7. Neurological effects and cognitive decline in adults.
8. Systemic inflammation and immune system disruption.

What is the quality of air in today's workspaces?

We spend an average of 7 hours a day at work and 80% of our time indoors, so the air we breathe is crucial to how we function.

A recent study by GBCI India and Saint-Gobain Research India evaluated the air quality in workspaces across 30 offices in 9 major cities of India. The data collected included online surveys, building intelligence points, onsite inspections and measurements, visitor feedback etc, to assess whether the buildings were delivering healthy and comfortable spaces.

The verdict?

A mind-numbing 29 out of the 30 offices had unhealthy indoor air quality and only one had a satisfactory air quality index at their workspace!

In the same study when the employees of these offices were asked about how they feel about the indoor air quality of their workspaces, 68% of the surveyed occupants reported satisfaction with the quality of indoor air. However, 45% of survey respondents experienced eye irritation, fatigue, dizziness, coughing, and other symptoms due to poor indoor air quality.

The study also took into consideration the three causes of poor indoor air quality

1. The leading cause of poor IAQ at indoor workspaces is because of poor ventilation

Insufficient intake of outside air can lead to the accumulation of pollutants indoors. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there's a heightened focus on the importance of adequate ventilation. Addressing inadequate air circulation is essential for the security of office environments.

What is the recommended Co2 threshold? 800 parts per million (ppm)

More than 75% of the offices surveyed had a higher limit than the recommended threshold!

Another by-product of poor ventilation indoors is a build-up of formaldehyde.

What is the recommended Formaldehyde threshold? 30 µg/m3

More than 40% of the offices surveyed had a higher limit than the recommended threshold!

1. Air filtration systems

Now, what if the outdoor air quality is poor and inadequate?

The usage of effective outdoor-indoor fine air filtration systems can cause the barrier of difference between an extremely unhealthy workplace and a healthy one.

The results of the study showed that out of the 30 offices surveyed:

• 67% of the offices had nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) higher than the recommended threshold
• The concentration of particulate matter (PM) was higher than the threshold in 63% of spaces.
• 40% of the spaces did not have filters installed to trap fine particulate matter
• Only 10% of the offices surveyed had an effective filtration system in place with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating of MERV 13 or above, but even then maintenance of the filters was an issue.

What are the most common sources of Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution can originate from a variety of sources. Some of the most common sources of indoor air pollution include:

1. Combustion Sources: These encompass oil, gas, coal, wood, and tobacco products which release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other harmful compounds
2. Household Products: Cleaning agents, paints, and aerosol sprays can release various pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
3. Building Materials: Asbestos-containing insulation, pressed wood products, and certain types of carpet can emit pollutants like formaldehyde and other harmful substances.
4. Outdoor Sources: Pesticides, radon, and outdoor air pollution can infiltrate indoor spaces, contributing to indoor air pollution.
5. Biological Pollutants: These include pollen, mould, pet dander, and bacteria. Such contaminants can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces and contribute to health issues.

What are the key regulations created around curbing indoor air quality?

1. Government Mitigation Initiatives: Various programs and initiatives are implemented to combat indoor air pollution, though specifics from the provided source are not detailed.
2. EPA's Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidance on controlling pollutants, especially in educational institutions. The tool outlines best practices for improving indoor air quality and reducing exposure to pollutants.
3. Indian Indoor Air Quality Guidelines: In India, concerns about indoor air pollution and its health implications have led to specific guidelines and regulations, including the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
4. WHO's Global Air Quality Guidelines: The World Health Organization has set global air quality guidelines to improve air quality and has strategies for indoor air policy-making. These standards aim to save lives by reducing the health impacts of air pollution.

What are the thresholds for common indoor air pollutants at workplaces?

1. Carbon Monoxide (CO): Concentrations in the home should not exceed 9 parts per million (ppm) for an 8-hour period and 35 ppm for a 1-hour period.
2. Radon: The EPA recommends homes be fixed if radon levels are 4 picocuries per litre (pCi/L) or higher.
3. Formaldehyde: The recommended levels for indoor air are usually 0.1 ppm (parts per million) for short-term exposure and 0.05 ppm for long-term exposure.
4. Particulate Matter (PM2.5): The average daily level should not exceed 35 µg/m³, and the annual average should not be more than 12 µg/m³.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Levels vary depending on the compound, but for example, benzene exposure should be less than 1 ppm and toluene less than 150 ppm.
6. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Concentrations should not exceed an annual average of 53 ppm or a 1-hour average of 100 ppm.

Just because these are the thresholds, doesn't mean your workplace has to have them ;)

How does Indoor air quality affect the cognitive and work efficiency of employees?

Air quality, particularly in indoor settings like offices, plays a crucial role in determining the cognitive performance and work efficiency of employees.

Some of the compelling points to emphasize the significance of air quality:

Immediate Cognitive Impact: Poor indoor air quality can decrease cognitive function scores by up to 15%, specifically affecting areas like decision-making and strategic planning.

Effects on the Brain Structure: Prolonged exposure to air pollution at the office, has been shown to result in structural changes in the brain, affecting areas associated with cognitive function and memory.

Verbal and Mathematical Reasoning: Chronic exposure to air pollution can result in a negative impact on verbal and mathematical intelligence scores. This is equivalent to losing an entire year's worth of education, which can translate to reduced problem-solving abilities and linguistic capabilities in a professional setting.

Ageing Workforce Vulnerability: Older adults (42-67) are particularly at risk, with studies suggesting that exposure to air pollutants might expedite cognitive decline, affecting their efficiency and decision-making processes more rapidly.

How should your company go about creating a strategy around Improving Air Quality in Workspaces?

Here are a few effective strategies to help you model a healthier workspace:

1. Assess Current Air Quality: Before implementing changes, measure current air quality levels using air quality monitors to determine specific pollutants present in higher concentrations.Looking for an all-in-one solution to help get the healthiest workplace in 2023?Look no further!
2. Implement Regular Maintenance: Ensure HVAC systems are regularly cleaned and serviced. Replace filters frequently to ensure maximum efficiency and pollutant removal.
3. Increase Ventilation: Regularly introduce fresh air into the workspace to reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. Consider using mechanical systems, like exhaust fans, and natural methods, like opening windows.
4. Manage Workspace Density: Overcrowding can lead to increased CO2 levels. It's crucial to manage the number of people in a given space and potentially reconfigure office layouts for better airflow.
5. Invest in Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can assist in removing pollutants, especially in areas where ventilation might be limited. Ensure purifiers are adequate for the room size and can filter specific pollutants of concern.
6. Promote Greenery: Incorporate indoor plants that can naturally purify the air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen.
7. Educate Employees: Make staff aware of the importance of indoor air quality and involve them in practices such as reducing the use of fragrances or ensuring proper waste disposal.