The return to the workplace has created a heightened awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ) among employers and employees alike. In fact, air quality is becoming one of the most significant factors impacting employee perception of health, safety, and wellbeing in their working environment. With that in mind, effective IAQ management plans have become a top priority for employers and building managers.
In the past two years, we have been bombarded with tips and practices for maintaining air quality in the workplace, but it can be difficult to make sense of it all. To help “clear the air,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge,” which provides common sense guidance for enhancing IAQ and improving the health of building occupants. The “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge” recommends four key strategies for effective IAQ management:
- Create an action plan for clean indoor air that includes IAQ assessments, upgrades and improvements, and inspection/maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Optimize fresh air ventilation by bringing in and circulating clean outdoor air
- Enhance air filtration and cleaning by upgrading filtration systems and using in-room air cleaners
- Get your community engaged by communicating with your employees to increase awareness and participate in IAQ improvements that enhance workplace health
CMI is committed to helping employers and building managers meet the EPA challenge head-on by enhancing IAQ awareness and providing practical guidance for IAQ management. Visit our website for some useful IAQ resources, view our recent webinar or set up a complementary 15-minute consultation with one of our IAQ experts.
CMI’s team of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) and IAQ professionals have been promoting healthy indoor environments for more than 25 years. We have successfully tackled IAQ challenges in workplaces of all types and are happy to share our experiences with you. Please contact Todd Allshouse, CIH, CSP, if you need any additional information, or if you just want to chat about IAQ!
Written by Todd Allshouse, CIH, CSP, Director, Health and Safety Services