The buildings where we work don’t always have our best interests in mind. In fact, there are probably elements in your office that are causing your health to suffer. These 5 factors contribute to poor indoor air quality and they’re probably more common than you’d think:
1. Radon
A colorless, odorless gas, radon is the second-most cause of lung cancer in the United States. All soil contains decaying uranium, which emits radon into the outdoor air and dissipates naturally. However, radon can also enter buildings through cracks or gaps in the foundation, which can cause problems for people working in basements or lower floors.
2. Asbestos
Asbestos also occurs naturally in soil, but older buildings are very likely to have trace levels of asbestos due to its popularity as a building material for many years. Inhaling asbestos fibers can result in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other harmful health problems.
3. Dust
Caused by mites, cockroaches, animals, and even people, dust is a major problem in commercial buildings. Dust can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and aggravate other health conditions with long-term exposure.
4. Mold
Mold and mildew are pesty fungi that are a massive problem in Seattle. With moist, humid air in the area, many buildings have trouble combating the moisture that creates a breeding ground for mold. People display varying levels of sensitivity to mold, but taking care of it before it gets out of hand is the best preventative move for everyone.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Included in most consumer products, VOCs can cause everything from headaches to brain damage and cancer. Average VOC levels are 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors and can change very rapidly.
If you’re concerned about the air quality of your office building, you owe it to yourself and your employees to get an office indoor air quality test. Contact Hawk Environmental to learn more about the dangers and to schedule an indoor office air quality test today.
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