There is a clear link between indoor air quality and health and wellbeing. When indoor air quality is good, you’re more likely to feel happy and alert. But when its bad, you’re at risk of illness and discomfort.
To improve air quality, you need to understand its importance and learn about common sources of pollution. It’s vital for business to educate themselves and their employees on the importance of clean air, so we can all work towards creating safer environments.
This expert guide has been put together by the hygiene experts at phs, and will answer key questions about interior air quality:
- Why is clean interior air important?
- The benefits of clean air
- Common sources of interior air pollution
- How to improve indoor air quality
- How to clean your air with a purifier
- How do air purifiers work?
Why is clean interior air important?
Polluted air is harmful to everyone. It can make us feel uncomfortable, trigger allergies, and even shorten the length of our lives.
The average person spends 90% of their time indoors, so it may surprise you to learn that interior air quality is often much worse than exterior air quality. This is partly because, in a bid to become more energy efficient, modern interiors have limited ventilation which allows polluted air to linger.
The quick and global spread of COVID-19 has demonstrated how quickly invisible germs are able to travel through the air. Because of this, even when everyone is vaccinated and restrictions are lifted, many of us will continue to be concerned about air quality and its role in public health.
Recent research by Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, found that over six million over 65s in England are at risk from respiratory and lung damage due to polluted air. When compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance, this research found that 3000 medical centres and a quarter of care homes in England are inadvertently exposing their patients to high levels of pollution. Although this study only focused on England, it’s assumed that these statistics are representative of the whole of the UK.
Another recent report also suggests that workplaces aren’t taking AirCare seriously. Public Health England figures show that there were over 60 COVID-19 outbreaks in offices during the first two weeks of the January 2020 Lockdown. This suggests that despite having months to learn and adapt, a key element is missing from many businesses COVID-19 strategies. The missing piece? Air quality.
The benefits of clean interior air
Breathing clean air has clear benefits to our mental and physical health.
> Increased wellbeing
It creates a more positive and health-focused environment, leaving people feeling happier.
> Improved health
It reduces the rate of sickness, as polluted air is full of germs and allergens which can cause colds, flu, respiratory problems, and even sever lung damage.
> A comfortable environment
It helps make people feel more comfortable, especially for those with seasonal allergies, asthma, and irritable skin conditions.
Common sources of interior air pollution:
- Dust, Germs and bacteria
- Cleaning and personal care products
- Interior Heating and Cooking methods
- Excessive moisture
- Machinery
- Electronic Devices
- Paint
- Smoke
- Certain Building Materials and furnishing
With insufficient ventilation, the contamination caused by these everyday items can have a negative effect on interior air quality and human health.
How to improve indoor air quality
There are several small changes that we can all make to help improve our indoor air quality:
- Use air purifiers to easily clean your air
- Improve ventilation – especially when using cleaning products
- Avoid using aerosol products
- Avoid adding excessive moisture to the air
- Choose building materials and furnishing with low emission levels
How to clean your air with a purifier
Air purifiers are an easy and safe way to ensure your interior air is always clean, with options to suit every need and budget. Cleaning the air, and removing germs from it, will enable you to provide your employees and the general public with a secure and clean environment.
AirCare technology has developed significantly in recent years, and there are now several professional air purifiers on the market that are proven to effectively capture and remove 99.9% of airborne viruses, bacteria, pollutants, and allergens from the air.
Due to COVID-19, these vital pieces of AirCare technology are becoming more well-known amongst the general public. Independent research, undertaken in November 2020, found that 3 in 5 (61%) UK consumers think air purifiers should be mandatory in all indoor environments to help curb the spread of viruses. Consumer interviews also indicated, that when permitted, people would be more likely to visit businesses with interior air purifiers installed, as this would make them feel safe.
When choosing an AirCare solution, it’s important to consider the size of your room and how frequently the area is used by different people. For offices and shops, phs recommends at 24/7 wall-mounted solution. However, for hotel rooms and beauty clinics a portable option may be more suitable.
Recommended AirCare solutions for small to medium rooms:
> AERAMAX PROFESSIONAL II
> AERAMAX PROFESSIONAL PUREVIEW III
> BIOZONE AC10
Recommended AirCare solutions for large rooms:
> AERAMAX PROFESSIONAL PUREVIEW IV
> BIOZONE AC30
Recommended portable AirCare solutions:
> MINI POWERZONE
How do air purifiers work?
Watch the demonstration video below to see an AERAMAX air purifier in action.
DOWNLOAD OUR AIR QUALITY REPORT
Speak to an expert
Whether you manage an office or a large manufacturing hub, phs can find an air care solution to suit your environment, your people, and your budget.
phs have an extensive range of leading air purifiers to choose from, and will take care of supply, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
