You frequently use a hand sanitizer to protect your health when at work. You could use as much as you want but if the problem is the condition in the workplace, you could still get sick. Have you heard about the sick building syndrome? Read on to know more about it and how professional air duct cleaning services in Salt Lake City or any other place can help you.
Understanding Sick Building Syndrome
According to U.S. EPA or the Environmental Protection Agency, which deals with protecting human and environmental health in America, the Sick Building Syndrome is a situation in a building wherein people who stay in it for a certain period get sick. Discomforting experiences that healthy people receive when they stay in a sick building are the following:
- Eye irritation
- Loss of focus
- Decrease in productivity
- Headache
- Asthma
- Coughing and sneezing
- Itchy throat and ears
Take note that the severity of the discomfort varies from individual to individual, as each has distinct sensitivity to airborne allergens. The common cause of Sick Building Syndrome is typically linked to breathing polluted air in the building space.
How the Building Becomes Harmful to Occupants
Lack of ventilation, the presence of chemical contaminants, and the accumulation of allergens cause the building and the occupants to acquire Sick Building Syndrome. These airborne allergens include:
- Mildew
- Mold
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- and other air impurities
How the Sickness Spreads in the Building
Buildings have air ducts where the air circulates throughout the building. If the air is polluted, these ducts can spread the risk, continuously exposing the people inside the building to allergens and air pollutants.
The Impact of Sick Building Syndrome on Employers
The Sick Building Syndrome has a significant negative impact on employers. Due to the adverse effects of air pollutants to the people inside the building, especially your staff members who stay longer to work, their health is at risk and leads to a decreased productivity level. This will reduce your opportunity to gain higher profits. The worst-case scenario is if your staff members need to file a leave of absence for medical treatment. If you provide medical assistance to your employees, having them sick will add up to your expenses.
What You Can Do to Avoid Sick Building Syndrome
To obtain the best indoor air quality all the time, maintain your HVAC system properly. Ensure that the equipment functions well. Air ducts and dryer vents are among the elements in a structure that are typically being overlooked by most building owners. Be sure to inspect all of them and clean them regularly before it’s too late. They are essential components of every structure that provides comfortable temperatures.
When you clean your dryer vent regularly, you could save your structure from fires. Vents are meant to expel hot air from your building. When your vents are clogged, it results in reduced system efficiency and shortens its service life. In addition, dirty vents can pose a fire hazard due to inefficiency in dissipating excessive indoor heat buildup, adversely affecting your indoor appliances.
Always remember that health is vital. Happier and healthier employees will be your edge for your business to reach greater heights. Find a reliable company that provides excellent duct cleaning and other important services to ensure a safe environment for your people.