According to a recent study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is typically two to five times more polluted than the air outside. Surprisingly, indoor air pollutants are among the most serious environmental risks to public health.

With that in mind, think about the time you spend in your office or facility. How dangerous is breathing in that air for eight hours a day, five days a week? The statistics imply that the risk may be greater than we originally thought.

People exposed to indoor air pollutants may experience health effects immediately or not until years later. Effects can manifest after just one exposure or due to repeated exposure over time, and symptoms often include irritation of the throat, eyes and nose, fatigue, dizziness and headaches. Exposure to indoor air pollutants can even cause serious conditions like humidifier fever, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

What causes indoor air pollution?

There are three key factors that contribute to indoor air pollution in office buildings:

1. Newer buildings are designed to be as “air tight” as possible to reduce energy costs. While this may bring down those costs, it also stops fresher air from circulating into the system. Instead, “bad air” is more likely to recirculate.
2. Ventilation systems quickly circulate bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi throughout entire buildings.
3. Many of the office materials, furniture, equipment and flooring we use on a daily basis are made from different types of plastics. These plastics often contain high levels of chemicals that emit small amounts of gases over time. These gases are then circulated throughout office buildings.

How can carpet cleaning reduce indoor air pollution?

While carpets make office buildings more comfortable and appealing, they also have a few downsides. Their fibers cling to dust, dirt, microscopic lifeforms and moisture, which can be recirculated in the air throughout the office building.

The key to preventing carpet from becoming a culprit in poor indoor air quality is to regularly clean it with upright vacuum cleaners. Extracting debris from carpets using an upright commercial vacuum minimizes the odds of it recirculating throughout the building, and using a Bissell upright vacuum regularly can prevent your carpet fibers from deteriorating, which makes them even more magnetic to debris and dirt.

Our upright vacuum cleaners are important tools for enhancing the appearance and health of your office. Check out our inventory here!