We spend up to 90 percent of our lives indoors, where the air is not always as clean as we think. Harmful particles from everything from cleaning products to building materials can affect both well-being and health without us noticing. The indoor climate is a crucial factor for daily comfort and health, and here you will learn how pollution occurs and get concrete advice to protect yourself and your colleagues.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Indoor air pollution is a real risk | Indoor air pollution can affect both health and productivity, making it important to monitor air quality. |
| Sources of pollution must be identified | Typical sources include building materials, cleaning products, and electronic equipment. |
| Health risks from poor indoor air quality | Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating can be consequences of poor air quality. |
| Proactive solutions are needed | Continuous ventilation and the choice of low-emissivity materials can significantly improve the indoor climate. |
Indoor air pollution is an invisible threat that constantly affects our daily working environment and health. It is about the harmful substances and particles that can be present indoors without our immediate knowledge. These pollution sources can come from many different places, including building materials, furniture, cleaning products and electronic devices.
Our indoor environment often contains complex chemical compounds such as volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) that can be released from countless everyday objects. These invisible emissions come from, for example:
Scientists have shown that TVOC can have significant consequences for the health and well-being of employees . The chemicals can cause discomfort such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and in some cases more serious health challenges. Especially in closed office environments with limited ventilation, these pollutants can accumulate and create a health problem.
It is crucial to understand that indoor air pollution is not just a theoretical concept, but a real risk to the working environment. Poor indoor air quality can reduce productivity, increase sick leave and create a less pleasant working environment. Therefore, it is important to continuously monitor and improve air quality through thorough ventilation, the choice of environmentally friendly materials and regular cleaning.
Indoor air pollution is a complex problem with many different sources that can affect the air quality of buildings and the health of the people who stay there. Typical sources of pollution in buildings range from visible to invisible impacts , which can have significant consequences for our daily well-being.
Building materials are a major source of indoor air pollution. New floors, paint, carpets and furniture often emit chemical fumes and particles, known as volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Different office environments have specific sources of TVOCs , such as:
In addition to chemical sources, there can also be biological sources of contamination , such as mold, dust mites and bacteria. These microorganisms thrive in humid and poorly ventilated environments and can cause serious health problems such as allergies, respiratory infections and impaired immune function. Especially in older buildings with poor insulation and inadequate ventilation, these biological sources of contamination can pose a significant risk.
To reduce indoor air pollution, it is crucial to focus on prevention and ongoing maintenance. This includes regular cleaning, good ventilation, choosing low-emissivity materials and controlling humidity. Companies and institutions should be aware of these potential sources of pollution to ensure a healthy and productive working environment.
Poor air quality can have serious and immediate consequences for people's health and well-being. The report on the impact of air quality on sick leave highlights how widespread the problems can be in different working environments.
The immediate health symptoms of poor indoor air quality include:
Humidity plays a crucial role in the health impact of indoor air. Dry air can be harmful to health and lead to further complications such as a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections. These problems can be exacerbated, especially in office environments with air conditioning and limited ventilation.
Long-term impacts of poor indoor air quality can be even more concerning. Chronic exposure to low air quality levels can lead to serious health challenges such as asthma, allergies, cardiovascular disease and, in extreme cases, increased cancer risk. Businesses and institutions should therefore prioritize ongoing monitoring and improvement of indoor air quality to protect employee health and ensure a productive working environment.
Indoor air quality monitoring is a crucial strategy for ensuring a healthy and productive work environment. Systematic indoor air quality measurement allows companies to identify and address potential air quality issues before they escalate.
The main parameters that should be measured include:
CO₂ measurements are particularly important for assessing the ventilation conditions in a room. High CO₂ levels indicate insufficient air exchange, which can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration and an increased risk of spreading infection. Modern technological solutions enable continuous and automatic monitoring of these parameters.
Professional indoor climate monitoring is not just about measuring, but also about acting proactively. Companies should implement systematic measurements, analyze the results continuously, and initiate concrete improvements. This may include adjusting ventilation systems, replacing materials, or changing room layouts to optimize air quality and employee health.
Indoor climate prevention is a strategic effort that requires a holistic approach from institutional management. Effective improvement of the indoor climate is not just about technical solutions, but about creating a healthy and productive environment for employees and users.
The primary prevention strategies include:
Preventing high CO₂ levels in schools is particularly important, as high carbon dioxide concentrations directly affect learning and concentration. Institutions should implement automatic ventilation systems and continuously monitor air quality.
The most effective approach is a proactive and integrated strategy, where indoor climate considerations are incorporated into all aspects of building operations. This involves systematic measurement, ongoing evaluation and rapid action when problems are identified. The goal is not just to meet minimum standards, but to actively create an optimal indoor climate that promotes well-being, health and productivity.
Indoor air pollution poses a hidden threat to employee well-being and productivity. When chemical compounds such as volatile organic compounds and high CO₂ levels affect concentration and health, quick action is needed to avoid long-term damage. That’s why accurate and continuous monitoring of air quality and key parameters such as humidity and temperature is essential.
With the intelligent solutions from AABN , your institution or company can easily monitor the indoor climate and create a healthier working environment. Our products like the Skyen give you access to reliable sensors that measure CO₂, TVOC and more. This means quick action in case of poor air quality and less inconvenience for employees.
Take the first step towards better indoor climate and increased well-being today. Visit https://aabn.io/products/skyen and find out how you can effectively prevent indoor air pollution and improve the working environment with modern monitoring technology.
Indoor air pollution refers to the harmful substances and particles that may be present indoors, which affect air quality and thus also our health and well-being.
Typical sources include building materials, new furniture, cleaning products, electronic devices, as well as biological sources of contamination such as mold and dust mites.
Indoor climate is measured by monitoring parameters such as carbon dioxide levels, humidity, temperature, volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and particle concentration.
To improve the indoor climate, one should ensure good ventilation, choose low-emissivity materials, carry out regular cleaning and maintenance, and install air purification systems.
