Why indoor air quality is crucial to good health

Asthma, Bronchitis, Respiratory issues, cold, cough, flu – if you are wondering why I am listing all of these- it is because these are the list of common problems that are faced by most people today. Earlier, I would have attributed these to weather changes and not given it much thought until I started thinking on the topic of Indoor Air Quality. Surprised! Don’t be, read on…

International standards like NIOSH – National Institute of occupational safety and Health, OSHA  – Occupational Safety & Health Administration and ASHRAE – American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air conditioning Engineers provide details on the requirements to have in place to maintain good quality indoor air quality at work places.

The more I read on it the more intrigued I am…its unbelievable how factors such as pollen, tobacco smoke, pesticides, humidity, dust, odours, printers and microwave in use and even new building materials and paint in general need to be controlled in order to provide for a safe and clean environment to work and live.

While Indoor air quality monitoring is conducted periodically in organisations to manage and monitor air quality it is also important to educate both employers and employees on this topic so as to enable them to be participative and involved. This initiative started in Capgemini with the study conducted by TERI and the identification of indoor plants that can help improve indoor air quality. Employees can now regularly benefit from the sale of plants done inhouse in our campuses to help improve the air quality at home too.

Ask your Organisation if the indoor air quality study is conducted regularly and follow control measures such as proper maintenance of carpets, air conditioning units and humidity within offices including adequate ventilation for air circulation. Small steps taken will go a long way in managing our health indoors considering, 9 hours in our active day is spent at work.