FEATURE ARTICLES
BREATHE EASY INSIDE: ADIOS INDOOR AIR POLLUTION Rod Kington National Sustainability Engineer
As Aussies, we see ourselves as outdoor people, but the truth is, we spend 90% of our time indoors. Given the vast proportion of time we spend inside, indoor air pollution is a serious health concern. According to WHO – a shocking 4.3 million people die every year due to indoor air pollution. In many cases – this is avoidable. When indoor air quality is substandard, an array of acute and chronic symptoms can arise. Many buildings can be harmful to your health without you ever knowing – here are some ways to get fresh air at your healthcare facility.
No-Risk Rule For healthcare professionals, you want to know the air you and your patients breathe is contaminant-free. Clean air should be a given, so you can get on with your job. Managing air pollution and the resulting WHS risks in commercial buildings is required under WHS laws. By knowing where pollution hazards originate, you can better identify the level of risk. Test air quality frequently and monitor the air quality index as a starting point. Aim to eliminate risk. If this is unachievable, minimise it as much as possible. The hierarchy of control measures ranks risk control methods, but people’s pre-existing conditions also play a part. Asthma and other respiratory diseases may make some more susceptible to air pollutants – as does being older or pregnant.
Air Pollution Types There are two types of sources that degrade indoor air quality: natural contaminants and those caused by human activity. Natural Pollutants These are always around: dust particles, seasonal pollens, mould, pet dander, cockroaches and rodents. And we all remember the bushfire smoke and ash of 2019. Add to these natural combustion products like bacteria, viruses, excess moisture, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Human Activity Humans cause air pollutants by using wood-fueled fireplaces, gas-fired pilot lights and cars, to name a few. These, along
with countless other activities, produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide and lead. Building Material Structural materials like particleboard, adhesives, insulation, carpets, paints, furniture and equipment such as copiers and printers are also indoor air pollutants. Cleaning materials, pesticides, markers and art supplies can taint the air too. Reactive Pollutants Sometimes, outdoor pollutants like traffic and ozone react with indoor chemicals and generate new irritants. These reactions may occur depending on your building’s air intakes and the efficiency and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems.
Air Pollution Causes In Commercial buildings, indoor environments can be affected by numerous sources. HVAC Gone Bad Firstly – poorly designed, operated and maintained HVAC systems can cause health problems by generating pollutants and moisture, leading to mould growth. Inadequate materials control, dirty filters, and sporadic operation all lead to the buildup of contaminants. Indoor Air Chemistry Ozone concentrations are bigger than you think. They get into your building through windows, doors and other intakes and exist in indoor sources like printers, copiers, and badly maintained and exhausted electrostatic air cleaners. Cleaning products and air fresheners contain unsaturated hydrocarbons. Ventilation Fine particulates get drawn indoors through the building’s HVAC system. Your system needs to distribute conditioned air within your building to dilute and remove contaminants.
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