FMnewsroom – cleaning, hygiene. Monitoring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) empowers facility operators to identify issues, manage indoor environments, and proactively address potential risks. Furthermore, it supports sustainability efforts, cost savings, and operational efficiency. Striving for healthier and more resilient indoor spaces, facility managers and cleaning professionals should remember that good IAQ starts with hygiene, cleaning, and the power of monitoring.
Hygiene, cleaning, and monitoring are integral to achieving and maintaining healthy IAQ –Patricia Olinger, CEO of BEAMS LLC Consulting, specializing in quality management, and founding member of GBAC, a division of ISSA points out in a recent article. By removing dirt, dust, moulds, bacteria, and viruses from surfaces, we reduce what has the potential to become airborne.
Olinger also emphasizes that monitoring and measuring make all the difference in identifying problems or showing that the facility maintains healthy IAQ. Even more, it can also assist sustainability efforts and cost savings when we look at energy consumption and promote sustainable and environmentally safe chemistries and cleaning techniques.
The ISSA expert collected the main reasons why cleaning and hygiene for health are essential to IAQ and wellness.
Removal of allergens
Regular cleaning helps to remove allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. By reducing exposure to these allergens, cleaning supports health and overall well-being.
Reduction of dust mites
Dust mites are microscopic pests that can trigger allergies and asthma. Regular vacuuming and dusting help reduce the population of dust mites, improving respiratory health and overall comfort.
Prevention of mould growth
Moisture and dampness can lead to mould growth, affecting IAQ and posing health risks. Mould spores can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and even infections. Regular cleaning, humidity control, and maintenance help ensure a healthier indoor environment.
Reduction of indoor air pollutants and chemical exposure
“Cleaning the air” with air cleaners and proper ventilation removes indoor pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by household products, paints, and cleaning agents. Using environmentally friendly and low-toxicity cleaning agents and ensuring proper ventilation during cleaning activities can minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
Control of indoor odours
Cleaning practices help eliminate unpleasant odours caused by stagnant air and bacterial growth. Fresh and clean indoor environments promote a sense of well-being and contribute to a healthier living or working space.
Maintenance of HVAC systems
Regularly cleaning filters, ducts, and vents prevents the accumulation of dust, allergens, and pathogens, ensuring clean and healthy air circulation. It also helps with energy conservation as systems that are maintained run more efficiently.
Prioritizing hygiene and cleaning practices is crucial for building resilience to future infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics. By maintaining clean and healthy indoor environments, we create a strong line of defence against pathogens, reducing the risk of transmission and ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities.
