Prepping Indoor Spaces for Fall and Winter
Why IAQ management during these seasons is critical and how it reduces respiratory risks.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, attention to indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes critical for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. For janitorial staff, building engineers, and HVAC contractors, preparing indoor spaces for the fall and winter season means more than just cleaning surfaces—it also involves managing the air we breathe. The flu season and other respiratory illnesses are a constant concern, making IAQ management essential to prevent the spread of airborne infections in the workplace.
Why Cold and Flu Spread Is Worse in Colder Months
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases typically rise in October, peak between December and February, and taper off by April. However, unpredictable flu patterns, coupled with the lingering threat of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, make it essential to manage IAQ year-round. A recent CDC outlook predicts that the upcoming respiratory season will have similar hospitalization levels as last year, underscoring the critical need for maintaining clean air.
Several factors make colder months more conducive to the spread of respiratory infections such as the flu and common cold:
1. Close Indoor Contact: During fall and winter, people spend more time indoors, increasing the chance of close contact with others, which facilitates the spread of viruses.
2. Dry Indoor Air: Heating systems dry out the air, which can lead to the drying of mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
3. Stable Conditions for Viruses: Cold, dry air creates conditions that stabilize virus particles, allowing them to remain airborne longer. Additionally, for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, colder air can exacerbate symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis.
Proper ventilation, maintaining optimum humidity levels, and adequate air purification can significantly reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, helping to safeguard workers’ health
Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Fall/Winter
Comprehensive Cleaning Beyond Surfaces. Maintaining IAQ is vital to a healthy environment. As windows close and heating systems run during the colder months, airborne pollutants can build up. Regular maintenance of air filtration systems and ensuring that HVAC systems are functioning properly should be part of fall and winter preparations.
Implementing Advanced Air Purification Systems. Given the advances in filtration technology in recent years, it’s important to look for an innovative solution for improving indoor air quality and reducing the spread of airborne viruses. Look for systems that are designed to work alongside existing HVAC systems and utilize H13 True HEPA filtration, which is twice as effective as MERV 13 standard filters. When selecting these systems also be aware if the units have been tested to prove their ability to capture H1N1, Rhinovirus, and SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Monitoring and Managing IAQ. Real-time air quality monitoring is essential for effective IAQ management. Sensor-driven technology enables continuous tracking of the environment, adjusting air filtration rates based on occupancy and changes in air quality. By automatically regulating fan speeds, these systems maintain optimal air cleanliness while reducing energy usage when maximum filtration levels aren’t needed.
Data-rich dashboards give facilities managers detailed insights into air quality, from particulate matter to CO2 levels, along with alerts for rising contaminant levels.
Empowering Building Engineers and Janitorial Teams
As the frontline defenders of building cleanliness and operational efficiency, building engineers and janitorial staff play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal IAQ. Ensuring that air purifiers and HVAC systems are maintained and functional is crucial. This includes replacing filters as needed. Building engineers and janitorial staff should look for smart systems that can notify them when filters need to be changed and provide other key air quality metrics, helping them identify exactly where an issue arises and respond to any issues promptly, mitigating potential air quality hazards that can lead to illness.
Sharing IAQ status with occupants also promotes transparency and highlights the efforts being taken to maintain a healthy environment. Ultimately, providing occupants with real-time visibility into air quality fosters confidence in the safety and cleanliness of the space.
The benefits of good IAQ can be felt all year long:
1. Enhanced Health and Well-being. Clean indoor air reduces the spread of airborne illnesses such as the flu and cold, benefiting those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
2. Improved Productivity. Good air quality boosts productivity. Research (tinyurl.com/4hpmdme5) shows that doubling ventilation rates can increase productivity, yielding financial benefits for businesses. Fewer sick days also lead to significant cost savings.
3. Cost Savings. Efficient air purification can reduce strain on HVAC systems, lowering energy costs. Smart systems that adjust based on real-time IAQ data can further optimize energy usage.
4. Supporting ESG Goals. IAQ management contributes to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives by promoting worker health and safety, reducing energy consumption, and aligning with health regulations.
As the fall and winter seasons approach, prioritizing IAQ is essential for creating a safe and comfortable indoor environment. Janitorial and building operations staff, along with HVAC contractors, are at the forefront of this effort. By adopting advanced air purification systems, monitoring air quality, and maintaining transparency with building occupants, these professionals can ensure that indoor spaces remain healthy and productive throughout the colder months.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.