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HOW TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN YOUR FACILITY

indoor air quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a major focus of manufacturing, industrial and commercial environments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), common air pollutants that negatively affect IAQ include:



  • Combustion byproducts: carbon monoxide and particulate matter
  • Pesticides, lead, and asbestos
  • Mold
  • Ozone from some air cleaners
  • Volatile organic compounds


Poor IAQ can cause immediate and long-term health effects for people regularly exposed to harmful pollutants. To keep your workers safe, here’s a closer look at how to improve the indoor air quality of your facility.

Control the Source
One of the most effective ways to improve IAQ is by reducing or eliminating the source of pollution. Some sources of pollution can be sealed or contained, such as asbestos so that the pollution is no longer airborne. Other sources, such as gas appliances, can be controlled to produce less emissions.

Controlling sources of pollution is a cost-effective solution for improving air quality since other methods of cleaning air can be more costly and less efficient. It’s better to start improvements by working directly at the source of the air quality problem.

Improve Ventilation
Most air ventilation systems do not bring fresh air into your facility. Instead, these systems recycle indoor air, which can be problematic in the presence of airborne pollutants. To mechanically improve air quality, facilities should invest in a proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

To further improve the air quality of your HVAC system, you should install a high-rated air filter, such as Parker’s MERV air filter, which removes contaminants from the air and reduces the number of particles that settle within the equipment. Applying air filters not only improves air quality but also reduces the risk of equipment degradation and ensures optimal performance.

Apply Air Cleaners
There are many types of air cleaners on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When looking into purchasing an air cleaner for your facility, keep in mind the types of pollutants that are present. Most air cleaners are not designed to remove gaseous pollutants.

The effectiveness of an air cleaner is determined by how well it collects pollutants and how much air it draws through the filtering element. For example, an air cleaner that collects most air pollutants but has a low circulation rate will not be effective. Similarly, a cleaner with high circulation but a low collection rate will also not effectively clean the air. The right balance is needed for air cleaners to be effective.

Want to learn more about improving indoor air quality at your facility?
Give us a call at 1.800.333.7519 or contact us online to speak with an ACI representative today.

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