A city sits in a layer of smog and pollution. Sometimes it gets so bad you can see it.
March 11, 2021 220 view(s)
Air Quality Monitoring

Air Quality Monitoring - How and why you need to do it

The air quality on your job site matters for the health of your workers. It doesn’t matter what you do. Although air quality is going to affect indoor workers more than those who are out doors, all workers are affected. From desk jobs in an office to production workers on a factory floor. If the air isn’t clean the health of these workers will be negatively impacted.

Why do we need to monitor air quality?

In outdoor environments we monitor the air quality because it can vary from place to place and from time to time. This is generally done on a large scale to ensure there aren’t any pockets of greater pollution or places where the level of danger may be greater. In an indoor environment monitoring should be in place near machinery as well as in places where pockets of pollutants are likely to build up.

What are we monitoring for?

Although there can be many different pollutants the most common one is ozone. Ozone is typically formed as part of a reaction between hydrocarbons and various oxides. These chemicals are common by-products from running mechanical machinery and generators. A good air quality monitor, such as the Aeroqual Series will also measure the temperature and humidity. This will allow you to measure the ozone concentrations more accurately.
 
Besides ozone there may be other pollutants you want to monitor for. Depending on the work site you may also be looking for aerosol contaminants or other fine particles, usually measured with a PM number.

What are the health affects?

If the air quality is low it can cause people with breathing issues to have a harder time breathing. This includes asthma and COPD. These people may also have unusual fatigue. Those with heart disease may see a worsening of their disease over a very short period of time without showing other symptoms. The risk of stroke is greatly increased. Even those who are otherwise healthy may experience irritation of the eyes and nose, shortness of breath, coughing and phlegm.

What do I do if my air quality is bad?

What if you are using an air quality monitor and get readings indicating too much ozone or other particulate? The first step should be to identify the source. If possible shut it off. Bring fresh air into the area. Depending on your location you may need to use air filters. Additionally wearing a mask may help if you need to be in the affected area.
 
For more information on air quality monitoring or to speak to an expert who can assist you in finding the right solutions for your business please contact our team of experts at 1-888-207-2212.
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