Preventing the Problem
Building managers and owners can take steps to prevent indoor air pollution from affecting the health of their tenants. These steps are part of a pro-active monitoring programme designed to inspect, analyse and evaluate a building’s air handling system on a regular basis. Employers should also protect themselves in a similar fashion.
• It reduces the chances of a “healthy” building from becoming “sick”. Problems or potential problems are quickly identified and corrected at minimal expense.
• It protects against owner of employer liability. In addition to reducing the chances of litigation, pro-active monitoring demonstrates that the owner has taken necessary steps to assure a healthy work environment.
• It reduces employee absenteeism. Thirty to fifty percent of employee absenteeism is due to upper-respiratory complaints – symptoms that are common in occupants who are plagued by poor indoor air quality.
• It enhances management’s relationship with tenants and employees by demonstrating a genuine concern for the employee’s well being.
• It improves overall building maintenance and operations. Indoor air quality is improved through regular monitoring of ventilation rates and filtration efficiencies.
• It is a selling point for private and commercial real estate owners in marketing and advertising their properties and thus can be used as an effective tool in the competitive real estate market.