Indoor Air Quality at Work

The average person spends up to up to 90% of their day inside. For many people, that time may be spent in an indoor workplace. That’s why the air quality at workplace environments is a major concern for people with asthma and allergies.

It’s not just a concern for people who work at construction sites or around harmful building materials and pollutants. It is an issue for everyone, including people sitting behind a computer. Sometimes it is hard to identify what is causing asthmaandallergy symptoms in the workplace. Many times we may not realize our lungs are being irritated by poor indoor air quality. Sometimes a simple change can fix it.

A person sitting at a desk in an office, with a computer screen in front of them. A small humidifier is on the desk, releasing a visible mist. Shelves with files are in the background, and sunlight is coming through a window.

Indoor Air Pollutants at Work

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says there are three main types of indoor air pollution in workplaces:

Biological. You may encounter bacteria, germs and allergens such as animal dander and dust mites that can cause poor air quality.

Chemical. Chemicals and emissions from equipment used in the workplace can pollute indoor air.

Particle. The air you breathe may contain tiny or microscopic particles such as dust. These particles can linger in the air. You may inhale them into your lungs. These particles could be present in indoor air or brought in from outdoor air.

Common allergens, irritants, furnishings and devices that can impact air quality in the office include:

  • Mold due to moisture and humidity levels
  • Tobacco smoke or secondhand smoke
  • Dust
  • Pests including cockroaches, mice, and rats
  • Dust mites on furnishings and carpeting in office buildings
  • Copy machines (can emit ozone)
  • Electrostatic air cleaners (can emit ozone)
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Lead
  • Chemical pollutants from cleaning supplies
  • Particles resulting from indoor maintenance activities, such as paint or sanding
  • Adhesives and glues, off-gassing of construction materials
  • Odors and fragrances, such as perfumes or cologne

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) says more than half of their cases of indoor air quality concerns involve faulty building ventilation systems. The ventilation system may be poorly designed, poorly maintained, or not operating efficiently causing workplace health hazards.

A person in protective clothing, including a hairnet and gloves, is inspecting a ceiling with a small electronic device. They are reaching upwards to hold a blue triangle against the ceiling in a sterile or laboratory environment.

Strategies to Improve Indoor Air Quality at the Workplace

Good air quality is about limiting exposure to conditions that set off symptoms. But this may not be easy when your paycheck depends on working in a particular office environment. If you think you may have work-related asthma or allergies, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or an asthma specialist. Prior to the appointment, track your symptoms daily and record the following:

If your doctor determines your workplace is giving you health issues, talk with your employer, building manager or supervisor. Find out how you can reduce exposure to what’s bothering you or worsening your health.

Whether you’re experiencing immediate symptoms or noticing negative health effects over time, your employer is required to protect workers according to health and safety protocols. If workers complain about unsafe conditions or have pre-existing conditions that could be worsened by the work environment, those concerns should be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

It could be as simple as improving inadequate ventilation around office equipment, cleaning air ducts, and removing mold in storage areas. If there’s ongoing construction, ask if telecommuting is an option. It may be helpful to get a group of coworkers to advocate with you about indoor air quality issues.

EPA has an online guide for workplace indoor air quality issues – the Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality. It offers three strategies to address poor indoor air quality.

  • Management – limit or remove indoor air pollution.
  • Ventilation – dilute and remove indoor air pollutants through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
  • Filtration – use filter systems to clean contaminated air and create a more comfortable indoor environment with better air circulation.
Two construction workers in hard hats inspect air ducts. One man points while holding a tool, and the other observes closely. Silver insulation surrounds the ducts. They're focused on checking the system.

How to improve an indoor ventilation system

OSHA recommends the following ways to improve indoor ventilation efficiency:

  • Service and clean the system regularly.
  • Ensure that outdoor air supply dampers and room air vents are open.
  • Remove or modify partitions or obstructions that block fresh air movement.
  • Rebalance the ventilation system to prevent inflow or outflow of specific air contaminants. This can occur due to differences in pressure between rooms.
  • Use room fans to improve air mixing and help dilute pollutants in the indoor environment.

Contact OSHA at 800-321-OSHA or visit OSHA.gov for more information on workplace indoor air quality issues or to request an inspection.

A woman and a man sitting at a table in a modern office setting. The woman is facing the man, who is taking notes. A box with different colored car key fobs is on the table, indicating a car dealership discussion.

Tips for Employees to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Employees can work together with employers and building owners to address any indoor air quality problems. Some tips include:

  • Don’t block air ducts, air vents or grilles. This can disrupt air circulation and prevent HVAC systems from functioning properly and delivering an adequate supply of fresh air inside.
  • Follow smoking policies at your office building. If you smoke, do so only in designated areas. Keep away from these designated areas to avoid secondhand smoke. If people are not following policies, or the policy is not effective, notify management.
  • Watch for water issues that could lead to damp indoor environments and mold growth. Clean up spills quickly. Notify maintenance of any leaks and mold.
  • Dispose of your trash. Trash attracts critters, as well as bacteria that can lead to health problems. Get rid of trash in designated areas only.
  • Store your food properly in containers. Use office refrigerators and take home your containers so that the fridge can be cleaned easily.
  • Talk with co-workers if your experiencing health issues such as difficulty breathing in response to perfumes. Ask them politely if they would wear no or less perfume.

Certain jobs may expose you to a lot of indoor air contaminants and pollutants. These jobs could be a fast-food worker, housekeeper, janitor, construction worker, or another job with exposure to fumes, chemicals, and particles. Your doctor may advise you to wear a mask at work to minimize exposure to indoor air pollution.

Reviewed by:
William E. Berger, MD, FACAAI, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who serves as a media spokesperson and Chair of the Medical Advisory Council for Allergy & Asthma Network. He is a Distinguished Fellow and Past President (2002-03) of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).