Today everywhere we go we are surrounded by dust particles!
It won’t be wrong to say that dust has become a part of our lives. An allergen is a small particle found in dust that can cause irritation if inhaled. These particles are carried through the air or can settle on surfaces and floors.
Did you know the dust allergens in a normal office are twice as compared to outdoors?
Therefore, need of regular office cleaning has become more of a necessity. A clean and hygienic workplace is an attribute of an effective, efficient, and positive workplace where customers are given a good impression. The most important benefit which can be derived from regular cleaning is the impact that it has on people’s health. Many people suffer from various types of allergies and conditions related to airborne pollutants, which can be eliminated with the help of proper cleaning procedures.
Office staff and workers and those working in commercial properties are commonly expected to maintain their workplace’s cleanliness. Dust Allergens affect a building’s IAQ (Indoor Air Quality). When an office has poor IAQ those who are present in that building will suffer. When allergens are inhaled there are immediate effects such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; allergens can also make someone suffer from asthma. Long term effects from poor IAQ are more serious and can range from respiratory disease to heart disease, and even cancer! The results have proven that airborne pollutants that are present in dust are the number two reasons why adults miss work. This impacts their motivational level and thus their effectiveness too. Even if one suffering does not miss work, their symptoms can cause low productivity.
Effects of Dust allergens on different organs:
Organs |
Effects of dust |
Lungs |
Cough and phlegm production, chest tightness, impairment of lung function, obstructive and restrictive lung disease, emphysema, and lung nodulation. |
Liver |
Diffuse swelling, Perisinusoidal and portal fibrosis and hepatic lesions. |
Stomach |
Stomachache and cancer of the stomach |
Brain |
Headache and fatigue |
Eye, skin and bone |
Irritation of eyes, runny eyes and conjunctivitis, skin irritation, itching, skin boil and burn, lesion of the humerus, thinning of the cortex and reduction of epiphyseal cartilage. |
Now that we know about dust and its impact on our health, let"s discuss the solution to bust the dust from your office. Well, the simple solution is regular office cleaning. But not just any office cleaning will do. When trying to eliminate pollutants and raise the IAQ, the most important factor is finding the source. Eliminating the source is the most efficient way in clearing the pollutants from the air.
Areas that needs frequent attention:
- Furniture – couches, desks, chairs (plastic or leather), shelves, cabinets, closets.
- Flowers (Artificial or Natural).
- Curtains or Blinds.
- Walls.
- Windows.
- Carpets, Floors, Rugs.
How to avoid Workplace Dust Allergens
Office cleaners must employ methods of cleaning geared towards eliminating dust and allergens. These include:
- Avoid using allergy-provoking irritant chemicals and sprays.
- Thorough cleaning of surfaces, woodwork, walls and floors with micro- fiber cloth that prevent dust particles to flow in air when cleaned or wiped off from a surface.
- Regular cleaning of rugs and carpets on weekly basis helps remove dirt and dust particles that can build up over time, eventually even ruining your carpet.
- Cleansing of soft furnishings.
- Regular vacuuming, using a specially designed bag-less vacuum cleaner with an allergen filter, that meets world standards.
- Airing a workspace whilst cleaning is carried out.
- Try and limit the number of plants in the office; plants provide a perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow.
- Prevent moisture around areas such as sinks and bathrooms.
- Most importantly, remember to change the building’s air filter frequently!
Contracting a professional cleaning services in Michigan can greatly help you to fight against dust! Hire a professional who can also provide building maintenance services to you so that proper indoor air flow can be maintained in the office. A good regular office cleaner will avoid using allergy-provoking irritant chemicals and sprays and will advise business owners on how best to promote a healthy workspace. Sticking to wooden, plastic or leather chairs; avoiding flowers – natural or artificial; choosing blinds rather than curtains, and various other initiatives will all help to shun air pollutants. Even while vacuuming proper attention must be given so that dust particles do not go anywhere else but the vacuum itself. STATHAKIS is a specialist when it comes to office cleaning. Detroit businesses rely on us to promote a healthy workspace by employing various eco-friendly cleaning methods and building maintenance services.
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