Air Pollution at Work

Air pollution is a serious problem that can have negative effects on both the environment and human health. One place where air quality can be especially important is in the workplace, where employees spend a significant portion of their day. Investing in air purifiers for a work facility can have a range of benefits for the health and productivity of staff.

One major benefit of air purifiers is the reduction of sickness. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, and more. By removing pollutants and other contaminants from the air, air purifiers can reduce the likelihood of employees getting sick and missing work. One study found that installing air purifiers in a call center led to a 39% reduction in absenteeism due to respiratory illness (Milton et al., 2000).

Improved cognitive function is another potential benefit of air purifiers. Indoor air pollution can lead to decreased cognitive function and impaired decision-making, which can negatively impact productivity. Research has shown that air purifiers can help improve cognitive function and decision-making in office workers (Allen et al., 2015).

Finally, air purifiers can also have a positive impact on productivity. By removing contaminants from the air, employees may experience less fatigue and improved concentration, leading to greater productivity. One study found that installing air purifiers in a Beijing office led to a 5-6% increase in productivity (Li et al., 2015).

Investing in air purifiers for a work facility may also provide a strong return on investment. The benefits of improved employee health and productivity can translate into significant cost savings for employers. One study estimated that the benefits of air purifiers in an office building outweighed the costs by a factor of 14 to 1 (Fisk et al., 2002).

In conclusion, investing in air purifiers for a work facility can have a range of benefits for the health and productivity of staff. Scientific research has demonstrated the positive effects of air purifiers on reducing sickness, improving cognitive function, and increasing productivity. Employers may also see a strong return on investment through cost savings from improved employee health and productivity.


References:

Allen, J. G., MacNaughton, P., Satish, U., Santanam, S., Vallarino, J., & Spengler, J. D. (2015). Associations of cognitive function scores with carbon dioxide, ventilation, and volatile organic compound exposures in office workers: a controlled exposure study of green and conventional office environments. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(6), 805-812.

Fisk, W. J., Black, D., & Brunner, G. (2002). Benefits and costs of improved IEQ in offices. Indoor Air, 12(1), 5-11.

Li, Z., Sun, D., Zhang, L., Fang, H., & Chen, C. (2015). Air filter’s impact on productivity: Evidence from a field experiment. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 70, 34-49.

Milton, D. K., Glencross, P. M., & Walters, M. D. (2000). Risk of sick leave associated with outdoor air supply rate, humidification, and occupant complaints. Indoor Air, 10(4), 212-221.