Sneezing, runny noses, itchy throats, watery eyes – Spring is in full swing, and so are allergens.
According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), Australia has one of the highest rates of allergies in the developed world. More than 650,000 Australians have a diagnosed allergy, with approximately 30,000 new cases every year.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are caused when your body’s immune system recognises certain substances as harmful and reacts to it by causing an allergic reaction. Substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens, and they differ between each individual experiencing allergies.
The main types of allergens that may affect your workplace are: dust, mould, animal dander, and pollen. These are particularly potent during Spring, as grass, flower, and tree pollen are at their most potent.
Dealing with allergies at work can often be difficult as indoor environments can trap dust and pollen, and less aerated spaces can encourage mould growth during wet Spring months. Exposing employees and visitors to indoor allergens for long periods of time can aggravate asthma and cause wheezing, sneezing, and eye irritation, impacting the health and productivity of your staff.
Ensuring that your office environment is clean and well-equipped to deal with allergies is an essential part of keeping staff, clients, and other visitors as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Where Are Allergens Most Commonly Found In Commercial Buildings?
Studies have shown that indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air. The pollution can be caused by several factors – building materials and furniture, carpet, personal care supplies, dust, or pesticides. Areas or surfaces that trap dust, moisture, or other molecules easily or are less ventilated are the biggest allergen traps. Carpets, area rugs, padded cubicle walls, small conference rooms, etc. can act as giant air filters that trap any air-borne environmental allergens, but that also means that they are the most likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Workplaces with high levels of moisture can also be more susceptible to allergies, such as antique shops, greenhouses, construction areas, or flower shops.
Tips To Minimise Allergens In Your Workplace
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50% if possible. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you to reach those levels. Clean bathrooms with mould killing products and avoid carpet to be used in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and basements.
- Use an air purifier or HVAC system with HEPA filters, which are regarded as the most effective means of removing pollen and dust from a building.
- Maintain a good cleaning schedule with high-quality commercial cleaning equipment. Consider flat window blinds or washable curtains, which are easier to clean than other types of window covering. Regularly vacuum and shampoo carpets, area rugs, couches, and other soft surfaces to prevent dust build-up.
- Regularly declutter your office! Documents, books, magazines, or that decorative vase in the corner can easily collect dust
- Choose to use natural cleaners and microfibre cloths, as some cleaners can unknowingly trigger symptoms due to their irritating nature. Unscented cleaners are also a great option to prevent scent-related allergic reactions.
Little Actions To Make A Big Impact
Preventing allergies in your office is a team effort! Here is a checklist that you and your workplace can follow to help make everyone comfortable:
- Avoid opening windows during peak pollen times.
- Make sure offices are well ventilated.
- Encourage employees to regularly clean their work area (all hard surfaces) daily with a disinfectant wipe or microfiber cloth.
- Ensure all office plants are cared for properly.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can help reduce allergy triggers and make your workspace a more comfortable environment for everyone, including any employees suffering from allergies.
“Sneezed 100 times today? Yep, it’s definitely spring!” – Anonymous
Let Us Help You
Keeping your workplace clean whilst running a business and ensuring that all your employees, clients, visitors, and customers are happy can be a tough balancing act. Star Property Maintenance offers Commercial Cleaning Services that will ensure your workplace maintains peak cleanliness so that you can focus on your work and business. Contact us today to see what we can do for you and your employees.