Keeping a tidy and clean office space is important for employee health, wellbeing, and productivity. But with busy schedules, it can be easy to let things slide. Developing a streamlined cleaning routine can help make maintaining a healthy workspace more manageable. Part of that routine should include periodic testing for mold and radon – two invisible threats that can lurk in any building. Understanding the implications of testing results is key to creating a safe and healthy workspace.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning
A clean office space provides a lot of benefits:
- Health. Dust, dirt, and grime harbor germs and allergens that can make employees sick. Frequent cleaning removes these contaminants. Vacuuming picks up dust so it doesn’t circulate in the air. Disinfecting shared surfaces kills bacteria and viruses that cause colds, flu, and more serious illnesses.
- Morale. A tidy workspace feels more welcoming and professional. Clutter and mess can create stress and make it harder to focus on work. Keeping things clean demonstrates that employees and management care about the space.
- Safety. Spills create slip and fall hazards. Dirty vents and fans can spread contaminants. Regular cleaning removes tripping dangers, clears dust, and maintains ventilation.
- Productivity. Employees work better in clean, orderly surroundings. When the office is dirty or disorganized, it’s distracting and makes it harder to concentrate. Proper cleaning removes distractions.
- Air quality. Dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning vents removes allergens, mold spores, and other particles from the air. This helps provide better indoor air quality.
Regular cleaning clears away contaminants that can impact health, morale, safety, productivity, and air quality. But invisible threats like mold and radon may still be present even in a visibly clean space.
The Dangers of Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp conditions. While mold spores are everywhere outdoors, excess moisture inside a building can allow mold colonies to grow. Mold releases spores and chemicals called mycotoxins that can trigger allergic reactions and other health effects when inhaled.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inhaling or touching mold may cause:
- Coughing, wheezing, upper respiratory tract symptoms
- Irritated eyes, skin, nose and throat
- Rashes
- Runny nose and sinus congestion
- Headaches, fatigue
- Memory and concentration problems
Mold exposure is particularly hazardous for people with asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems. Severe mold infestations require professional remediation to remove. But spotting and eliminating small mold problems early is important to prevent growth.
Signs that mold may be present include:
- Visible mold growth on walls, ceilings, ventilation ducts, carpets, or baseboards
- Musty odors
- Peeling paint or drywall
- Warped floors or condensation on windows and walls
Even if you don’t see obvious mold, excess moisture and dampness in a building can lead to hidden mold issues. Areas to check include around pipes, sinks, flooring, and outside walls. Acting quickly when leaks or flooding occur prevents mold from developing.
Considering Radon Gas
In addition to mold, radon is an invisible indoor air contaminant that can accumulate to dangerous levels without proper testing and ventilation. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It enters buildings through small openings and cracks in the foundation.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Breathing air with high radon levels over time can damage lung tissue and lead to cancer. Radon itself is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, so testing is the only way to detect it.
The EPA and Surgeon General recommend taking steps to reduce radon if levels are 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more. Smokers and former smokers are at an even greater risk due to the combined effects of radon and tobacco smoke.
Radon testing is simple and inexpensive. Do-it-yourself radon test kits are available from hardware stores and online vendors. Professional radon testing services are also an option. Make sure to follow the kit instructions carefully to get accurate results.
Mold and Radon Testing Recommendations
The EPA recommends indoor mold and radon testing as part of routine building maintenance and worksite safety plans. Testing at least once every five years provides insight into whether your office’s indoor air quality could be improved. More frequent tests may be warranted in certain situations:
- After major floods, leaks, or water damage
- In high-risk areas with known radon or mold issues
- When renovating or altering part of the building foundation
- If employees report health issues possibly related to indoor air quality
While both mold and radon testing kits are straightforward to use, consider hiring a professional indoor air quality testing service for convenience and to ensure proper procedures. Professional testing may also include a more thorough inspection for hidden moisture issues and potential radon entry points. They can also provide documentation of results.
For do-it-yourself testing, be sure to carefully note the location and time of each test. Keeping detailed records helps interprets results and identifies problem areas.
Interpreting Mold Sample Results
Mold screening samples airborne mold spores or uses swab or tape samples to detect mold growth not visible to the naked eye. The lab report will indicate the levels and types of mold present.
According to the CDC and EPA, there are no standardized thresholds for unsafe mold levels indoors. Any visible mold growth or musty odors indicate a moisture issue that should be addressed. For air sampling, under 100 spores/m3 is considered background mold. Levels between 100-1,000 spores/m3 suggest a small source, while over 1,000 spores/m3 indicates a more severe problem.
Specific types of mold present may also give clues about moisture sources. For example:
- Penicillium and Aspergillus typically come from wet building materials or furnishings.
- Chaetomium and Stachybotrys indicate very damp conditions like flooding or roof leaks. These molds may produce mycotoxins.
- Cladosporium and Alternaria enter from outdoors and are common allergens. Higher levels suggest ventilation issues.
Visible mold growth covering over 10 square feet requires professional remediation. Smaller areas can be cleaned using detergent, commercial mold removers, bleach, or vinegar. Always take safety precautions like masks, gloves, and sealing containment plastic when cleaning mold. Identify and repair all moisture sources and improve ventilation.
Interpreting Radon Test Results
Radon test kits include detailed information on interpreting results. Follow kit instructions closely. Key points:
- The EPA recommends fixing radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. Between 2-4 pCi/L merits a follow-up test. Under 2 pCi/L is considered safe.
- Long-term tests (90+ days) provide a better average radon level than short-term tests. Do a long-term test if your result is close to 4 pCi/L.
- Test the lowest occupied level of the building. Basements tend to have higher radon levels.
- Re-test after making any radon reduction changes to confirm lowered levels.
- Hire a radon mitigation professional if your radon level is 8 pCi/L or more. Between 4-8 pCi/L can often be fixed with DIY vent fan kits.
Radon mitigation involves sealing cracks and openings in the foundation, then installing PVC vent pipes and fans to draw radon up from under the building and vent it above the roofline before it can enter the indoor air. This creates constant suction that prevents radon accumulation. Vent fans run continuously and require occasional maintenance.
Creating a Healthy Workspace
Mold and radon testing provides vital information about risks present in the indoor environment that visual inspection alone can’t identify. While traces of mold and radon are normal, excessive levels can create health hazards for staff.
Addressing moisture intrusion and radon entry keeps these risks in check. Maintaining proper ventilation and implementing a regular cleaning routine also improves overall indoor air quality. Employees will appreciate coming to work each day in a space that feels fresh, orderly, and safe.
A professional evaluation of your office’s unique circumstances is recommended to identify appropriate testing and remediation options. Improving indoor air quality takes an ongoing investment, but the benefits for the health and productivity of your workforce are well worth it. With the right prevention strategies and prompt response when issues arise, you can create a workspace that allows your team to thrive.