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ISSA's The Impact of Floors on Indoor Air Quality and Health

Aug 5, 2022 9:00:00 AM / by The Pegasus Team

It is essential for all companies to make sure they keep their workplace clean. There is never a second chance to make a first impression, and clean floors are a significant part of that impression. On the other hand, floor cleaning is important not only for appearance but also for health. It is crucial for cleaning plans, including those from professional commercial cleaning services, to also focus on cleaning for health.

Inadequate facility cleaning can make it easier for pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, to proliferate, causing some people to become sick. Furthermore, poor facility cleaning can also significantly impact air quality. Today, customers have higher expectations than ever before, and people demand proof that buildings are cleaned adequately to protect their health and those they love. Recently, the ISSA covered the topic of floor cleanliness, health, and indoor air quality.

The Floor Is a Repository for Numerous Contaminants

First, companies must understand that the floor is a repository for numerous contaminants, which can impact indoor air quality and overall health. Bread crumbs, dog hair, mud from shoes, and countless other contaminants settle on the floor.

Furthermore, the cracks and crevices on the floor can provide places for mold to grow. Mold likes environments that are warm, hot, and humid. Luxury vinyl plank flooring, floor tile, wood, and even sheet vinyl all have their individual cracks and crevices of various sizes. Even the carpet can be a spot where mold can grow.

Mold can significantly impact indoor air quality because it releases spores in the air. When this happens, indoor air quality can suffer, affecting the overall health of employees, clients, and business partners. It can be particularly problematic for people who have chronic respiratory conditions, such as allergies and asthma.

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Floors Have a Direct Impact on the Spread of Infections

Furthermore, evidence shows that floors can directly impact the spread of infections. First, an infected person might sneeze or cough, producing respiratory droplets containing viruses and bacteria, and they land on the floor.

Next, someone can walk on the floor, spreading bacteria and viruses to their shoes. As they walk around, the particles may be released from the shoes, aerosolizing back into the air. This can infect numerous people in the building, and the person might even take those particles home with them, causing other people to get sick.

Furthermore, when that person touches their shoes and face, they can also get sick. Because the floor is the largest horizontal surface in the building, it is a breeding ground for various viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Investing in appropriate disinfecting, sanitizing, and cleaning guidelines is critical, particularly for companies with cleanrooms. A professional janitorial service can help with that.

What Airborne Contaminants Come From the Floors?

Every indoor air quality assessment needs to test the surfaces for various contaminants. Even though people do not necessarily think about how the floors impact indoor air quality, it plays a significant role. Some of the most common contaminants that could be released from the floor include insect parts, pollen, pet dander, dead skin cells, and even mold spores. These contaminants land on not only tables and chairs but also the floor.

Diagnostic testing is essential because it can show precisely how contaminated all surfaces are, including the floor. Then, once these contaminants have been identified, it is easier for companies to develop a comprehensive cleaning plan that can address these issues. This cleaning plan should involve relying on professionals.

How To Make a Difference in the Health of Building Occupants

Floors have a tremendous impact on indoor air quality, which also affects the health and safety of people in the building. It is important to rely on surface sampling to examine the quality of cleaning methods. By looking at the floors before and after they have been cleaned, it is possible to assess the quality of the cleaning method. Even though carpets can be challenging to clean, it is important to vacuum carpets regularly. Studies have already shown that cracks and crevices in floors and carpet fibers can conceal various contaminants. By relying on a professional team that understands how to clean various flooring materials adequately, it is possible to remove contaminants from the floors and protect the people in the building. Cleaning professionals stay up-to-date on the latest information from the CDC, and they have the time, connections, and budget to invest in the best cleaning materials available.

If you want to ensure that your floors are clean, it would be our pleasure to help you.

Download the Guide From Pegasus Today

Even though you may not realize it, your floors play a tremendous role in your indoor air quality and the health and safety of your employees and customers. To keep everyone safe, you need to work with a professional team that understands how to minimize air contamination. At Pegasus, it would be our pleasure to help you with our SuperiorClean program. We have the right experience, training, and cleaning solution. Contact us today for an instant quote.

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