Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions among people due to their immune systems recognising them as harmful to the body, causing an immune reaction commonly referred to as allergy symptoms. In Singapore, around 13.1% of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis, which is characterised by nasal symptoms triggered by these allergens.
Therefore, if you notice more and more of your employees showing these symptoms come allergy season, it may lead to a drop in productivity and unwanted absenteeism due to distractions and sickness. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this, starting with keeping your workplace spick and span.
Read on to learn the common allergens that may be present in your office and how to best deal with them.
1. Dust mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects that are found nearly everywhere. They mainly eat the dead skin cells shed by people and thrive in warm, humid areas, hence why they typically reside in carpeting, upholstered furniture, and the like. People who are allergic to dust mites or dust react to inhaling the proteins in dust that come from the waste matter of these insects.
The key steps to reduce dust mites in the office include:
– Reducing the humidity.
– Removing unnecessary furnishings and places where dust mites can live.
– Regular carpet cleaning and vacuuming.
These steps help to cut down the number of dust mites in the office and make it uninhabitable for them.
2. Pollen
Pollen comes from the various vegetation in nature, such as weeds, grasses, trees, and so on, travelling by the wind and entering the office through the windows or ventilation system. Adequate air filtration is the best way to combat pollen, so it is essential to regularly replace the air filters in your HVAC system.
Moreover, it is recommended to keep the windows shut during transitional seasons. Otherwise, relocate pollen-sensitive employees far away from the windows to reduce pollen influence. Placing air purifiers around the office could also make a big difference in keeping the air pollen-free.
3. Mould
Mould in indoor environments like offices stems from the transmission of mould spores, typically through ventilation or cross-contamination, as they travel in bags, suitcases, clothing, and other materials that enter the environment.
Under the right conditions, mould spores can grow and spread into a larger area, presenting a considerable health risk. The best way to eliminate mould is to do regular cleaning and change the environmental conditions that make it less favourable for their growth, such as reducing the humidity and addressing areas with constant moisture, like leaking pipes.
4. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
VOCs irritate the lungs and lead to nausea, headaches, and skin irritation. VOCs are generally found in many maintenance products like air fresheners and furniture as they get exposed to chemicals during manufacturing. Hence, avoid using aerosol air fresheners and switch to cleaning supplies that do not include VOCs. Similarly, consider choosing furniture pieces with natural materials for the office.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is the most effective way to keep your office allergen-free. For commercial cleaning services you can trust, there’s no better choice than Abba. We offer office disinfection services that meet all your cleaning needs, as we have a dedicated team of well-equipped and seasoned staff ready to deliver and go beyond your expectations.
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