Being exposed to indoor pollution may be something your patrons or employees don't take too seriously. After all, there are health risks associated with just living day to day. But as a business owner, you have a responsibility to minimize those risks present at your establishment and be responsible when it comes to those contaminants that are caused by doing business.

Whether it's dust, mold, second hand smoke or other pollutants, you can protect your customers and employees through indoor air quality testing and different systems to purify or filter the pollutants out of the air.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates indoor air quality among the top risks to public health. Consider the following indoor air quality information:

1. Indoor air pollution control is most affected by building design. Over the years, trends toward energy conservation have led to buildings with less ventilation, which can trap indoor pollutants.

2. Indoor air quality monitoring focuses on the source, which can include appliances, material emissions and outside air, among others.

3. Indoor air pollutants can also relate to humidity or skimping on indoor maintenance.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Control indoor air pollution with filters

Installation and maintainence of air filters are often disregarded, but these simple steps are important in keeping indoor air clean. Follow the manufacturer's rules when it comes to how often to replace the air filter.

I recommend: Effectively destroying odors and gases to improve air quality is the focus of air filters by Clark Air Systems. C.P.E. Filters Inc. offers systems for the heavy-duty requirements of particulate removal.

Treat indoor air pollution with a purifying system

Purifiers work to remove pollutants directly from the air. There are several options to choose from, including a conventional purifier that uses a High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter or those that do not use a filter at all.

I recommend: Better used for smaller office spaces, the Oreck Direct system removes bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi. Check out all of the commercial air purifiers for purchase through Air & Water.

Remove second hand smoke from your business

In recognizing second hand smoke as a hazard in the workplace, experts estimate that about 126 million non-smokers are subjected to this pollutant either at home or at work. Finding ways to create a smoke-free environment, as well as removing any second hand smoke that may be present, is necessary for employee and patron health. Eliminate chances for second hand smoke exposure by using commercial air cleaners designed specifically for that task.

I recommend: Air Quality Engineering offers a variety of commercial air cleaners aimed at removing second hand smoke. Browse the selection of cigarette smoke removal systems offered by Air Life Environmental Products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For better indoor air quality, don't just push the dust around when you clean. A microfiber duster works better than a regular towel or cloth at picking up the dust and keeping it on the cloth.