MightyRecruiterYou may not think of the indoor spaces of a building as potentially hazardous environments, but there are a number of known dangers that are specific to these enclosed spaces. Whether you work indoors yourself or manage a business with employees who work indoors, it is important to be aware of any areas of safety concern. Once you begin thinking about the number of materials, surfaces and potential pollutants that exist indoors, you will have a good idea of some of the chemical compositions that might be able to cause harm. These might include everything from off-gassing plastic to drywall to fabric, all of which can act as a possible agent of lung issues, immune system weakness and other physical symptoms, such as asthma and allergies. Awareness of these potential hazards is the first step in cutting down on them and minimizing their impact.
What Indoor Factors May Affect Your Health?
Because we spend so much of our time indoors in work places, retail areas, schools, offices and homes, it is extremely important to ensure that these spaces are safe to be in. While environmental pollution in the outdoors is a widely acknowledged problem, indoor safety hazards are less commonly known. Here are some which may affect your health:
- Indoor pest control methods, such as roach bait or chemical bug sprays
- Cleaning and sanitizing products, including air fresheners, carpet stain removers, bathroom cleansers and many other different types of cleaners
- Fabric products, such as curtain cleaners, detergents and fabric softeners
- Furniture polishes and finishes and the residues and off-gassing of new furniture
- Wood features that were made or sealed with chemical-based products
- Brand new materials and accessories such as carpets, curtains, flooring and pieces of furniture
- Insulation contained within walls, which may include known hazards such as asbestos
- Mold, mildew and other fungal overgrowths from leaks, cracks and wet areas
- Paint chemicals and other gasses released from adhesives and surface coverings
- Ink and paper residue and chemicals from printing and paper production
This listing is just a sample of some indoor pollutants and dangers that have been known to affect human health in a negative way. Some indoor spaces, such as photography and printing studios, medical offices or pet stores, will have unique chemical and industrial hazards of their own. There are numerous channels through which these factors can be detrimental to you, including physical health, emotional health and mental health.
What Can You Do About These Potential Dangers?
Now that you know the origins of many indoor hazards, it is important to think about how you can possibly eliminate or minimize these sources of danger. Here are some ways that you can create a safe environment for the whole body:
- Clean regularly and thoroughly, using natural products when possible and being cautious around potent chemical-based substances, such as indoor pest control products.
- Let new furniture and building materials off-gas in fresh air before bringing them indoors, and get informed about any dangerous emissions that may be contained in new purchases.
- Maintain a clean environment by emptying your garbage regularly, checking for leaks and cracks around sinks and toilets and making sure that food and other sensitive items are properly stored.
- Minimize your exposure to printing and photography equipment. If you have to be around these items, do yourself a favor by taking periodic breaks in fresh air.
- Get a dehumidifier that can help to control your indoor moisture levels. Alternatively, if you struggle with air that is too dry, consider getting a humidifier. Through these methods of cleaning, prevention and maintenance, you will be able to easily monitor your indoor safety levels and make sure that you are being exposed to the absolute minimum in terms of pollutants, bacteria, contamination, molds and other dangers.
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The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.