Sick building syndrome
The link between clean carpets and employee wellness
Carpets bring comfort, warmth, texture, a touch of individuality, stylish colour combinations and designing flair into one’s life. Depending on where they are used and for what practical purposes, there are countless carpet options from which to choose that claim as benefit that stains and dirt won’t show up. But that’s exactly where the danger lies: even plain and pale-coloured carpeting that appears spotless to the naked eye can harbor hidden enemies that play havoc with your health.
The controversial topic of sick building syndrome is familiar to us all, mainly because it results in so many different types of health problems, some serious enough to last a lifetime, and because the exact cause of these illnesses is so hard to pinpoint. But even amidst all the controversy of opinion, one fact clearly emerges: the almost endless list of ill-health problems are all directly related to hygiene issues. Every single aspect of the sick building syndrome, also referred to as building-related illness (BRI), or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), is connected to one major factor: the lack of cleanliness.
Facts about causes of sick building syndrome
The “unknown” agents that cause illness are all related to pollution of the working environment. Contaminants from outside that enter from air intake vents, windows and other openings are combustion byproducts like radon, formaldehyde, asbestos, dust and lead paint. Indoor contamination is mainly caused by the volatile organic compounds (VOC) inherent in adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, manufactured wood products, pesticide and cleaning agents. The latter can contain synthetic fragrances that add to the contamination. Biological contaminants are another source of pollution and include pollen, bacteria, viruses, fungus, molds and mildew. Insect and bird droppings also belong in this last category and can be especially hard to detect in carpets.
Fighting sick building syndrome causes
Reducing exposure to the causes of the illnesses is essential. Air filters should regularly be checked and changed, the humidity level should be controlled, the environment should be tested for indoor mold or fungus, carpets need to be vacuumed and cleaned regularly and thoroughly, and cleaning products with low fumes and no fragrances should be used.
Carpets as culprits
Medical professionals are in agreement that carpets, especially, invariably contain hidden health hazards such as fungi, mites, cockroaches and bacteria that can result in endless hospital visits. Continuous and heavy foot traffic brings with it a further, disquieting array of health-threatening substances: apart from the gathered filth on roads and pavements outside, dust mite feces, hair, dandruff, dead skin and even odour pollution, all contribute to trapped, unseen dirt and can penetrate deep into the carpet pad and subfloor. Microscopic levels of soil, food particles and other allergens become airborne and can be unknowingly inhaled. Carpets that have Mycotoxins trapped within the fibres can weaken your body’s immune system and make you prone to illnesses you wouldn’t normally have.
Kinds of medical conditions caused
Physical wellbeing can be threatened by an alarmingly long list of symptoms. Some of these can seem apparently harmless, like headaches, sneezing, coughing and hoarseness, flu-like symptoms, itching, or fatigue. Dizziness, skin rashes and inflammation, nausea, sore throats, nosebleeds, and eye irritation have been known to occur. More serious effects can be the triggering of asthma attacks and other respiratory problems, like edema. Shortness of breath can lead to chest pains and even to severely serious malfunctions like cardiac arrhythmias.
Bacteria in carpets that are often damp during winter months can cause Campylobacter, a condition that results in diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fevers. The Norowalk Virus can result in severe stomach flu. Kawasaki Syndrome is caused by breathing in bacteria and chemical toxins that adhere to the lungs and can cause severe physical disabilities. Then, of course, there is the dreaded Salmonella that affects the intestinal tract.
Cleaning quality is the key
Regular cleaning is not sufficient to prevent illness – it is the quality and technique of cleaning that is critical to employee wellness. Inadequate equipment and methods may make a carpet look clean, but cause can simply cause the spreading of invisible pollutants.
When you combine our Environ HP green cleaner with our exclusive orbital drive technology and bonnet pads you will attain tremendous soil extraction, fast dry times, no reoccurring stains, and a healthier environment for commercial settings.
Every company should thoroughly investigate any cleaning service it intends to employ and ensure they have the required experience and a reputable stature before hiring them. Otherwise increased illness and absenteeism in employees can cost a company its good name, lost productivity and a great deal of money.
About us
CS Cleaning Solutions takes pride in offering our customers an accredited, professional and client-centric service that involves revolutionary new technology, green certified (US Standard) products, and meticulous attention to hygiene detail. Our approach to cleaning strives to uphold high quality standards that are affordable, environment-friendly, quick and long-lasting. Added to our considerable experience in the cleaning industry, including both offices and hospitality establishments, we bring an awareness that the wellness of employees and guests is essential to healthy morale, a trustworthy reputation and the efficient level of productivity that creates and maintains a successful company.
Find out more by visiting our website.
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