Offices might seem clean on the surface, but they can harbor a hidden world of allergy triggers. Office cleaning solutions focus on high-traffic areas and frequently used items, leaving a breeding ground for allergens in places you might not expect.
For example, fibers in carpets and furniture trap dirt, dust, and other particles that contribute to workplace illness. Regular floor cleaning helps, but without a thorough deep cleaning, these allergens can linger and continue to trigger symptoms. In addition, air vents and other hard-to-reach areas are a superhighway for allergens.
Let’s delve into the most common types of allergens that may be lurking in office spaces.
- Dust mites: These microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid environments and love to feast on dead skin cells. Unfortunately, offices are the perfect place for these tiny terrors.
- Pollen: Even closed doors and windows can’t keep all outdoor allergens at bay. Pollen easily gets tracked in on shoes and clothes, aggravating allergy symptoms.
- Mold spores: Damp environments and hidden moisture pockets create ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold spores can then become airborne, triggering allergy attacks.
- Pet dander: If an office allows furry friends, pet dander can become a major source of allergy woes.
- Dead skin cells: Yes, even we contribute! Everyone sheds dead skin cells, which become a snack for dust mites, further exacerbating allergy problems.
Dust and grime play a significant role in worsening allergies. These particles cling to pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, transporting them throughout the office and directly into employees’ respiratory systems.
Grime, on the other hand, creates a breeding ground for mold and dust mites. The more dirt and grime accumulate, the more comfortable these allergy-inducing organisms become, multiplying and worsening allergy symptoms for employees.