How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Winston-Salem, NC

That persistent cough that only seems to act up at the office. The strange, musty smell you can’t quite locate. The way one person’s cold spreads through the entire team in a matter of days. These aren’t just random workplace annoyances; they’re often direct signs of a bigger problem with your building’s air. Poor air quality can do more than make your space feel stuffy—it can impact employee health, drain productivity, and create an uncomfortable environment for everyone. Before you blame allergy season, it’s time to look at the air itself. Understanding the causes and solutions for poor indoor air quality in Winston-Salem, NC, is the first step toward creating a healthier, more effective workplace.

Is Your Office Air Making You Sick?

What Are the Telltale Signs of Bad Air Quality?

Does Your Office Have a Funky Smell?

If you notice a bad smell in your office or you’re receiving complaints from your employees of a bad smell in the office, then you have your first sign of poor air quality. The smells may range from simply unpleasant to downright musty, making the building feel hot and stuffy inside. Employee complaints of a bad smell causing headaches, throat, nose, or eye irritation or fatigue are a good indication that you’re dealing with gaseous contaminants damaging your office’s indoor air quality.

Is One Sneeze Infecting the Whole Team?

Have you noticed when one employee gets sick, other employees are quickly infected? Even if they don’t work near the first sick person! Allergies, flus and common colds will spread like wildfire across an office with poor air quality. These airborne infections spread by traveling on dust particles or microscopic respiratory droplets, which form when someone sneezes or coughs. So even people who aren’t even close to the infected person can pick up the virus or bacteria. These particles can travel easily through buildings with poor air quality because the air filtration system won’t remove them. You can improve your air quality by having an expert come in and measure the air particles in your office to help you choose the right air filtration system which will eliminate the virus and bacteria from the air.

Feeling Sick at Work but Fine at Home?

If you, or your employees, notice they feel sick, achy and stuffy while they’re at work, but they feel healthy again when they leave the building for an extended period of time, then you have an air quality problem. If you only notice cold or allergy symptoms while you’re in the building, then something in the air is affecting you. This is known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), which occurs when building occupants feel symptoms of sickness which are related to the amount of time they spend in the specific building.

Beyond the Sniffles: Serious Health Risks of Poor Air Quality

While sneezing, coughing, and musty smells are clear indicators of poor air quality, they often mask more serious, invisible threats lurking in your building’s air. These hidden contaminants can lead to severe long-term health problems that go far beyond typical allergy symptoms. Understanding these risks is the first step toward creating a safer and healthier environment for your family or your team. Some of the most dangerous indoor pollutants are colorless and odorless, making them impossible to detect without professional testing and proper system maintenance. Let’s look at a few of the most significant health hazards associated with poor indoor air quality and what you can do about them.

Radon and Lung Cancer Risk

One of the most dangerous invisible threats is radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but it’s a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. According to Forsyth County’s Environmental Assistance & Protection, “breathing radon increases your risk of lung cancer,” making it a critical health concern, especially in enclosed spaces like homes and offices. Since radon levels can vary significantly from one building to another, the only way to know if you have a problem is to test for it. Regular testing is a simple and effective measure to protect everyone who breathes the air in your building from this silent hazard.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is another silent killer that can be present in your indoor air. It’s produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, meaning any fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, water heaters, or boilers can be a source if they aren’t working correctly. The gas is particularly dangerous because, as local health officials note, “CO stops your blood from carrying oxygen,” which can lead to headaches, dizziness, and, in high concentrations, even death. The best way to prevent CO buildup is through proper ventilation and routine professional check-ups of your heating systems. Enrolling in regular service maintenance programs ensures your equipment is running safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind.

Long-Term Effects of Lead Exposure

If you’re in an older building, lead exposure is another serious risk to consider. Lead can be found in old paint, dust, and even plumbing fixtures, and it becomes a problem when it’s inhaled or ingested. The health effects are particularly severe for children, but adults are also at risk. Exposure can have devastating long-term consequences, as “lead can cause nerve and brain damage, anemia, kidney damage, and slow growth.” It’s crucial to be aware of potential lead sources in your environment. If you suspect lead is present, professional testing and remediation are essential steps to ensure the long-term health and safety of your family or employees.

Asbestos-Related Lung Disease

Asbestos was once a common building material, prized for its fire-resistant properties. We now know it’s a potent carcinogen that can cause serious lung diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The danger with asbestos is that the “health problems from asbestos usually take 15 to 40 years to appear,” meaning exposure today might not show effects for decades. If your home or office was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance it contains asbestos in insulation, flooring, or ceiling tiles. It’s safest to assume it’s present until a professional inspection proves otherwise, especially before starting any renovations that could disturb the materials.

Ready to Fix Your Office Air? Here’s How.

First, it helps to know what causes poor air quality. The most common causes are:

Lack of fresh, outdoor air in your building
Poor ventilation of air
Lack of maintenance on ventilation and HVAC systems
Dampness or moisture in the building from flooding or leaking
Construction or remodeling in the building
Dust particles or other contaminants employees track in the building

Once you’ve narrowed down the cause(s) of air pollution in your office building, then you can start considering some of the following methods to control your air quality…

Common Culprits: Identifying Indoor Pollutants

So, what exactly is lurking in your air? The sources of indoor air pollution are surprisingly varied, ranging from the ground beneath your building to the very materials used to construct it. Some of these pollutants are easy to spot (or smell), while others are completely invisible, making them even more of a concern. Understanding what you might be up against is the first step toward clearing the air. Let’s look at some of the most common offenders you might find in your home or commercial space, from hidden gases to everyday airborne irritants that can impact your health and comfort.

Gases from the Ground: Radon

One of the most serious invisible threats is radon. It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste, which is what makes it so sneaky. Radon is released from the normal decay of uranium in soil and rock and can seep into buildings through cracks in the foundation. Once inside, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. The primary health risk associated with long-term radon exposure is an increased risk of lung cancer. Since it’s undetectable by our senses, the only way to know if your property has high radon levels is to test for it, which is a crucial step for ensuring a safe environment for your family or employees.

Invisible Threats: Carbon Monoxide and Formaldehyde

Carbon monoxide (CO) is another colorless, odorless gas that poses a significant danger. It’s produced when fuels like natural gas, oil, or wood don’t burn completely in appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces. Even low levels of CO can cause chest pain and fatigue, while higher concentrations lead to headaches, dizziness, and can ultimately be fatal. This is why having functional CO detectors and scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is non-negotiable. Formaldehyde is another common volatile organic compound (VOC) found indoors. It’s a chemical used in many building materials, furniture, and household products. It has a strong, pickle-like smell at high concentrations, but even low levels can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.

Legacy Materials: Asbestos and Lead

If you own or work in an older building, you might be dealing with pollutants from legacy materials. Asbestos, a mineral fiber once prized for its heat resistance, was widely used in insulation, flooring, and roofing materials until it was identified as a major health hazard. When these materials are disturbed during renovations or demolition, asbestos fibers can become airborne and, if inhaled, can cause serious lung diseases decades later. Similarly, lead was a common ingredient in paint before it was banned for residential use. Chipping or peeling lead-based paint can create toxic dust that is especially harmful to children, potentially causing significant developmental and neurological damage.

Airborne Irritants: Smoke, Particulates, and Pollen

Beyond hidden gases and chemicals, your indoor air is filled with tiny particles that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. This includes everything from dust mites and pet dander to pollen that drifts in from outside and smoke from cooking or tobacco. These fine particulates, often referred to as PM2.5, are so small they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing irritation and worsening conditions like asthma. An efficient HVAC system is your first line of defense, as it works to filter these contaminants out of the air you breathe. Upgrading your filtration or installing dedicated air quality solutions can make a world of difference in reducing these everyday irritants.

Find and Eliminate the Source of Pollution

The most effective method for controlling air quality depends on the source. For instance, back in the day you could smoke in your office building. But tobacco smoke pollutes the air in the building, so many buildings, restaurants and even homes have removed the source of a contaminant by no longer allowing smoking inside the structure.Let employees know to use chemical cleaning solutions sparingly, as these can contaminate the air and cause headaches and reactions in employees.

How to Know for Sure: Testing Your Air Quality

Sometimes, you need more than just a hunch. If employee complaints and strange smells aren’t enough to pinpoint the problem, an air quality test can give you the hard data you need to take action. Testing can reveal hidden contaminants like mold, bacteria, and other harmful particles that are invisible to the naked eye but can have a big impact on your team’s health and productivity. It’s the most reliable way to understand exactly what’s floating around in your office air and move forward with a clear, effective plan.

Professional Air Quality Assessments

When you need definitive answers, a professional assessment is the way to go. Experts use specialized equipment to get a much more accurate and detailed reading of your indoor environment than any off-the-shelf kit can provide. They can identify specific pollutants, measure their concentration levels, and trace them back to the source. This is especially important if you have employees with respiratory issues or if you’re dealing with persistent health complaints. A professional report gives you a clear roadmap for remediation, ensuring you invest in the right commercial services to truly fix the problem for good.

DIY Air Quality Test Kits

If you’re just starting to investigate a potential issue, a DIY air quality test kit can be a useful first step. You can find these kits online or at home improvement stores, and they typically test for common culprits like mold spores and other allergens. While they won’t give you the detailed analysis of a professional test, they can help confirm your suspicions and indicate whether a deeper investigation is needed. Think of it as a preliminary screening—it can alert you to the presence of a problem, but you’ll likely need an expert to diagnose the full extent of it.

When to Schedule a Test

The clearest sign it’s time to test is when your team feels sick at work but their symptoms disappear once they go home. This phenomenon is a major red flag that something in the building’s environment is causing the issue. You should also consider testing if you notice persistent musty odors that you can’t locate, see visible signs of mold or mildew, or have recently experienced any water damage from leaks or flooding. Post-renovation is another good time for a test, as construction can kick up dust and release chemicals into the air.

Actionable Steps for Cleaner Office Air

Once you know what you’re dealing with—whether from a professional test or by identifying the source—you can take targeted steps to clear the air. Improving your office’s air quality isn’t about a single quick fix; it’s about creating a healthier environment through consistent, smart practices. From routine maintenance to managing moisture levels, these actions will help everyone in your building breathe a little easier and feel more comfortable and productive throughout the day.

Managing Specific Pollutants

Many pollutants come from everyday office equipment and systems. Your building’s heating and cooling systems, for example, can circulate dust, allergens, and even carbon monoxide if not properly maintained. The best way to handle this is to schedule regular professional inspections and tune-ups for all your HVAC equipment. A comprehensive service maintenance program ensures your systems are clean, running efficiently, and not contributing to poor air quality. Also, be sure to install carbon monoxide alarms as a crucial safety precaution, especially near any fuel-burning appliances.

Controlling Moisture and Mold Growth

Where there’s moisture, there’s often mold. The key to preventing mold is to control humidity and address any water issues immediately. Make it a policy to dry any wet or damp areas—from small spills to larger leaks—within 24 to 48 hours to stop mold spores from taking hold. Your goal should be to keep the indoor humidity level below 60%. A properly functioning HVAC system is your best tool for this, as it helps dehumidify the air as it cools. If you’re struggling with high humidity, it might be a sign that your system needs a professional check-up.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Air Filtration System?

Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect the air in your building and ensure your current HVAC and ventilation system is the proper size and efficiency for your building. We can also check for other problems in your system which may cause poor air circulation, such as clogs or dirty filters. If you’re not performing routine, preventative maintenance on your HVAC system, then you’re putting all your building occupants at risk of spreading sickness or developing SBS. Whether you’re a building owner, office manager, or employee, these are things you can do to prevent poor air quality in the office building where you spend the majority of your day…

Avoid blocking air vents or air grilles so you don’t cause an unbalance in the building’s HVAC system.
Only smoke in designated areas outside of the building.
Throw away your trash immediately, don’t leave it sitting out on the counter for days!
Clean up any water or liquid spills as soon as they occur.
If you notice any unpleasant or musty smells, or any other signs of poor air quality, report it to your manager immediately.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Think of regular HVAC maintenance as a non-negotiable part of keeping your workplace healthy. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about air quality. According to the Forsyth County Environmental Assistance & Protection, one of the most common causes of poor indoor air is simply a lack of maintenance on ventilation and HVAC systems. Over time, systems that aren’t professionally serviced can accumulate a buildup of dust, mold, and other pollutants. When the system kicks on, it circulates these contaminants throughout your office, which can directly contribute to employee health issues and discomfort. A proactive approach ensures your system is cleaning the air, not polluting it.

Beyond circulating dust, a neglected HVAC system can also create moisture problems. As noted by local health experts, mold thrives in damp environments caused by high humidity or leaks. An improperly maintained unit can be a primary source of this excess moisture, leading to mold growth in ductwork or other hidden areas. This can trigger serious allergic reactions and respiratory problems for your team. Signing up for professional service maintenance programs is the best way to prevent these issues before they start, safeguarding both your equipment and your employees’ well-being.

Need Help with Indoor Air Quality in Winston-Salem, NC?

Frequently Asked Questions

My building is relatively new. Do I still need to worry about indoor air quality? Absolutely. Newer buildings can have their own unique air quality challenges. They are often built to be very airtight for energy efficiency, which is great for your utility bills but can trap pollutants inside. Chemicals from new carpets, paint, furniture, and building materials can release gases known as VOCs, creating a problem that older buildings might not have. It’s always a good idea to ensure your ventilation system is working correctly to bring in fresh air and filter out these contaminants, regardless of the building’s age.

How can I tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a building-related issue? This is a great question, and the answer often comes down to a simple pattern. Pay attention to when symptoms appear and disappear. If your team members consistently feel stuffy, sneezy, or fatigued at the office but notice their symptoms clear up shortly after they leave for the day or over the weekend, that’s a strong indicator that the problem is tied to the building’s environment rather than general pollen counts.

Will a few portable air purifiers solve my office’s air quality issues? While portable air purifiers can certainly help clean the air in a small, specific area, they are more of a band-aid than a complete solution for an entire office. They don’t address the root cause of the problem, which could be poor ventilation, mold in the ductwork, or a lack of fresh air exchange. A true fix involves evaluating the entire building’s HVAC system to ensure it’s effectively filtering and circulating clean air everywhere, not just in one corner.

What’s the first thing I should do if I suspect an air quality problem? Before calling in the experts, start by observing and documenting what’s happening. Take note of any specific complaints from employees, where strange odors are most noticeable, and if there are any visible signs of moisture or mildew. This information is incredibly valuable because it helps a professional technician narrow down the potential causes much faster when they arrive. Having these details ready makes the diagnostic process more efficient and effective.

What does a professional air quality assessment actually involve? A professional assessment goes far beyond what a DIY kit can tell you. An expert will use specialized equipment to measure the levels of specific contaminants in your air, like mold spores, particulates, and various chemical compounds. They will also conduct a thorough inspection of your HVAC system and ductwork to identify potential sources of pollution. The goal is to give you a complete picture of your building’s air health and provide a clear, data-driven plan to fix any issues they find.

Key Takeaways

Trust the Telltale Signs: If your team consistently feels sick at work but better at home, or if musty odors linger, treat these as clear warnings. These symptoms are direct indicators that your building’s air quality needs to be investigated.
Test for Invisible Dangers: The most serious health threats, like radon and carbon monoxide, are colorless and odorless. Relying on your senses isn’t enough; professional testing is the only way to know for sure if these hidden pollutants are in your air.
Prioritize Your HVAC System: Your HVAC unit is your first line of defense against poor air quality. Scheduling regular professional maintenance ensures it effectively filters contaminants and controls humidity, rather than circulating dust and mold throughout your space.