THE extreme weather conditions that come with summer season on a tropical island drive many indoors. However, conditions in Jamaica may be more hazardous indoors than outdoors.

At a recent seminar held by air conditioning experts CAC and Carrier InterAmerica, the issue of poor air quality in the workplace was discussed.

There are several factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality. These include inadequate ventilation, problems controlling temperature, too high or too low humidity, recent remodelling, and other activities in or near a building that can affect the indoor air quality inside a building.

“When we check indoor air quality, the number one thing we check is the level of carbon dioxide,” said Colin Roberts, chief technical officer at CAC. “People need adequate ventilation to perform at their highest efficiency in the workplace.”

Employees who have experienced symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs at work, could all be facing poor indoor air quality.

Causes of poor air quality

Contaminants such as dust from construction or renovation, mould, cleaning supplies, pesticides, or other airborne contaminants may also contribute to poor indoor air quality.

“Using activated charcoal filters and ultraviolet lamps in the equipment helps to sterilise and keep equipment clean,” explained Roberts.

In combatting these contaminants, Roberts emphasised the need for appropriate modern air conditioning systems such as Carrier’s Xpower system.

“There are many private and public hospitals that have mini-split air conditioning units, which contribute to higher than normal infection rates and put the patients at risk of post-operative complications.

The Carrier Xpower system is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that uses refrigerant as the cooling agent and is ideal for restaurants, small-to-medium-sized businesses and medical practices because of its air quality control mechanisms.

“Xpower unit by Carrier immediately allows one to reduce the energy consumption of an operating theatre AC system without compromising the indoor air quality or efficacy of the system,” said Roberts.

Cost to keep employees, customers healthy

In 2013, scores of Jamaicans were reported as getting sick at work because of the poor quality of the air inside the buildings. Jamaica Occupational Health Professionals Association placed public focus on the alarming potential number of workers exposed to “sick building syndrome”.

“Air conditioning isn’t just about cooling; comfort in terms of air conditioning is temperature, humidity and noise level,” said Jose Iragorry, VRF channel manager for Carrier Inter America. “We seek to find the optimal level of comfort in each space, while managing air quality.”

Iragorry emphasised that investment in appropriate systems were also investments in a company’s physical infrastructure, employee satisfaction and in the long term, it’s financial savings.

“Businesses need to not only look at initial costs but return on investment and operational cost,” said Iragorry.