Air Quality in Hotels

Indoor Air Pollution is a serious issue in the hospitality industry. It has been proved by studies that the level of contaminants in the indoor air is higher than outside air. Also, people spend almost 90% of the time indoors which proves that indoors are a major source of exposure to air borne contaminants. Employee's health and guest's health is greatly affected by the quality of air in the hotel's administrative office and indoors.

Consequences of poor indoor air quality

Poor air quality can have consequences like:

• Loss in worker attention and productivity,
• Deteriorating health effects,
• Increased building energy and maintenance costs.

Poor air quality inside the hotel also affects the interiors of the building. Common effects are:

- Moulds,

- Damaged wallpaper,

- Warped doors and windows,

- Less efficient heating plant.

If the air quality inside the building is not good, it means the air inside the hotel is either dry or moist.

Dry atmosphere can have consequences like:

• Oxygen Deficiency, which leads to tiredness,
• Respiratory problems,
• Polished surfaces become dull
• Wooden furniture and fittings damage.

If the atmosphere is moist, consequences may be:

• Increase in mould spores
• Respiratory illness

Improving the air quality

To have clean and fresh air inside your hotel is good business. Among the Green Ideas to make Environmentally Friendly Hotels is the introduction of fresh air in hotels. A variety of ways help you to introduce fresh air in hotels:

1. Cleaning all the parts of air system: All parts of the heating and the air system including coils, ducts and fans must be cleaned thoroughly.

2. Cleaning the upholstery: Upholstery on the sofas, chairs, carpets etc must be cleaned.

3. High Ozone shock treatment: To kill any remaining bacteria or mold in the room, it is necessary that a high ozone shock treatment is completed.

4. Applying a pure shield to the room: To prevent microorganisms away from getting attached to the surfaces, shielding the room with a spray that forms an electrostatic barrier is a must.

5. Air Purifying System: An air purifying system (filtering system) helps to remove about 98-100% of bacteria and keeps the room allergy free.

6. Encasing mattresses and pillows: Mattresses and pillows encased in coverings help prevent dust mites from causing allergy.

7. Using allergy-friendly cleaners: For keeping the room healthy for allergy sufferers, rooms should be cleaned with allergy friendly cleaners.

Another solution to address the issue of air quality is to mandate smoking employees to smoke outside the building. Modifying the air handling equipment of the hotel to ventilate fresh air also enhances the air quality. Other factors influencing air quality are carpeting, cleaning, and maintenance of HVAC systems. Allowing sunlight o enter in rooms can remove odors; placing plants outside the corridor area can help in improving air quality.

Why Clean / Fresh air?

Clean/ Fresh air helps you to improve:

• The experience of your guests,
• Staff's working conditions and performance.

Implementing indoor air quality programs will benefit both employees and the hotel. Providing a safe and clean environment to the guests also increases the competitive edge.