Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a major role in employee health, comfort, and productivity. In Southern California, workplaces face unique challenges, including coastal humidity, wildfire smoke exposure, aging HVAC systems, and dense urban environments.
Yet, many IAQ issues develop gradually and remain unnoticed until symptoms begin to affect employees.
At Health Science Associates, we work with manufacturing facilities, municipal buildings, hospitals, laboratories, schools, and commercial workplaces across the region to identify environmental hazards and create safer indoor environments.
Here are five hidden indoor air quality risks we commonly see, along with the steps you can take to address them.
1. Poor Ventilation and Inadequate Airflow
Many buildings rely on HVAC systems that were never designed for today’s occupancy levels or operational needs.
Limited fresh air intake allows indoor pollutants to accumulate and reduces oxygen balance, leading to:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Increased spread of airborne illness
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), improving ventilation and increasing outdoor air exchange is one of the most effective ways to reduce indoor contaminant levels and support healthier work environments.
How to Fix It:
- Ensure HVAC systems are calibrated and serviced regularly
- Verify fresh air dampers are functioning and not manually closed
- Consider upgrading to MERV 13+ filtration, depending on system capacity
- Evaluate whether current ventilation meets occupancy needs
A professional IAQ assessment can confirm whether airflow meets recommended standards.
2. Mold and Moisture Buildup
Southern California’s coastal climate and older building stock create ideal conditions for moisture intrusion, especially in basements, restrooms, mechanical rooms, and poorly ventilated workspaces.
Mold growth may not always be visible. Hidden moisture behind walls, under flooring, or inside HVAC systems can release spores and microbial VOCs into your indoor air.
Common symptoms experienced by staff include:
- Respiratory irritation
- Sinus pressure or chronic congestion
- Musty odors in certain rooms
- Worsening asthma symptoms
How to Fix It:
- Identify and correct moisture sources (roof leaks, plumbing, humidity)
- Inspect HVAC drain pans and coils for microbial buildup
- Repair water intrusion promptly (within 24–48 hours when possible)
- Conduct professional mold sampling when growth is suspected
3. Chemical and VOC Exposure from Everyday Operations
Cleaning chemicals, adhesives, storage solvents, paints, office equipment, and manufacturing byproducts can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs often go unnoticed due to low odor or gradual accumulation, but chronic exposure can contribute to:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Dizziness or headaches
- Long-term respiratory impacts
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes that monitoring airborne chemical exposure is essential for preventing occupational illness.
How to Fix It:
- Store chemicals in ventilated, designated areas
- Use low-VOC or fragrance-free cleaning supplies where possible
- Improve ventilation near print/copy equipment and production work zones
- Conduct air sampling to confirm exposure levels
4. Wildfire Smoke & Outdoor Pollution Infiltration
While Southern California workplaces may feel sealed from the outside world, wildfire smoke and regional smog can infiltrate indoor spaces through ventilation systems, open loading docks, or building envelope leaks.
These particulates can aggravate:
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular stress
- Eye and throat irritation
- General respiratory discomfort
Even short-term smoke exposure can impact indoor health conditions.
How to Fix It:
- Upgrade filtration during smoke season (HEPA where feasible)
- Use portable air scrubbers in high-occupancy rooms
- Inspect weather seals and building pressure balance
- Develop a workplace wildfire smoke response plan
5. Dust, Allergens & Particulates from Operations or Nearby Traffic
Manufacturing residues, warehouse traffic, outdoor construction, and high vehicle density can all contribute to dust accumulation and particulate drift, especially near loading docks or high-traffic corridors.
Over time, dust buildup can transport allergens, bacteria, and chemical residues throughout a building.
How to Fix It:
- Increase frequency of high-touch surface and floor cleaning
- Use source capture ventilation for dusty operations
- Replace aging HVAC filters on schedule (not “when they look dirty”)
- Perform periodic IAQ particulate testing to verify improvements
How Health Science Associates Can Help
A strong IAQ plan begins with accurate data.
Our certified industrial hygienists and environmental health specialists provide:
- Indoor Air Quality Assessments
- Mold and Moisture Investigations
- OSHA/Cal/OSHA Regulatory Compliance Support
- Airborne Chemical and Particulate Sampling
- HVAC Performance and Ventilation Evaluations
Final Thoughts
Indoor air quality issues rarely appear all at once. They develop gradually, and so does their impact on employee well-being and productivity.
Addressing IAQ concerns early protects your workforce, extends building system life, and helps maintain compliance with state and federal health standards.
If you’re ready to evaluate air quality in your facility or respond to employee health concerns, our team is here to help.
Contact us to schedule an assessment.
A healthier workplace starts with the air your team breathes — and we’re here to help you improve it, one step at a time.