Air quality is something we may not think of very often, but it has a big impact on the people that spend time within your church walls. Contaminants in the air can cause health problems if the pollution is severe enough. Here’s how you can improve the indoor air quality of your church.
Eliminate Sources of Pollution
Many of the items you use in your church every day can be sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harmful chemicals that are released into the air. VOCs can come from a variety of sources.
Combustion Pollutants
Fireplaces, space heaters, ovens, and candles are all combustion pollutants. Churches may use a large amount of candles in services, which means a great deal of VOCs are released into the air as the candles burn.
Biological Contaminants
Biological pollutants include dust, dander, pollen, mold, mildew, and bacteria. Pests are another potential problem.
Harmful Chemicals
There are a variety of harsh chemicals that can pose a threat to your church. Older buildings are more likely to be impacted by asbestos and lead paint, which require extensive renovation to eliminate. Radon can come from the soil and rocks beneath your building and the water, if your church has well water. Other sources of harmful chemicals include cleaning products and even the furniture in your building.
Some furniture manufacturers use dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde or TDCPP (a carcinogen), and these chemicals are released from the furniture and leak into the air of your church.
Learn more about the harmful chemicals that can be present in church chairs or other furniture:
The best thing you can do is to get rid of the sources of pollution. If this is not possible, then you can try these other methods to mitigate the effects of VOCs.
Invest in an Air Purifier
An air purifier is one of the best ways to improve the indoor air quality of any space since it filters out many types of pollution. Be sure to get a purifier with a HEPA filter because this is most effective for removing harmful contaminants from the air.
Replace Air Filters As Needed
The filters in your church’s heater and air conditioner need regular maintenance. Generally, you’ll change your filters an average of three to four times each year, but you should be checking the filters each month to see if they need to be changed. If the dirt is so thick that you cannot see light through the filter, it’s time to replace it. You should account for this in your church’s regular maintenance plan.
Go Green
Use environmentally-friendly materials as much as possible. Replace harsh chemical cleaners with all-natural ones. Choose natural soy or beeswax candles. And take another look at your furniture to see if it is certified green or tested by an independent laboratory for safety. When your church goes green, you’ll be protecting both the indoor air quality and the outdoor environment.
Many ChurchPlaza chairs have earned the Green Certified status from Materials Analytical Services (MAS), an independent laboratory. Look for the Certified Green logo when browsing church chairs, and you’ll know you’re buying a safe product that will protect your church from VOC emissions.
