In recent years, architects and engineers focused on conserving energy have created tighter buildings and unintentionally created less-healthy work spaces. Thus, in newer or renovated buildings, it's even more important that ventilation systems be properly designed, installed and maintained, Borak says.
While smoking bans have vastly improved the quality of indoor air, other enemies of healthy air have been revealed recently, including toxins from common products such as carpeting, plywood, particle board and paint. Manufacturers have been working on formulas such as formaldehyde-free glues that decrease the volatile organic compounds in these products.
In most office buildings, computer-driven, centralized systems control lighting, temperature, ventilation, fire control and access. Leading companies such as Johnson Controls, Honeywell and Landis & Staefa (formerly Landis & Gyr) design and install the systems. These companies also manufacture the components, such as air conditioning, that the systems operate.
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