"Most companies underestimate the impact of IAQ on worker productivity. Sick building symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, general malaise, and headache, may result from poor IAQ and make it virtually impossible for employees to concentrate and produce. There are several cost-effective steps businesses can take to begin to champion good IAQ in the workplace, saving time and money, and creating a better space in the long run," said Tony Worthan, MPH, president of Air Quality Sciences Inc., technical partner with Aerias.

Part of the reason companies do not pay close attention to IAQ is that the impact is indirect and difficult to measure. Results of a number of studies, however, have demonstrated a positive correlation between good IAQ and higher productivity, says Aerias, as well as a reduction in the number of sick days and lower labor costs associated with handling complaints about HVAC systems.