Which actions best reduce indoor air pollutants from office equipment and furnishings?

• A. Increase use of older, higher-emission devices
• B. Rely on scented air fresheners
• C. Improve ventilation and select low-emission equipment
• D. Ignore moisture control

Answer: (C)

Improving indoor air quality from office equipment and furnishings relies on two complementary actions: diluting pollutants through ventilation and reducing pollutant sources by selecting low-emission products. When ventilation is effective, outdoor air is brought in and indoor air is exchanged more quickly, which lowers the concentration of contaminants released by printers, computers, carpets, furniture, and cleaners. Pairing this with choosing equipment and furnishings that have low emissions—low-VOC materials, certified low-emission devices, and products designed to minimize volatile organic compound release—directly reduces the amount of pollutants entering the air in the first place. Managing moisture is also important because damp conditions promote mold and related microbial emissions that can worsen air quality.

These strategies work together to both remove and limit pollutants, whereas using older, higher-emission devices increases sources of pollution, scented air fresheners add VOCs and fragrances that can irritate airways, and ignoring moisture control allows mold growth that can degrade IAQ.