Facility Services Expert Recommends Protocols to Manage Allergies 

Spring is here, and with “Spring Cleaning” protocols also comes a series of seasonal allergies triggered by pollen in air particles, mold, and dust. With the blossoming trees and colorful flowers also comes an increase in allergies across the country causing  uncomfortable, and now socially awkward symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and unstoppable sneezing. We are officially in Allergy Season.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), 81 Million people across the nation in 2021 were diagnosed with seasonal allergies — 26 percent of this number being adults.

“Although we are aware of these allergies and take the necessary treatments, it’s still something we need to be conscious of in our workspaces and establish the necessary protocols to provide a clean and safe space for all,” says Dija Ziane, head of Facility Services Division at Grupo EULEN.

There is an uptick in absentees in the workplace during Allergy Season, especially if these allergies turn chronic because of pre-existing conditions. There are ways to control allergies at work starting with the treatments sent by doctors and various over-the-counter medications coupled with enhanced environmental control and sanitization practices.

Environmental control means implementing air filtration systems, HEPA Filters, avoiding mold by ensuring you have no water damages at the office. But also maintaining a clean space, wiping your area, vacuuming the carpets, reducing mold growth by deploying the proper control techniques, and ventilating the space.

The facility services industry offers technologies that will aid and ensure corporate offices are sanitized focusing on cleaning with process optimization. These processes usually include sanitizing and electrostatic spraying technology with registered EPA chemicals — providing clean, disinfected, and sanitized facilities in compliance with CDC and OSHA recommendations.

“Pollen remains in air particles and sometimes mopping and wiping your area will not suffice, many corporate offices require another level of cleaning, and this is where this level of sanitizing is implemented.” adds Dija Ziane.

Electrostatic disinfectant processes are usually offered in schools, office buildings, universities, health centers, childcare centers, and other facilities. Electrostatic sprayers are a great way to quickly and efficiently disinfect and sanitize surfaces as floors, tables, chairs, and walls. The constant use of disinfecting wipes is ideal for disinfecting high touch areas such as elevator buttons, railings, and copier machines.