Poor air quality can affect employee performance due to lack of concentration and low energy levels and it can also lead to an increase in sick days. For example, building dampness and mould has been associated with an approximately 30 to 50% increase in a variety of respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes. While studies in the United States and Europe show a correlation between levels of particles in the air and the number of people who die each year.

In addition, poor indoor air quality is believed to have an important causative or aggravating influence on allergic symptoms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, airborne respiratory infections, and cardiovascular disease.

Under The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations, building owners and managers have a legal obligation to ensure that enclosed workplaces are ventilated with fresh, purified air.  Keeping ducting in the workplace clean and properly maintained is therefore good for health  – and good for business too.