It is easy to underestimate the level of indoor air pollution in a modern catering establishment. In addition to the obvious kitchen smoke, trash, cleaning chemicals, and forced air, there are a number of seemingly unlikely pollutants that can be present. Furniture upholstery, wood paneling, carpeting, and building and construction materials can all contain hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde. Unseen gas leaks are common enough in restaurants and other large buildings to take precautionary measures. Air purifiers can reduce the ambient levels of such pollutants in the air and make a restaurant a safer place for everyone.
Although most modern ventilation systems have their own air filters, they are typically only designed to filter the most common forms of dust, smoke and allergens. In addition, a building’s ventilation system is less subject to routine cleaning and maintenance than an air purifier can be. Ventilation filters often clog and then sit uncleaned, circulating dirty air. In comparison, an air purifier is much more accessible and easy to maintain, which results in cleaner air.
It is the hospitality workers who are most susceptible to damage from breathing contaminated air in a kitchen or restaurant. Working for hours among smoke, dust, chemicals, trash and other air pollutants can prove unhealthy for workers. People with allergies or respiratory problems are particularly susceptible to difficulties or worsening of their illness. Hospitality workers should therefore be provided with clean air by their employers, if only to avoid unnecessary illness or legal disputes.
Along with employees, restaurant customers are the most vulnerable to indoor air pollution. Complaints about passive smoking were mostly resolved through the use of smoking and non-smoking sections. However, the level of intrinsic pollution in restaurant air can still cause problems. As with employees, customers can have allergies, illnesses, or respiratory problems. Restaurant owners may want to invest in an Medical Grade Air Purifier in their facility to improve the health of their customers and reduce the hassle.
Some of the highest potential costs for restaurant owners and employers are related to health. Unhealthy employees work fewer hours and less efficiently. Unhealthy customers complain and bring lawsuits or other penalties. An unhealthy facility can be shut down by health officials. Air quality, in particular, is neglected in general health and safety considerations and is therefore prone to problems.
The reasons for installing an air purifier in a restaurant are obvious, but owners, especially those of small businesses, may shy away from the price of such systems. A high quality portable air purifier suitable for a small single story building will cost around $ 500 as of 2010. A “quality air purifier” simply means an air purifier that contains both a HEPA filter that can filter submicron particles and a chemical adsorbent materials like activated carbon and zeolite. Robust construction, long filter life, guarantees and a low noise level are also factors when choosing a high-quality Medical Air Purifier and add to the costs.
Given the benefits of having a restaurant that meets air quality health standards, the cost can be viewed as insurance rather than extravagance. Restaurant fumes are an underestimated hazard for restaurant employees and customers. Ensuring the health of employees and customers is a duty and responsible business practice for restaurant owners and employers. Air purifiers are an integral part of these responsible practices.
