Whether in offices, schools, hospitals or aged care centres, for decades, cleanliness has been judged only by what could be seen. Things like polished floors, streak-free windows and spotless surfaces meant the job was done to perfection. Yet the definition of a healthy building has now shifted, with health and safety extending beyond appearances to include the air that occupants breathe. This enlightened view demands integrated strategies that combine cleaning practices, air quality management and compliance with evolving standards to protect wellbeing and productivity.
Buildings function as ecosystems, with many interconnected factors shaping indoor air quality (IAQ). Materials, ventilation systems, cleaning products, occupant behaviour and furnishings all influence exposure to invisible pollutants such as allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particles and airborne pathogens. Poor IAQ is not a minor issue. The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has reported that indoor air quality can be adversely affected by other pollutants such as fungi, microbial contamination, house dust mites, particulates and air toxics, including formaldehyde.
The concept of “sick building syndrome” (SBS), first identified in the 1970s in the US, highlights the dangers of inadequate ventilation and pollutant build-up in sealed office environments. While the term is less common today, the symptoms, eye irritation, dizziness, and respiratory discomfort, remain familiar, often disappearing once occupants leave the affected building.
The consequences of poor IAQ extend beyond physical health. Research published in Building and Environment found that people exposed to high VOC levels scored up to 61 percent lower on cognitive tests compared to those in low-VOC spaces. Conversely, occupants of green-certified buildings, which typically feature better ventilation and healthier material choices, recorded a 26.4 percent improvement in cognitive performance. These findings underline the link between IAQ and productivity, reinforcing the business case for healthier buildings.
Cleaning for air quality
In Australia, regulations and guidance on indoor air quality are evolving. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has published an Indoor Air Quality Handbook to support compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), while Standards Australia recently updated AS 1668.2:2024, which sets requirements for mechanical ventilation in buildings. Industry groups such as the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) and the Green Building Council of Australia provide further frameworks and best‑practice guidance, emphasising the importance of ventilation, low‑emission materials, and evidence‑based cleaning practices. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader shift toward proactive management of indoor environments, encouraging facility managers to integrate cleaning and air quality strategies to safeguard occupant health and productivity.
Because traditional routines often redistribute allergens or release VOCs, inadvertently worsening air quality, a more holistic approach involves choosing products that minimise chemical emissions and actively remove allergens. Low-VOC cleaning solutions, verified through independent programs, provide credible options for facilities aiming to improve IAQ.
For the Australian cleaning industry, the message is clear: healthy buildings require more than shiny surfaces. By connecting cleaning practices with air quality management, facility managers can deliver environments that support occupant health, enhance performance, and meet rising expectations for safe, sustainable spaces.
A longer version of this article first appeared in CMM.
