National Clean Air Day: Prioritising Clean Air in the Workplace

Jun 19 2025 1:26PM

National Clean Air Day: Prioritising Clean Air in the Workplace

National Clean Air Day, taking place on 19 June 2025, is the UK’s largest campaign dedicated to raising awareness about air pollution and encouraging action to improve air quality. Led by the charity Global Action Plan, this annual event brings together individuals, communities, businesses, and policymakers to tackle one of the most pressing environmental health issues of our time.

Air pollution is not just an outdoor problem. While much of the public discourse focuses on emissions from vehicles and industry, the air we breathe indoors—especially in workplaces—can be just as harmful. With the average person spending up to 90% of their time indoors, and a significant portion of that at work, the quality of indoor air is a critical yet often overlooked factor in employee health and productivity.

The State of Air Quality in the UK

Air pollution is responsible for an estimated 29,000 to 43,000 premature deaths each year in the UK. The most harmful pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), primarily from road transport, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, affecting nearly every organ in the body. These pollutants are linked to a wide range of health issues, including asthma, heart disease, strokes, and even dementia.

The UK government monitors air quality through networks like the Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN), which provides real-time data on pollutant concentrations. Local authorities also have a statutory duty to assess and manage air quality in their jurisdictions.

Why Clean Air in the Workplace Matters

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in the workplace can lead to a host of problems. Employees exposed to high levels of indoor pollutants may experience headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and reduced cognitive performance. A landmark study by Harvard University found that improved ventilation and lower CO₂ levels canboost cognitive function by over 100%, highlighting the direct link between air quality and workplace productivity.

Moreover, poor IAQ can increase absenteeism and healthcare costs, while also exposing employers to legal and reputational risks. In a post-pandemic world where health and safety are top priorities, ensuring clean air in the workplace is no longer optional—it’s essential.

UK Laws and Regulations on Workplace Air Quality

Several UK laws and regulations govern air quality in the workplace, ensuring that employers take necessary steps to protect their staff:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This foundational legislation requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, which includes maintaining safe air quality
  • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: These regulations mandate that enclosed workplaces must have effective and suitable ventilation systems.
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: COSHH requires employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances, including airborne contaminants like dust, fumes, and vapours.

  In 2025, updates to air quality regulations have introduced stricter penalties for exceeding pollution thresholds and require older machinery to be retrofitted with low-emission technology. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the importance of air quality in all environments, including offices, factories, and warehouses.

  What is Air Monitoring and Why is it Important?

  Air monitoring involves the measurement of pollutants and environmental conditions to assess the quality of air in a given space. In the workplace, this typically includes:

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): High levels indicate poor ventilation and can impair cognitive function.
  • Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Fine particles that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from cleaning products, paints, and office equipment, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation.
  • Temperature and Humidity: These factors influence comfort and the behaviour of airborne pollutants.

  Monitoring air quality allows employers to identify problem areas, ensure compliance with regulations, and make informed decisions about ventilation, filtration, and layout. It also provides transparency and reassurance to employees, showing that their health and wellbeing are being prioritised.

  Steps Employers Can Take

  Improving workplace air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical steps employers can take:

  1. Assess: Conduct an indoor air quality audit using professional services or smart sensors.
  2. Improve: Upgrade HVAC systems, use air purifiers, and reduce sources of indoor pollution.
  3. Educate: Inform employees about the importance of clean air and how they can contribute.
  4. Monitor: Continuously track air quality data to ensure ongoing compliance and comfort.

  Clean Air is a Shared Responsibility

  National Clean Air Day is a timely reminder that clean air is not just a public health issue—it’s a workplace imperative. By understanding the risks, complying with regulations, and investing in air monitoring, businesses can create healthier, more productive environments for everyone.

  Whether you're an employer, facilities manager, or employee, you have a role to play in making clean air a reality. Let’s use this Clean Air Day to commit to cleaner, safer, and more breathable workplaces across the UK.

  How Arion Can Help You

  At Arion, we understand the importance of clean air and a safe working environment. That’s why we offer comprehensive air monitoring and testing services tailored to your workplace needs. Our expert team uses advanced equipment to assess indoor air quality, identify potential hazards, and provide actionable insights to help you meet regulatory standards and improve employee wellbeing.

  But we don’t stop there. Arion also provides a wide range of health and safety and fire safety services, including risk assessments, compliance audits, training, and emergency planning. Whether you're looking to enhance your air quality, ensure legal compliance, or create a safer, healthier workplace, Arion is your trusted partner every step of the way.