- Becky Kistler
How Dirty Is The Average Office?
If you’re wondering how dirty the average office is, you’re probably not far off. Your office is probably the dirtiest workplace around. Most offices are incredibly dusty — and the dust contains harmful bacteria. Each office worker has more than 100,000 germs on their desk alone! Floors and ceilings are covered in dust and dreck, meaning you probably find dust bunnies behind your desk. This dust is incredibly harmful because it contains bacteria that can make you sick. The bacteria found in the dust are known to cause allergies, asthma, and even respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis. Research has shown that workers who were exposed to this dust have a higher chance of developing allergies and asthma.
You’re Probably Breathing in a lot of Dust
If you’re wondering if you’re breathing in dust, you probably are. Employees are breathing in dust, bacteria, and all sorts of harmful particles. They’re also likely to be breathing in toxic gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. These gases are produced by employees as well as computers, lights, and other electronics in the office. Even common cleaning products release toxic gases. And if you’re wondering if you can smell these gases, you probably can. Much like the smell of a skunk, these gases are very pungent. They’re also harmful, even at low levels. Dirty offices are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and toxic gases. Your office is likely to be full of all sorts of germs, viruses, and bacteria. You could be at risk for several illnesses and infections just by working in an unclean office.
Floors and Ceilings are Covered in Dust and Dreck
If you’re wondering if your office is clean, it probably isn’t. The average office is filled with dirt, grime, and bacteria that can negatively impact your health. People walk into these offices with clean shoes, but they leave with them covered in dirt and bacteria. The floors are caked in dirt, and the ceilings are filled with dust bunnies. The walls, too, are likely to be bedecked with germs and a few sticky notes. The average office has around 10 pounds of dust per square foot. That’s what makes offices so dirty — and so gross. You may be wondering how your office compares to others. Luckily, some studies can help you figure that out. One study took samples from offices from different industries and found that they were all pretty gross. Another study found that the dirtiest offices were in the healthcare industry.
Your Office Has Hundreds of Thousands of Germs
If you’re wondering how many germs are in your office, you’re probably far above average. And you’re not just dealing with a few common cold viruses — you’re dealing with hundreds of thousands of germs. Your desk alone is likely hosting over 100,000 bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. The elevator buttons and stair railings are probably covered in germs, too. This bacteria can cause infections, rashes, and even vomiting. The average office also has thousands of different types of dust mites. These creatures feed on human skin, and they’re incredibly harmful. If they bite you, they can make you sick. They’re also very hard to get rid of, so they can make any allergies or asthma much, much worse. Thankfully, studies show that the majority of offices are mostly free of cockroaches.
There’s a Good Chance You’ll Find Indoor Weed There
If you’re wondering if you’ll find indoor weed in an office, you could very well. If your office is especially dirty, you may even find outdoor weed there too! It’s not just fungal spores that you have to worry about in unclean offices. You should also be worried about pests and pests. The dirtier your office is, the more likely rodents, insects, and other pests are to live there. If rodents, fleas, and other pests are regular visitors to your office, they’re likely to transfer their germs to you, your desk, and your belongings. If you’re wondering what kind of pests you may find in your office, it could be anything. Rodents like mice and rats, cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, and spiders are common pests in offices. They can all transmit nasty germs and bacteria, too.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how dirty the average office is, you’re probably not far off. Your office is probably the dirtiest workplace around. Your office is filled with germs, viruses, and bacteria. You could be at risk for several illnesses and infections just by working there. Fortunately, you can prevent these illnesses by keeping your office clean. This can be as easy as dusting your desk and sweeping the floor regularly.