Page 22 - CIJ Feb 2025 - Digital Edition

COVER STORY

Food Manufacturing & Testing Labs

Combating Airborne Pollutants

Analytical testing labs and food manufacturing facilities must focus on managing contaminants,
humidity, and temperature to ensure a safe working environment and preserve product integrity.
C R Chandra Shekar, Vice-President (Marketing Strategy) at Vsix Analytical Labs Pvt. Ltd,
shares expert insights on effective strategies to combat airborne pollutants and enhance IAQ

nalytical testing labs need Referring to organisms and Shekar points out that mould
to adhere to rigorous particulate matter contamination, thrives in humidity levels above
standards in IAQ to maintain he states, “outdoor air can carry 60% and on organic surfaces
the required environment between 200 to 1,500 bacteria like wood, drywall, and carpets.
Ademanded for their per cubic metre and without Workers can suffer respiratory
functioning. Controlling humidity proper filtration, HVAC systems issues after exposure to mould,
indoors between 40-50% using can circulate millions of bacteria aggravating asthma and allergies.
dehumidifiers and air-conditioning, hourly, potentially contaminating Black mould (Stachybotrys
reducing moisture build-up food products. chartarum) due to its ability to
through proper ventilation, produce mycotoxins is harmful to
controlling airborne contaminants, “Activities such as cutting and humans.
removing organic debris by regular boning can generate particulates, Damp areas increase the growth
cleaning of HVAC systems, harbouring microbes and increasing of bacteria, such as in HVAC
and using mould-resistant paint the spread of viruses and pathogens systems, humidifiers, and water-
and furnishings are notable within the facility. Improper damaged surfaces. Further, bacteria
suggestions. humidity and temperature levels such as Legionella pneumophila
Established in 2013 and promote microbial growth, affecting cause severe infections when
product quality and employee
located in Bengaluru, the NABL- comfort. Hence, increasing air inhaled via aerosols. Humidity
accredited company offers testing changes dilutes these contaminants, above 50% allows dust mites to
services across sectors (air, water, flourish. These microscopic pests
wastewater, agriculture, soil, enhancing overall air quality.” feed on organic debris like skin
environment, cosmetics, pharma). High humidity and organic flakes in mattresses, carpets and
Air quality management in food matter create ideal conditions for upholstery. Faecal matter and
manufacturing is a focus, with an the proliferation of biological shed body parts are potent
emphasis on the risks of poor IAQ contaminants such as mould, allergens, leading to asthma and
and strategies for improvement. bacteria, and dust mites. allergic rhinitis.
22 FEBRUARY 2025•Clean India Journal•www.cleanindiajournal.com