Author

Neil Tominey, Sales Manager at Zehnder Clean Air Solutions – Scotland

5 minute read

What Our Air Quality Study Uncovered in UK Industry

As members of the Scottish Engineering community, we take immense pride in the skill, innovation, and productivity that define our sector. But even in the most advanced operations, there can be invisible threats that compromise the health and wellbeing of our most valuable asset – our people.

Earlier this year, Zehnder Clean Air Solutions conducted one of the UK’s most comprehensive studies into air quality across industrial workplaces. The results were more than concerning. They reveal a silent but serious health risk that many businesses might not even know exists: air pollution right inside their own facilities. One of the most harmful components of indoor air pollution is something called particulate matter. It’s invisible, pervasive, and – according to our study – alarmingly high in many industrial settings.

What Is Particulate Matter (PM)?

Particulate Matter (PM) refers to a mix of microscopic particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These include dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and emissions from industrial processes. The two most commonly measured types are:

• PM10 – particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less (about one-seventh the width of a human hair)
• PM2.5 – much finer particles, 2.5 microns or smaller

The smaller the partic, the more dangerous it is. PM2.5 can bypass the body’s natural filters, penetrate deep into the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream. Once there, they can trigger respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even increase the risk of cancer and cognitive decline.

In industrial environments, PM is generated by everyday activities: welding, grinding, cutting, packaging, and even the simple movement of goods and people create airborne pollution. Unlike visible dust, these fine particles can often not be seen or smelled – yet they’re the ones causing the most harm.

The Shocking Study Results

Our survey covered 36 sites across the UK and compared air quality in industrial production areas, offices, and public spaces. The findings were stark:

• Air on the shop floor was, on average, 63x more polluted than in public spaces
• PM2.5 levels were:
  • 92x higher than a bus station
  • 78x higher than a train station
  • 87x higher than in retail environments
• Factory workers breathed air 34x more polluted than their office-based colleagues

These aren’t minor deviations – they are massive disparities that highlight just how overlooked workplace air quality is in industrial settings.

The Human Impact: More Than a Compliance Issue

The health impacts of long-term PM exposure are well-documented. Prolonged contact with polluted air has been linked to:

• Chronic respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis, COPD)
• Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes)
• Lung cancer and increased mortality
• Cognitive decline (including Alzheimer’s and dementia)
• Worsening of pre-existing health issues

The cumulative impact on industrial workers – especially those exposed for 8 – 12 hours a day – is severe. This isn’t just a theoretical risk. It’s happening now, and in facilities across the UK.

Scotland: Positioned to Lead

Here in Scotland, we’ve always prided ourselves on being ahead of the curve. We have a highly skilled workforce, a forward-thinking industrial base, and a strong sense of responsibility toward employee wellbeing.

That’s why I believe we have an opportunity to lead the way on indoor air quality. With engineering excellence as our foundation, we can also be pioneers in protecting people through cleaner, safer working environments.

What Can Be Done? Practical Steps to Cleaner Air

At Zehnder Clean Air Solutions, we help businesses across Scotland and the wider UK improve their air quality – quickly, affordably, and measurably. Our process includes:

• Free on-site air quality assessments
• Tailored air cleaning solutions for different production processes
• Efficient filtration systems designed for harsh industrial environments
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting to track improvements and ensure accountability
• No capital investment, all for a monthly fee.

Most clients see dramatic reductions in airborne particles – up to 90% improvement in just weeks. The benefits go far beyond health:

• Reduced cleaning and maintenance costs
• Improved machine uptime
• Fewer staff absences and greater morale
• Compliance with future regulations, ahead of the curve

#CleanTheUnseen: A Movement for Safer Workplaces

To amplify this message, we launched the #CleanTheUnseen campaign – an initiative to shine a light on hidden air pollution in the workplace and inspire action from employers and policymakers alike.

Visit www.cleantheunseen.co.uk to see the full findings, learn how to assess your own workplace, and take the first step toward cleaner, safer air.

A Call to Action

We can no longer afford to treat air pollution as a distant environmental issue. It’s right here – in our factories, our workshops, and our warehouses.

As someone who has worked closely with engineering leaders across Scotland, I know how seriously we all take the safety of our teams. But air quality is one risk that too often goes unseen and unmeasured.

With clear data, real solutions, and a growing awareness of the issue, now is the time to act.

If you’d like to know how your site measures up – or how you can make immediate, meaningful improvements – I’d be glad to visit and show you how we can help.

Let’s protect the people who power our industry. Let’s make clean air a standard.

Coming Soon…

Finally, I thought sharing the Clean Air journey for a member of Scottish Engineering would help illuminate the benefit of Clean Air for other members, so we are in the process of putting together a follow-up piece incorporating details of the installation and services we are providing to Witzenmann in Bellshill. That will be coming soon and you’ll be able to hear the difference it’s made to them directly.

Until next time, all the best

Neil Tominey
Sales Manager, Scotland
Zehnder Clean Air Solutions
Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/neil-tominey-zehndergroup/clean-air-discovery-call