Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by tanya

How Poor Indoor Air Quality May Cause Injury At Work

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings more than 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Workplace Air Quality Claim

 

Poor indoor air quality may possibly cause injury at work if the air contain harmful pollutants or contaminants which can affect employees’ health. While some airborne contaminants may be immediately noticeable, some may develop over time without any obvious warning signs for staff. In England and Wales, if an employer fails to provide a safe working environment, their staff may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.

Common causes of poor indoor air quality at work can include factors such as mould and fungal spores, dust, airborne viruses and bacteria, chemical fumes and industrial pollutants, excessive moisture and damp as well as insufficient ventilation. These may all pose significant health risks and if this has happened to you, our guide below explains when you may be eligible to claim compensation and how to get started with a claim.

 

How Poor Ventilation Creates Workplace Health Risks

A properly functioning ventilation system helps remove contaminated air and replace it with fresh air. But when ventilation systems are outdated, poorly maintained, blocked, or insufficient for the size of the workplace, airborne hazards can accumulate. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has extensive guidance on the risks of poor ventilation, including local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for fume and dust extraction in the workplace.

Over a prolonged period, poor ventilation may see workers complaining of headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, respiratory problems or even worsening of pre-existing health conditions such as asthma. Poor ventilation may potentially lead to increased concentrations of:

 

• Carbon dioxide
• Dust particles
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Mould spores
• Chemical fumes
• Allergens

 

The Dangers Of Mould Spores In The Workplace

Mould is a common indoor air quality problem found in offices, warehouses, schools, healthcare facilities, retail premises, and industrial buildings. Once mould starts to grow, it releases microscopic spores into the air. For anyone with an existing respiratory condition or weakened immune system, exposure to mould tends to develop where there is:

 

• Persistent dampness
• Water leaks
• Flood damage
• Condensation problems
• Inadequate ventilation

Symptoms linked to mould exposure may include:

The NHS warns that exposure to mould may result in respiratory issues and may also affect the immune system. Signs of mould can include:

 

• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Sinus irritation
• Eye irritation
• Skin rashes
• Allergic reactions
• Asthma attacks

 

Other Airborne Risks Found In Workplaces

Although mould receives a lot of attention, many other airborne hazards can also have an effect on employees:

1. Dust Exposure

Construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and workshops often generate high levels of dust, which may include:

 

• Wood dust
• Silica dust
• Metal particles
• Cement dust
• Textile fibres

 

2. Chemical Fumes

Many industries use cleaning products, solvents, paints, adhesives, and industrial chemicals that release airborne vapours and without effective extraction systems and ventilation, employees may suffer:

 

• Chemical burns to airways
• Breathing difficulties
• Eye irritation
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Long-term respiratory damage

 

3. Airborne Bacteria And Viruses

Crowded workplaces with poor air circulation can increase the spread of infectious diseases. Inadequate ventilation allows airborne particles to remain suspended for longer periods, increasing transmission risks among employees.

 

Signs That Workplace Air Quality May Be Unsafe

Employees experiencing any of the following symptoms should consider whether workplace air quality may be contributing to their condition:

 

• Frequent headaches at work
• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Increased asthma symptoms
• Eye irritation
• Fatigue that improves away from the workplace
• Recurring chest infections
• Sinus problems
• Allergic reactions

When symptoms consistently improve during weekends, holidays, or periods away from work, this may indicate an environmental issue within the workplace.

 

Employer Responsibilities For Workplace Ventilation

Employers in England and Wales have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and this includes taking reasonable steps to ensure the indoor air quality is safe, such as ensuring their ventilation systems are regularly inspected and maintained.

For example, employers’ responsibilities may include:

 

• Providing adequate ventilation
• Maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• Addressing damp and mould issues promptly
• Conducting risk assessments
• Monitoring workplace air quality where necessary
• Implementing control measures for airborne hazards
• Repairing leaks and water ingress
• Providing suitable respiratory protective equipment where appropriate

 

What May Be Regarded as Employer Negligence In Poor Air Quality Claims?

Employer negligence occurs when an employer fails to take reasonable steps to protect workers from foreseeable risks., such as:

 

• Ignoring employee complaints about mould growth
• Failing to repair known water leaks
• Allowing damp conditions to persist for extended periods
• Neglecting routine maintenance of ventilation systems
• Failing to conduct health and safety inspections
• Not addressing contaminated air issues after complaints
• Ignoring expert recommendations regarding air quality
• Failing to provide ventilation in areas where hazardous substances are used

 

Can You Make A Personal Injury Claim For Poor Indoor Air Quality?

You may be entitled to make a workplace injury claim if poor indoor air quality caused illness or aggravated an existing medical condition and your employer’s negligence directly contributed to the exposure. To succeed in a claim, it is usually necessary to demonstrate:

 

1. Your employer owed you a duty of care.
2. That duty was breached.
3. The breach caused or contributed to your illness or injury.
4. You suffered losses as a result.

 

Compensation typically covers pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and future financial losses where symptoms have long-term consequences.

 

Evidence That May Support A Workplace Air Quality Claim

Strong evidence can significantly improve the prospects of a successful compensation claim and generally includes:

 

• Medical records
• GP or specialist reports
• Workplace incident reports
• Photographs of mould or damp conditions
• Emails reporting concerns to management
• Witness statements from colleagues
• Expert ventilation assessments
• Maintenance records
• Health and safety inspection reports

The earlier evidence is gathered, the easier it can be to demonstrate the connection between unsafe working conditions and resulting health problems.

 

When Should You Seek Legal Advice?

Employees who believe poor indoor air quality has affected their health should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Obtaining a formal diagnosis helps to establish the extent of any injury and provide important evidence for a potential claim. Legal advice may also be beneficial where employers have ignored complaints regarding mould, poor ventilation, damp conditions, chemical exposure, or other airborne hazards. We partner with a panel of solicitors who are experienced in work injury claims and who offer a free consultation, as well as No Win No Fee agreements.

Reaching out to a trusted claims company can make a significant difference in your journey ahead and we will ensure you receive all the support you need. 

Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online at First Personal Injury for a free, no-obligation consultation.

 

 

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional and a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.