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In food and beverage manufacturing, environmental control is directly tied to food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity. Temperature and humidity work together, and when they aren’t properly managed, they create condensation, one of the most common and overlooked environmental risks in USDA-regulated facilities.

When it comes to construction, temperature and humidity aren’t just comfort factors, they directly impact how materials perform, cure, and bond. Small variations can cause drywall to crack, flooring to warp, or adhesives to fail.

When temperatures drop, archives, libraries, and records storage facilities face hidden risks that extend beyond cold air and low humidity. Frozen pipes and sudden bursts can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes, threatening the safety of irreplaceable files, books, and archival materials. For organizations responsible for preserving cultural heritage and critical records, a proactive approach to water management can mean the difference between minimal disruption and a devastating loss.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps into buildings through foundation cracks, floor joints, and service penetrations. Because it’s odorless, colorless, and invisible, it often goes undetected until it poses a significant health risk. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for more than 20,000 deaths annually. While every building has some level of radon, sustained exposure to elevated concentrations is the concern, and that risk can only be managed through consistent measurement.

When priceless collections face environmental risk, swift, expert action matters. That’s exactly what the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) needed for its 650,000 books exposed to excessive moisture conditions. In late 2025, CPL embarked on a major initiative at its Lakeshore facility to clean and transport part of their collection to a new, more well-equipped facility. As part of this effort, Polygon was brought in to clean the books and prepare them for transportation.