Insulation, pollutants can make work hazardous

AT work, do you get headaches? Do you have difficulty breathing? Are you groggy or nauseated? Do your eyes burn? Do you find yourself sneezing or coughing? And do you feel better once you have left the office?

If so, there's a possibility that you are working in a "sick building". The syndrome is increasingly common - a significant number of occupants experience symptoms that do not fit the pattern of any particular illness and are difficult to trace to any specific source.

"Sick building" problems may arise because of improperly designed or maintained heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; office equipment, furniture and supplies; and operations in the building.

To cut energy costs, new buildings are tightly sealed and modern ventilation systems recycle a large portion of inside air. Often, fresh air may not reach the worker. For example, use of flexible office partitions in large open spaces can interfere with the air distribution as it was originally designed. Therefore the same recirculated air is breathed again and again.

The problem is made worse by increasing numbers and varieties of pollutants from furnishings; air conditioning, heating and ventilating systems; modern office equipment and supplies; humidifiers and dehumidifiers; and secondhand tobacco smoke. As a result, air pollution levels can be far greater indoors than outdoors.

Serious infection

A World Health Organization (WHO) report suggests that as many as 30 per cent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may generate excessive complaints related to indoor air quality. What's more, some germ-caused illnesses, which can lead to serious infection or even death, are often the result of indoor air pollution.

Individually, no pollutant is present in unhealthy amounts, yet because there are so many pollutants present, the total effect may be unhealthy. Pollutants most likely to cause problems in the office are: biological agents, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, secondhand tobacco smoke and volatile organic compounds.

Biological agents are present in the air almost everywhere, and are a common factor in office air pollution. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen, dust mites and other insects, animal dander (tiny scales from hair, feathers, or skin) and molds.

Formaldehyde is a commonly used chemical compound found in as many as 3,000 different building products. In office buildings, the major sources of formaldehyde are likely to be particle board, fiberboard and plywood in furniture and paneling; glues; and upholstery and drapery fabrics.

Four basic requirements to restore health to sick buildings: eliminate tobacco smoke, provide adequate ventilation, maintain the ventilation system, and remove sources of pollution.