You may be surprised to know that indoor air sometimes has higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air, and consequently can pose environmentally related health problems. This has increasingly become a concern for business owners, as indoor air quality (IAQ) has a direct impact on the health, comfort, well-being and productivity of employees.
When businesses improve indoor air quality, they can increase productivity, decrease the number of days that employees miss work and save money on medical care.
IAQ has been a hot topic since the 1970s, as employee health complaints became more prevalent for two main reasons. First, to reduce heating and cooling costs, businesses made their structures airtight with insulation and sealed windows. Consequently, the amount of outside air introduced into buildings was greatly reduced. Second, more chemical products, supplies, equipment and pesticides began to be used in the work environment, which increased employee exposure to poor air environments. In some cases, employees are subjected to excessive tobacco smoke, which can cause secondhand smoke health problems in addition to sick building syndrome (SBS) or building-related illnesses (BRI).
What is SBS?
A workplace is characterized as having problems with SBS when a substantial number of its occupants experience health and comfort troubles that can be related to working indoors. The reported symptoms do not follow the patterns of any particular illnesses and are difficult to trace to any specific source, and relief from the symptoms tends to occur when leaving the facility. Employees may experience headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, dry or itchy skin, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and loss of concentration.
What is BRI?
A workplace is characterized with BRI when a relatively small number of employees experience health problems. The symptoms associated with BRIs are similar to those of SBS and are often accompanied by physical signs identified by a physician or laboratory test. Sufferers of BRI may also experience upper respiratory irritation, skin irritations, chills, fever, cough, chest tightness, congestion, sneezing, runny nose, muscle aches and pneumonia. These symptoms may be caused by the following conditions brought on by indoor air pollutants:
Employees may not experience relief from symptoms when leaving the facility.
What Causes These Diseases?
The following are IAQ problems that may cause SBS and/or BRI.
Lack of Fresh Air
If insufficient fresh air is introduced into occupied areas of the workplace, the environment can become stagnant, and odours and contaminants can accumulate. This is the primary cause of SBS.
Poorly Maintained or Poorly Operated Ventilation Systems
Mechanical ventilation systems must be properly maintained and operated based on the original design or prescribed procedures. If systems are neglected, their ability to provide adequate IAQ decreases. For instance, when systems are missing or have overloaded filters, this can cause excess dust, pollen and cigarette smoke to enter occupied spaces, and can cause health problems.
Disruption of Air Circulation Throughout Occupied Spaces
The quantity of air depends on the effectiveness of air distribution. If it is disrupted, blocked or otherwise cannot reach occupied areas, air can become stagnant. Walls, dropped ceiling tiles and other obstacles can divert the supply of air in occupied spaces.
Poorly Regulated Temperature and Relative Humidity Levels
If the temperature and/or relative humidity levels are too high or too low, employees may experience discomfort, loss of concentration, eye and throat irritation, dry skin, sinus headaches, nosebleeds and an inability to wear contact lenses. If relative humidity levels are too high, microbial contamination can build up and cause BRI.
Indoor and Outdoor Sources of Contamination
Chemical emissions can contribute to BRI and SBS from cigarette smoke, machinery, insulation, pesticides, wood products, synthetic plastics, new carpeting, glues, furnishings, paints, cleaning agents, boiler emissions, roof renovations and contaminated air from exhaust stacks. Indoor contaminants may include radon, ozone, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, carbon monoxide, particulates, nitrogen and sulphur oxides and asbestos.
Improve Air Quality
To determine whether your facility has poor IAQ, follow standard investigative procedures including the following:
Correcting and Preventing Problems
1. Ensure Adequate Fresh Air Supply
The Axis Insurance Group knows how much you depend on your employees, and can help you ensure good health by taking measures to prevent employee illness. Contact us for more information on how to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.