Sick Building Syndrome

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IF YOU suffer continually from minor irritations - watery eyes, headaches, dry

throat, colds or coughs - then look to the office air-conditioning system.

 

Louise Etherid writes, " Poorly maintained systems contribute to Sick Building

Syndrome, according to trade body the Federation of Environmental Trade

Associations " .

 

Neil Etchells a consultant at Professional Health and Safety Consultants,..

says: " Broadly, there are two types of system. Comfort cooling recirculates

existing air, pumping bacteria and viruses straight back into the office.

 

Full air handling is more complex. Air from outside is mixed with recirculated

air and then goes into the office environment. Both rely on filters and ductwork

which, if not, maintained regularly, can be come dusty and dirty, creating a

breeding ground for germs and dust mites, which are allergens ' also air brought

into the building is only as clean as the outside environment. Working near a

source of pollution can affect air quality in the office. "

 

An office environment is an eco-system of building design, electrics, airflow,

people and chemicals: if one part is out of sync, illness may ensue. The

air-conditioning is a part of this cocktail of activity and a broken system may

mean problems. For instance, static electricity from office equipment dehydrates

the air, and if the humidifier is not functioning can lead to respiratory

problems.

 

But even with a clean, functioning system, you may still be at risk if the

layout of your office changes or the number of people working there increases.

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Stott, of another specialist company, Healthy Office Co says: " If the

system is expected to function beyond its specification, problems are like y.

Sometimes it can be down to the actions of individuals, such as rearranging

partitioning or blocking vents with filing cabinets.

 

 

 

 

 

But in the majority of cases, it is poor management of building services that

lies at the root of ill-health. "

 

What should you do if you suspect the office air is making you ill? First, check

that you have not contributed to the problem. Have you blocked vents with piles

of filing? Your next port of call should be your employers, who should

investigate your inquiry. They may- have a health and safety expert on site,

otherwise they will need to seek external help. You can also bring in plants.

 

Research by Dr Tove Fjeld at the University of Agriculture in Norway found that

indoor plants could reduce coughs, sore throats and fatigue by 25 per cent.

 

Other research showed that workers surrounded by plants and flowers reported

fewer headaches. Plants that are watered regularly can help to re-humidify the

air. And use the almost indestructible spider plant - if it dies, run.