Working conditions and quality of air
February 2006

On the contrary, it seems that bad quality of air at work, has serious negative implications for the productivity, quality of life and health of employees.

During the past decades, the problem worsened. The number of employees working in internal spaces dependent on artificial ventilation, has increased and continues to do so.

At the same time there is an increasing number of working people that report symptoms related to the their working environment. Research has shown that women are more vulnerable than men. Additionally persons with a history of allergy or smokers, have more problems.

The most frequent complains of employees that are related to working space bad quality of air, are eyes irritation, running nose with congestion and tiredness.

Isolating buildings from the external atmospheric air, is being done for reasons such as energy savings and noise pollution protection. However this leads to an increase of noxious substances in the air of internal spaces. If the ventilation systems are inadequate or insufficient, then serious problems may arise.

There are many substances that can be liberated and found in the internal air of modern buildings. The sources of emission of these substances are many such as carpets, furniture (especially those made out of pressed wood), plastics, cleaning products and others.

Additionally if there is not sufficient isolation, it is possible that internal atmospheric air is more polluted with other unwanted and noxious substances such as carbon monoxide from motor vehicle emissions.

Fortunately in many working places, smoking is not allowed nowadays. In places where this is allowed, the problem gets worst.

In the internal ambient air, it is possible that bacteria, pollen, yeast and viruses can be concentrated. These in their turn can cause problems to the workforce.

Microorganisms develop when there is humidity and stagnating water. If ventilation systems do not function properly, if filters are not properly maintained and replaced according to the manufacturer's specifications, then they become breeding grounds for many types of pathogenic microorganisms.

The problem of the bad air quality in modern buildings and working spaces can be solved satisfactorily and relatively inexpensively.

Workers who have problems, have to report this to their employer. It is important to register when their symptoms appear (time and date) and whether these regress when they go away from their workplace.

There are guidelines and specifications that regulate the quality of ventilation and the internal ambient air in buildings. Their adoption and application as well as the continuous monitoring of the quality of air, provide the necessary preconditions for the protection of employee's health in their workspace.

Finally, it is important to stress out the importance of good air quality for the professional and personal quality of life. It is not to forget that in modern times most of our time, is spend in internal spaces.

Bibliography:

1. Environmental Protection Agency 
2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 
3. National Institutes of Health 
4. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine