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Occupational Pollutants

Due to the oil shortages in the late 1970's, architects and engineers re-designed buildings to conserve more energy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), workers in newer buildings may suffer from Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) or Building-Related Illness (BRI), a group of non-specific symptoms including eye, nose or throat irritation, dry skin, rash, mental fatigue, lethargy, erythema, headaches, nausea, dizziness, wheezing and coughing. Exposure to excessive levels of organic vapors, noxious gases or physical irritants in the workplace may lead to more serious illness, even death.

  1. Research

    • Walter Reed Army Institute of Research conducted a four-year study comparing the incidence of respiratory illnesses in more than 400,000 recruits living in newer, energy-efficient buildings with those living in older, less airtight buildings. Recruits in the newer buildings had a 50 percent higher incidence of developing a respiratory infection during a seven-week period. This study concluded that energy-efficient buildings tend to concentrate pollutants, airborne micro-organisms and their byproducts which cause people to become sick.

    Possible Causes

    • Occupational pollutants typically originate from compounds used in constructing newer buildings. These gases and vapors, including radon, formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, may cause illness. Photocopiers produce ozone and also release fine particles of toner into the air. High levels of formaldehyde have also occurred near large storage areas of bulk paper stores. Other hazards include repeated exposure to asbestos, synthetic fibers used in office carpet, drapes and upholstery as well as dust, cleaning solvent fumes, microbes, bacteria and fungi in the air and on surfaces.

    Possible Effects

    • Some people working in "sick" buildings may exhibit one or more of the previously listed symptoms along with continual itching or one of several hypersensitivity conditions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, humidifier fever and allergic asthma. Infectious diseases may also spread through dirty, inadequate or previously contaminated ventilation systems. Exposure to toxins like carbon monoxide, pesticides, bacteria, mold, fungal spores or other microbial toxins may also compromise the health of those working in such an environment.

    Remedy

    • Those who design, build, maintain, work in and own these buildings must strive together to get rid of occupational pollutants in the workplace. Consult a professional ventilation engineer or occupational hygienist who has a working knowledge of potential indoor air quality problems. The current building air conditioning, ventilation and filtration systems may require an upgrade and should receive regular maintenance and proper service. An early response to the problem of removing occupational pollutants works best for everyone.

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