Allergic to Work? Your Air Could be Making you Sick :: Health and Disease

Allergic to Work? Your Air Could be Making you Sick
by author Josie Padro

Is the building you work or live in making you sick? It could be. The World Health Organization recognizes Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) as a situation in which building occupants experience a host of discomforting symptoms without a specific associated illness. If the discomfort subsides when occupants leave the building, chances are SBS is the culprit.

The direct cause of SBS is often difficult to define and may require an indoor air specialist to identify possible hazards. If indoor air pollution at work, home, or play is leaving you with headaches, dizziness, trouble concentrating, fatigue, eye irritation, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, skin rashes, nausea, or shortness of breath—it’s definitely time to call a professional.

In the meantime, here are some simple ways to address your environment and start breathing easier right away:

Reduce dust. At work, plug in a portable air purifier to help remove particles. At home, leave your shoes in the entryway to prevent dust and allergens from making their way past the door.

Vent. Ask your employer to increase the air circulation rate through the venting system. Increasing the airflow will remove contaminates. Around the house, check that kitchen and bathroom fans, as well as the dryer, are clean and vent to the outdoors.

Discourage mouldy growth. Both at work and at home, keep the indoor temperature and humidity low to discourage growth of mould.

Reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Make sure your employer removes any paints, adhesives, solvents, or pesticides being stored on site. In your home, avoid potentially cancer-causing VOCs in household paints, vinyl flooring, and furniture. Allow new carpets, furniture, and drapes to air out before bringing them into your home.

Install detectors. Carbon Monoxide and Radon are harmful gasses that can go unnoticed unless you have detectors in place. Install them yourself at home and ask your employer to do the same in the workplace.

Add some greenery. Add some indoor plants; they’re natural air filters that can remove nasty compounds such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.

Related alive Articles:

Household Health Hazards

Sick Building Syndrome

Source: alive #September 08 Newsletter

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