Poor air quality causing year-long ‘office hangovers’

Nausea. Headache. Loss of concentration. These symptoms are generally associated with the morning after the work Christmas party. But some office workers feel this way for much of the working day – year in, year out – due to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS is defined by the NHS Choices website as a ‘phenomenon where people in particular work environments have a range of non-specific, building-related symptoms’. It is generally acknowledged that poor air quality is a significant underlying cause of SBS, and open plan offices tend to be particularly badly affected. Enviro Technology is urging facilities managers to develop focused strategies to reduce the risk of SBS. The specialist believes that staff wellbeing and productivity could be boosted by a more proactive, hands-on approach to the measurement and management of air quality. “We all know that buildings with air conditioning and heating systems often lack fresh air, which can leave people feel lethargic,” explains Duncan Carter, gas detection specialist at Enviro Technology. “Offices can also be host to a wide range of air borne contaminants that are potentially more serious. New furnishings, equipment like photocopiers or PCs and even paint on the walls can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and even Formaldehyde which is highly toxic to humans. “However, very few facilities managers actively monitor the quality of office air so problems can go undetected. This can mean that staff performance is affected – they may feel as though they are battling through a hangover every day, or even have to take time off work altogether.” Enviro Technology believes periodic spot-checks for levels of certain gases including Carbon Dioxide and Formaldehyde should form part of facilities management routines. Hand-held equipment such as the GrayWolf monitors and the Gas Detector Tube System manufactured by Kitagawa make this straightforward with their ability to provide instant and reliable testing for hazardous gases and vapours. “Any facilities manager for an open plan office should consider testing for harmful levels of gases like Carbon Dioxide,” Carter continues. “But for offices located near or within processing or manufacturing plants, you might look at a broader range. The Kitagawa system can be adapted to test for more than 300 different gases, from Ammonia to Xylene.” So, if staff are complaining of headaches and nausea this December, don’t write it off as Christmas hangovers. Perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at indoor air quality. For more information on Enviro Technology, visit www.et.co.uk