The quality of the air in the office is one of the most important aspects of a safe and healthy workplace. But we usually don’t notice air quality until there is a problem.

Sick building syndrome, or SBS, refers to symptoms believed to be associated with the poor quality of indoor air, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. It’s difficult to determine how many Canadians suffer from SBS because its symptoms could also indicate other illnesses, and it affects everyone differently. One worker may complain of migraines, while a colleague may be symptom-free.

The subject of poor indoor air came to the forefront during the energy crisis in the 1970s, when the World Health Organization estimated as many as 30% of new or remodelled buildings were plagued with unusually high rates of illness complaints. The problem? To improve energy efficiency, buildings had been equipped with airtight windows to seal in heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. It improved energy efficiency, but at this time offices were switching from natural building materials to synthetic materials. Emissions from new carpeting, fabric, paint and cleansers were trapped in the offices, making workers sick.

With advances in technology, air quality is improving. “Our knowledge of indoor air quality and ability to monitor it have improved dramatically,” says Sandy Bello, health and safety specialist at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in Hamilton, Ont.

Ventilation systems today pump fresh air in and draw carbon monoxide out using an elaborate web of ducts and vents throughout a building. If the system is maintained properly, it can easily deliver 10 litres of fresh air per second per person, Bello says.

But good ventilation alone does not address all indoor air quality problems. “In recent years, air quality is less an issue of poor ventilation and more an issue of indoor contamination and mould,” says Dr. David Leong, provincial hygienist at the Ontario Ministry of Labour in Toronto. Leong receives a number of complaints every year from office workers experiencing symptoms of SBS, many of whom are sensitive to fragrances and mould.

If your employer isn’t taking steps to improve air quality, Leong recommends contacting the company’s joint health and safety committee, also known as the workplace safety committee, which is an advisory board mandatory for employers of a certain size (usually 20 or more employees) in most provinces.

In the meantime, there are several things you can do to safeguard indoor air quality:

> Be mindful of fragrance. Many offices have already implemented a fragrance-free policy to accommodate scent allergies and sensitivities. Keep strong perfume and aftershave to a minimum, and avoid using harsh disinfectants and cleansers at your desk.

“‘Strong fragrances’ is one of the biggest complaints we hear,” says Ethel Archard, communications manager at the Canada Safety Council in Ottawa. “Some people may shrug it off as matter of personal preference. But if people can’t be productive because they feel sick, it’s a business issue.”

> Clean up spills. Put a tray under plants to catch excess water and clean up beverage spills to prevent growth of mould and fungi. Report water damage immediately.

> Ask for help. Don’t adjust air vents yourself. Some vents generate more air than others, so if you are sitting in a draft, ask your facilities manager to make adjustments. And never use duct tape to block or re-direct airflow from a vent, as it could affect air circulation throughout the entire office. Avoid placing books or files on horizontal vents in windowsills. This prevents airflow from windows and promotes condensation on the glass, which could lead to water damage and bacteria growth.

> Make a plan before bringing in new office equipment. Office machinery such as photocopiers and fax machines emit heat and, in some cases, chemicals. Consult your facilities manager to determine the best location for each machine. Some may require extra ventilation or a separate room. And keep an eye on existing machinery. If the paper shredder is creating a lot of dust, it may need to be moved to another area. All equipment should have scheduled maintenance checks to ensure safety.

> Don’t touch dials. Don’t adjust the thermostat. It may control heat in a workspace outside your area. Ask your facilities manager for help.

@page_break@Office air quality is a tricky business: too much humidity can stimulate growth of bacteria, while dry air can cause dry skin, nose and throat irritation, and nosebleeds. The ideal temperature should be in the low- to mid-20s Celsius, with relative humidity not exceeding 60%-70%. IE