• If the air around your cubicle is too dry, get approval from your supervisor or health and safety committee to install a humidifier in your workspace.
• Most offices do not have routine indoor air quality checks, says Smale. If you have a concern, ask your organization to hire a professional to look into it.
• If at all possible, Bello says, new furniture and carpeting should air out in an off-site location for a few days to release the worst of its VOC gases before entering the office. By the same token, your company should be purchasing materials with low VOC content and emission rates. Let your health and safety committee know you care about these issues.
• If your office photocopier is too close for comfort, ask for it to be moved.
Tip: Search for "office air quality" at the Health Canada website for guidelines on air quality in office buildings at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Mould
Mould thrives in moist environments (namely those with a relative humidity of more than 50 per cent). Poor ventilation and water leaks can generate excess moisture. For some people, mould can lead to eye, nose or throat irritation, a runny nose, sinus congestion, coughing and wheezing. Not only can mould trigger reactions in people with allergies or asthma, but new research also suggests it may actually cause asthma.
Hot spots
Window ledges, vinyl wall coverings and wall-mounted fixtures can collect moisture and trap dirt, giving mould a good place to grow. It can also settle into carpets without being visible.
What you can do
• If you're using a humidifier, empty and clean it regularly to avoid mould and bacterial buildup, says MacKinnon. Check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
• Ask management to replace discoloured ceiling tiles that may well be mouldy. "Companies are not legally mandated to clean carpets or check for mould at specific intervals, unless it is found to be a health hazard," Smale says. "It's up to the individuals in an organization to notice and report it."
• Professional cleaners, as well as commercially available cleansing solutions and equipment, can remove mould with antimicrobial solutions, adds Smale. Alternatively, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or P100 filters installed in the ventilation system can remove airborne mould.
• If you suspect you're reacting to carpet mould but don't know for sure, Smale says you can ask your workplace to have the office carpeting analyzed in a lab.
• If your office water cooler is not being cleaned regularly, you can bring the matter up with your supervisor or health and safety committee.
Tip: If you take your lunch to work, put it in the office fridge as soon as you get there. Make sure the fridge is set no higher than 4ºC and consider a rotating fridge-cleaning schedule among your coworkers. (Many experts recommend cleaning once a week.) While bathrooms are generally cleaned by building personnel, you can set up a similar schedule for your office bathroom, should your situation warrant it.
Lighting
Too much, too little, glaring, flickering – any of these lighting problems can cause eye strain and irritation, blurred vision, dry and burning eyes, and headaches. Excessive lighting can even cause migraines. Poor lighting conditions may force you to sit uncomfortably while reading or writing, with a stiff neck and shoulders to show for it.
Hot spots
Computer screens reflect light and may cause a glare when directly illuminated. Fluorescent lighting bothers some people more than others, and can give you an intense headache.
Page 2 of 3 -- On page 3, learn how to protect your eyes from poor lighting situations, plus ergonomics tips.
