Indoor Pollution
And
Employee Health

Tushama Cheris Okraku
PRST 5040 – Human Resources Management
Dr. Sharon D. Peters
Middle Tennessee State University
12/2/12

Abstract
Indoor Pollution and Employee Health The paper explores the effects that indoor pollution has on the health of employee from both an employee and employer perspective. It lists some of the issues that are experienced as a result of poor air quality. Environments in which air quality issues are commonly found are also discussed in studies that have been conducted. What causes poor air quality and how they affect employees are communicated to provide a blueprint for organizations to use to prevent such concerns from becoming issues to their employees. Also outlined are ways for organizations to recognize and reduce air quality issues to minimize organizational productivity loss and workers compensation claims that sometimes come as a result of poor air quality.

Introduction Employee safety and health concerns have changed drastically over the past couple of decades. They have moved from the bodily injuries of industrial workers to the ergonomic challenges of office workers. These concerns can range from carpal tunnel syndrome to air quality issues. “One of the downsides of opting for environmentally “green” office buildings can produce illnesses such as itchy eyes and trouble breathing, a phenomenon some called “sick building syndrome” (Dessler, 2013; 553). This has caused issues such as lack of productivity and increased absenteeism. Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac fever, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asbestos are other issues that are linked to air quality concerns. To combat such issues, organizations try to proactively monitor air quality to reduce the negative effects that are experienced as a result of strategies of risk management. “Such buildings can simultaneously offer benefits such as improved fire safety, extended operating time during power outages and reduced workers’ compensation claims through improved indoor air quality” (Deering, 1998; 2). Although becoming “green” can have negative air quality effects, there are also positive effects.
Indoor Air Quality Air quality is not a new concern of organizations as it relates to the health of their employees. Historically industrial settings such as factories and coal mine working environments were seen as health risks for employees and were closely policed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “Nonetheless, indoor air quality in homes and offices has become an environmental priority in many countries, and federal indoor air quality (IAQ) legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress for the past several years. However, none has yet passed, and currently the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has no enforcement authority in this area” (Batterman, 2003; 752). Although, there is no concrete legislation to regulate indoor air quality; employers have found it advantageous to independently monitor their contaminant levels and the health risks they cause. “Exposures to indoor contaminants can cause a variety of health problems. Depending on the pollutant and exposure, health problems related to indoor air quality may include non-malignant respiratory effects, including mucous membrane irritation, allergic reactions, and asthma; cardiovascular effects; infectious diseases such as Legionnaires’ disease; immunologic diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis; skin irritations; malignancies; neuropsychiatric effects; and other non-specific system effects such as lethargy, headache, and nausea. In addition indoor air contaminants such as radon, formaldehyde, asbestos, and other chemicals are suspected or known carcinogens. There is also growing concern over the possible effects of low level exposures on suppressing reproductive and growth capabilities and impacting the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems” (Batterman, 2003; 753).
I work for Willis, which is a part of Willis Carroon Risk Management Services (mentioned in the article Energy efficiency: proactive strategies for managers); we are known for having “green” buildings that our associates work. To that point, most of the associates in our building have complained of the experiencing many of the symptoms that were listed above. Commonly referred to as “sick building syndrome”; “the etiology of the syndrome is still uncertain” (Giuseppe, 1992; 16). Controlling emission sources of contaminants by providing clean air and effective ventilation and maintaining building systems can enhance indoor air quality. Cleaning practices dust and mold are other factors that have been considered as they relate to air quality and how they contribute to the health effects of employees.
“With respect to the indoor environment of buildings, there have been extensive investigations, and increased attention has been paid to particulate pollution and cleaning practices. (19,20) Methods for the assessment of dust settlement rates and cleanliness have been developed; dust is collected on foil, on which the amount of dust is determined as the area covered by dust (ie., percentage of total surface area). A guideline for indoor environment quality proposed 1-1.5% as a limit for percentage of total surface area). (21) In buildings with mold growth in the ventilation system or on internal surfaces, increased counts of fungi may be observed, and there is a concomitant increase in species of Asppergillus and Pencillum (22) in particular.
In this study, we investigated where there was a relationship between indoor environmental factors and selected measures of nasal patency and inflammation” (Ahlen, 2002; 155).
Age, sex, and environmental characteristics were also discussed within this study. The study supports the ideology of maintaining good building maintenance and clean ventilation systems can reduce the risks of nasal patency and inflammation, as well as other risks associated with poor air quality.
Monitoring outdated repair needs in buildings are also behaviors that can be proactive in diminishing poor air quality. Although there are not currently any mandated processes in place for employees to follow, employers can take steps to preempt negative air quality. “OSHA can investigate complaints about mold or other air quality issues, but Bryant has said without mold standards, the violation would have to be egregious to warrant a citation and fine” (Gazette, 2008; 1). These investigations can come through OSHA conducting a walk through in your organization. Although OSHA conducts the walk through, the employer is also responsible for identifying and being aware of indoor air quality problem indicators. This can be done by obtaining a quick self-inspection checklist from the Building Air Quality Action Plan to conduct the walkthrough. This walkthrough should be conducted once a year to keep it current for:
*All occupied areas
*All mechanical storage rooms
*You promptly conduct a walk-through inspection in specific areas in response to employee or patient complaints
*During the walk-through, you reference or create a pollutant/source inventory
*You identify existing and potential IAQ problem indicators, including:
*Odors
*Dirty or unsanitary conditions
*Visible fungal growth
*Mold or mildew
*Moisture in inappropriate locations
*Staining or discoloration of building materials
*Smoke damage
*Presence of toxic substances
*Poorly maintained filters
*Soil-gas entry locations
*Unusual noises from equipment
*Evidence of leaks or spills
*Uneven temperatures
*Uneven airflow
*Overcrowding
*Personal air cleaning devices (ion generators, ozone generators, or portable filtration units)
*Personal fans
*Blocked or redirected vents/diffusers
*You take notes on the floor plan during the walkthrough, identifying potential or existing problems indicating a need for either close monitoring or corrective action
*If needed, you have access to HVAC systems and operations information, including a:
*List of components needing repair adjustment, cleaning, replacement, or regular maintenance
*Record of control settings and operating schedules for air-handling units
*You check if significant sources of contamination are directly exhausted to the outside or can be moved close to exhaust fan
(Walking the line on indoor air quality problems, 2008; 1-2).
Conducting the walk through can actively help employers combat poor indoor air quality and help them in their struggle to improve indoor air quality.
Improving Indoor Air Quality Improving indoor air quality is beneficial to both the employee and employer; however it proves more costly to the employer. Modern buildings are the common source of indoor air pollution. “Indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental issues. It estimates that indoor air pollution costs Americans billions of dollars each year in medical expenses and lost productivity” (Nevin, 1993; 30). These issues can be combatted by proper air ventilation.
In conjunction with actively monitoring poor air quality levels without mandated criteria; employers can also take natural precautions to regulating air quality. “With many indoor air regulations and guidelines still pending, many buildings professionals and addressing such high-dollar threats with low-cost, natural efforts such as interiorscaping” with live, green plants” (Roy, 1997; 42). Among adding to the aesthetics of the office environment; the plants maintain a balance in the air that helps to maintain a healthier workforce. Recognizing how to be proactive in monitoring indoor air quality can give employee’s the perception that their health is in the forefront of their employer’s mind. “In nearly all cases, proactive IAQ monitoring verifies good things about the building, certifying effective maintenance and operations” (Turner, 2007; 26).
Conclusion
Maintaining energy efficiency and employee’s health is a challenge that is currently facing employers in modern building structures. Although they may no longer face the industrial issues of the past; they now face such issues as “sick building” syndrome and the productivity loss that is experienced as a result. To avoid such business pitfalls; employers can take steps, like having OSHA conduct an annual walk through to identify potential air quality problems. Once the issues have been identified, the employer may then take the necessary steps to improve those identified issues. This will not only lead to a healthier environment for the employee, but also increase productivity.

Works Cited
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