Working for health

In a previous article we looked at ways of ensuring good indoor air quality and adequate lighting in an office environment. Without being overly negative, let us now take a look at the toxins commonly found in office environments and what can be done...

See no evil

We are all living in a global chemical experiment of which we don't know the outcome - Gwynne Lyons, World Wildlife Fund.

Toxins is an ugly word, and one that we do not easily associate with our everyday lives. We somehow believe that toxins are only to be found in germ warfare or in laboratories where people in white move around slowly in masks and gloves to protect against the deadly germs.

It is human nature to be Doubting Thomases, disbelieving the dangers that are hidden and invisible. Although the experts tell us that the rubbish dump at Maghtab is poisoning the air, water and soil for miles around, people still barbecue, surf and swim in its shadow.

Cigarette smokers refuse to entertain the idea of the harm the chemicals in tobacco are wreaking in their bodies. It is only when the illness takes over that we start to take note.

Migraines, bloating, endless colds, insomnia and never-ending colds may all point to a toxic office environment. If you consider that you may spend over 40 years in an office, you owe it to your employees, and to yourself, to ensure that one-third of each day is spent in as healthy a way as is possible.

Sharing the responsibility

In a work environment, toxic exposure may be "controlled" by fellow employees, bosses, and building owners or managers; therefore these areas have to be negotiated. The toxins can include biological pollutants - such as, dust, mould, mildew and bacteria - or chemical pollutants.

They incorporate outgassing from carpet and furniture or radiation from smoke alarms. Radon, a naturally occurring form of radioactive gas found in many soils, may also be present. Electromagnetic fields (EMF), waves of electrical energy emitted by electrical wiring and electrical devices including computers and appliances, are almost certainly present. Additionally, chemical agents are found in cleaning compounds, waxes and polishes, and disinfectants.

Office environments also carry the risk of chemicals used in clerical work, such as photocopier toners, "white out" fluids, glues, or the effects of sick building syndrome. A build-up of these gases can cause headaches and irritation to the eyes (source: NASA).

It's shocking news, but the most common toxin present in offices and hospitals is formaldehyde, otherwise known as embalming fluid. Many work environments are exposed to automotive fumes or chemicals, chemicals associated with carpentry, construction, or manufacturing, or exposure to agricultural chemicals. There are an estimated 70,000 man-made chemicals on the market.

Sick building syndrome

If you suffer from headaches, eye, nose or throat irritation, skin irritation, coughs, dizziness, nausea or fatigue and the symptoms rapidly improve after leaving work, you may be a Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) victim.

Although the cause of SBS is unknown, there are a number of theories surrounding it. These include chemical pollutants outside the building, when bad air is drawn into the building via vents and windows.

Changes in relative humidity in a building can trigger symptoms of ill health. Chemical pollutants in upholstery, carpets, cleaning products etc. can be a cause of irritation.

If bacteria, pollen and mould collect in drains or air-conditioning systems, they can breed and spread, causing a variety of health problems, such as allergies and coughs. Many office environments use air conditioning systems, but ventilation is sometimes poor.

Electric nightmares

Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields emitted by electrical lines and electric appliances is universal. Levels vary according to the number of appliances in use, the proximity of the individual to the source of the field and the number of hours a person is exposed to them.

Dizziness, confusion, hyper-activity, memory loss, sleep disturbances, mood changes, numbness, convulsions, and stress syndromes can result from repeated exposure to ELF. Some people develop frequent infections and/or allergies and sensitivities.

Jacqueline Krohn, MD, co-author of The Whole Way to Natural Detoxification: The Complete Guide to Clearing Your Body of Toxins, postulates that ELFs act as a cancer promoter. ELF fields interact with the cell membrane and can affect hormones, calcium exchange and tissue growth. ELFs may suppress the production of melatonin, a cancer inhibitor, by the pineal gland.

Experts advise that watching television in the bedroom is also frowned upon as it is not recommended to have electric appliances in the bedroom. So if you multiply that one television by the myriad computers in your average office, you'll see that your risk of exposure to toxins is too high for you to be complacent about.

You can check whether symptoms may be related to electromagnetic imbalance: if the symptoms worsen a) before a storm and improve after it begins; b) while using the telephone; c) when near fluorescent lights; or d) when near transformers or high-powered electric lines; or if you have difficulty wearing hearing aids or finding a watch that keeps time, or experience other malfunction of electrical equipment when you are near. (www.detox.org)

In addition to the level of exposure, a person's relative state of health is a factor. The healthier you are, the more you can withstand the onslaught of toxins. If you're especially chemically sensitive, or otherwise in poor health, enquire about the possibility of working from home.

If you could demonstrate that you are more productive - for various reasons including the chemical exposure you encounter at work - while working from home, you might convince a boss to let you try it, if not every day, at least several days a week.

Rights and duties

Can you refuse to work until the health and safety issues at your workplace are rectified? First, make your employer aware of your concerns. Your employer has a duty to take reasonable care of your safety while you are at work. This duty includes providing a safe workplace. (A similar duty is also owed by the company to its customers.)

As an employee, you are under duty not to wilfully disobey a lawful and reasonable order from your employer. A refusal to work would prima facie put you in breach of this duty unless you could show that the dangers to your health and safety were such that it was unreasonable for your employer to expect you to continue working in your current environment.

Protecting yourself from contaminants may involve anything from a simple change in equipment to quitting your job as a last straw. But do not despair: there are many simple steps to making your office safer.

The ideal working environment would contain fabrics for curtains, carpets and upholstery that are natural, i.e. cotton or wool, without flame- or stain-retardants. Flooring would be wood, concrete or stone. Furniture would be made from wood, without varnish and paint.

The cleaner would use only soap, vinegar and water, instead of disinfectants whose smell knocks you out. There would be plants and flowers. Heat would be provided by fuel-burning stoves, and cool air from fans.

For those who are basically striving to protect their good health in every possible way, there are a number of things that can be done to improve their work space, even in a 'sick' building:

¤ Obtain a screen for the computer monitor to reduce radiation. If you are exposed to the rear of another employee's terminal, insist that the desks be moved to reduce your exposure

¤ Check the canteen microwave for leaking, and stay at least a metre away when it is operating

¤ Keep a cover on drinking water sources and do not drink tap water

¤ If you have fluorescent light fixtures, use full-spectrum bulbs

¤ Find a small desk-top air filter

¤ Chose an office that is a long distance away from transformers or high-voltage wires

¤ Use non-toxic cleaners. There are many on the market, priced competitively, and they make a difference to the health of employees and cleaning staff.

¤ Bring plants to work

If you suspect that your place of work is making you sick, try and keep a diary of your symptoms and reactions. Do you notice your symptoms improving when you leave the building? Are there any changes you can make to your work environment?

These might include opening windows or doors to improve airflow, altering the temperature in your office and minimising the use of perfumed detergents and air fresheners.

Finally, if you and your colleagues feel that further investigation or action is needed, you may need to consider meeting the owner of the building and your local health department.

Planting the seeds

Real plants in the office provide a cheap and effective method of cleansing the air of toxic gases emitted from modern office equipment. Office plants that help clean the air include spider plants, azalea, dieffenbachia, philodendron, golden pathos, bamboo palm, corn plant, chrysanthemum and mother-in-law's tongue. (Source: www.plantscapes-officeplants.co.uk)

Installing a fountain in the office is another way to help the body improve its ability to detoxify. The running water creates negative ions, as well as creating a pleasant, soothing sound.

Above all, a relaxed person is better able to detoxify than a tense one. So here's yet another good excuse to play relaxing music, take frequent breaks, and share jokes! Take frequent breaks from your computer, get some fresh air and exercise every day - especially at lunchtime - and do your best to ensure that everyone understands the benefits of reducing contaminant levels at work.