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Over the past two or three decades the goal of most commercial builders, owners and managers has been to provide "energy efficient" work places. That job has been done well. However, with the resulting "tighter buildings" to stop infiltration, you may find yourself faced with IAQ problems... a condition the media have focused on as "Sick Building Syndrome" (SBS) or "Building Related Illness" (BRI)
The symptoms are eye and throat irritation, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, even nausea and respiratory illness. The jury is still out, but most health providers believe there is substantial evidence of a link between long term SBS/BRI exposure and several life threatening diseases. One thing is for sure. We’ll be hearing a lot more on the subject in the coming months and years.
What are the chances you’ll face this issue?
Almost a certainty. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 1 in 3 new or recently remodeled buildings have IAQ problems. And, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 25 - 30% of white collar employees may be exposed.
Isn’t outdoor air pollution a more serious problem?
Granted it is a problem, but a recent EPA study showed air inside office buildings and other closed work spaces can be up to 100 times more polluted than outside air.
What causes this problem?
There are numerous harmful contaminants contained in the indoor air we breathe, such as bacteria, viruses, carbon dioxide, dust, chemical fumes, aerosols and carbon monoxide.
How could this affect my business?
Consider these points.....
According to the American Medical Association, U.S. business loses 50 million work days per year to respiratory illness. Up to 20% of that absenteeism is attributed to poor IAQ. It costs U.S. companies $15 billion per year in medical expenses. IAQ related illnesses result in high healthcare costs. Exposed workers, due to the effect of the symptoms above, are less productive. This "hidden cost" of reduced productivity from chronic discomfort and lower morale can have a financial impact as serious as the increased absenteeism. More legislation and regulations are pending at OSHA and various legislative bodies. Building Officials across the country are adopting ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 for IAQ. Building & Business Owners and Managers are targets of litigation related to IAQ problems.
With such potential impact, it is just good business sense to remember the old adage...
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
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