24118_Sedentary.indd

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Introduction Most sedentary workers have to work

As they generally have to stay indoors for a long

and also gives a comfortable environment.

people's health as well as productivity.

1 Introduction Most sedentary workers have to work either at the office or in an indoor environment. As they generally have to stay indoors for a long period of time, indoor air quality is an issue of major concern. Good indoor air quality safeguards people's health and also gives a comfortable environment. In contrast, poor indoor air quality jeopardizes people's health as well as productivity. This bulletin is going to discuss the issues about indoor air quality and offer suggestions on alleviation measures.

Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Health Polluted indoor

irritation, breathing difficulties, skin allergies,

a range of health problems and complaints are associated

The problems range from transient sensory irritation of the

These problems can generally be divided into the following

associated with occupation of a particular building.

Nose and throat irritation Runny or congested nose Other

with the development of rash Headaches Lethargy Poor

disappear entirely when the affected personnel leave the

2 Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Health Polluted indoor environments can lead to discomfort, such as headaches, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, skin allergies, fatigue, vomiting, and a series of acute or chronic symptoms and diseases. A significant amount of scientific evidence indicates that a range of health problems and complaints are associated with poor indoor air quality. The problems range from transient sensory irritation of the respiratory tract to diseases that can be life-threatening. These problems can generally be divided into the following two categories: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Building Related Illnesses (BRI). SBS is the name given to a range of non-specific symptoms associated with occupation of a particular building. The symptoms include: Irritation and itching of the eyes Nose and throat irritation Runny or congested nose Other flu-like symptoms Chest tightness Itchy skin occasionally with the development of rash Headaches Lethargy Poor concentration Irritability The symptoms tend to abate or disappear entirely when the affected personnel leave the building. Though SBS is not life-threatening or permanently disabling, it has often resulted in lower work performance, higher absenteeism and amount of sick leave taken and increased staff turnover.

3 BRI are clinically diagnosed illnesses which are attributed to causes associated with indoor air pollutants in buildings. Allergic reactions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by certain species of fungi, and infectious diseases such as Legionnaires disease and humidifier fever (an influenza-like illness) are typical examples of BRI in offices and public buildings. Common Indoor Air Pollutants and Their Sources Indoor working environments can contain a variety of air pollutants. Air pollutants of major concern include: Sources Pollutants Building Materials Stone, concrete Wooden products, veneers Insulation materials Fire retardants Paint Radon Formaldehyde, organic compounds Formaldehyde, fibreglass Asbestos Organic compounds, lead Equipment and installations Photocopiers Ventilation systems Kitchen stoves Ozone Fibres, micro-organisms Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, dust Occupants Metabolism Biological activities Carbon dioxide, water vapour, odours Micro-organisms Human activities Smoking Air fresheners Cleaning agents Carbon monoxide, other compounds, dust Fluorocarbons, odours Organic compounds, odours

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality Control the Source of Air Pollutants Select the appropriate furniture that limits pollutants from volatile organic

Relocate photocopiers to somewhere which is far away from general operation area.

Arrange regular cleaning and pest control works to reduce dust accumulation and micro-organism growth.

Ensure that animals are unable to enter air inlets, and prevent birds from roosting or building nests.

4 How to Improve Indoor Air Quality Control the Source of Air Pollutants Select the appropriate furniture that limits pollutants from volatile organic compounds. Prohibit smoking in indoor working environment. Use detergents with lower chemical concentration. Relocate photocopiers to somewhere which is far away from general operation area. Install indoor air purification system which helps remove air pollutants. Arrange regular cleaning and pest control works to reduce dust accumulation and micro-organism growth. Ventilation Improvements Do not locate air inlets near any known sources of pollution, sewage, or cooling towers. Ensure that animals are unable to enter air inlets, and prevent birds from roosting or building nests. The distance between exhaust vents and air inlets should be kept as far as possible, and exhaust vents should be located at a certain height. Exhaust vents should face in the opposite direction of the fresh air inlets. Remove any obstacles that block the indoor return air grille to avoid making the air conditioning system imbalance. Humidifiers, temperature control units, fans, filters, ventilation ducts and cooling towers should be regularly cleaned.

Administrative Actions Re-schedule activities such as renovation works or pest control to outside normal working hours.

OSH Training Course 2311 3322 3106 2000 OSHC organizes regular training courses on Indoor Air Quality and the related details are as follows.

Health effects of air contaminants 3. Occupational hygiene monitoring 4. Preventive and control measures 5.

5 Administrative Actions Re-schedule activities such as renovation works or pest control to outside normal working hours. Limit the operating time of equipment that may produce pollutants. Relocate more susceptible individuals from areas where they experience the symptoms. OSH Training Course OSHC organizes regular training courses on Indoor Air Quality and the related details are as follows. For further information, please contact our OSH Training Centre at or Indoor Air Quality in Workplaces (AIR) Highlights: 1. Related legislation 2. Health effects of air contaminants 3. Occupational hygiene monitoring 4. Preventive and control measures 5. The use of occupational hygiene standards Legionnaires Disease and Its Prevention (LEGD) Highlights: 1. Relevant occupational safety and health legislation 2. Introduction on Legionnaires Disease 3. Hazards of Legionnaires Disease 4. Transmission path of the bacteria that cause Legionnaires Disease 5. Basic preventive measure against Legionnaires Disease

6 Quiz What health problem(s) can be caused by poor indoor air quality? Sick Building Syndrome Legionnaires disease All of the above Which of the following is air pollutant? Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide Radon, ozone All of the above Which of the following is an effective way to improve air quality? Prohibit smoking in indoor working environment Spray disinfectant in indoor working environment Close all windows to prevent outdoor pollutants from coming in Please circle the correct answers and fill in the following form and send it or fax it to the Council. Please write Sedentary Workers Safety & Health Bulletin Prize Quiz on the envelope. Closing date: 7 December Rules for Participation 1. Hong Kong citizens aged 15 or above are welcome to participate. 2. Each participant may only enter once. 3. The employees and direct family members of the organising body are not eligible to enter. 4. Winner will be disqualified if their name is not identical to that appeared on the HK Identity Card. 5. The decision of the organising body regarding the prize results is final. 6. The organising body reserves the right to make changes to any matters related to the competition and will not provide further notice. 7. In the event of any dispute, all decisions by the organising body are final. 8. Welcome to photocopy the form. Personal Data Statement We will keep your personal data for promotion of safety and health at work, including related research and statisical purposes. We may need to transfer such data to service providers, event co-organizers and partner institutions. If you do not wish to receive information and news relating to safety and health at work from us, please mark the box at the end of this Statement. I do not wish to receive the aforesaid information and news Free Subscription Form I am interested in the Sedentary Bulletin and want to subscribe it by Please fax the form to Occupational Safety and Health Council (Fax No. : ) Personal Information Statement The information provided would be kept for promoting safety and health, including research and statistics. The information may need to be passed to service providers, function co-organizer and partnerships. If you do not want to receive Occupational Safety and Health information. Please tick the box in the bottom of this statement. I do not want to receive the information stated above Address /F China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, HK Tel Sedentary Workers Safety & Health Committee oshc@oshc.org.hk Fax Website

17030_Sedentary.indd

17030_Sedentary.indd Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders are very common occupational health problems. Most of the work-related musculoskeletal disorders are upper limb problems, in which hand or forearm tenosynovitis and