Indoor air quality: Office health, safety and well-being.

摘要

Traditionally, discussion of air pollution has centred around the effects on outdoor environments (Smith, 1993). Air pollution conjured up graphic illustrations of black clouds spewing out of industrial smokestacks or modern cities overcast by hazy smog. Much of this was a consequence of our growing demand for urban goods and services that lead to greater dependence for the polluting qualities of vehicles, industries, and residences. Moreover, our patterns of land use and transportation systems were and still are designed to support such lifestyles. The accelerated pace of technology also increased society's insatiable consumption of modern inventions such as washers, gas ovens, refrigerators, air-conditioners, and water heaters (Hunter, 1989; Stewart, 1979). Today, we are realizing that not only do all of these mobile and stationary pollutant sources have a negative impact on regional ambient air quality but affect the quality of the air indoors, particularly in the office working environment where many of us spend a majority of our time. With the knowledge acquired in the last several decades our current concerns and research initiatives have now shifted to the effects of poor indoor air quality (Huttie, 1994; Kroll-Smith and Couch, 1991).;A complex relationship exists between indoor air quality (IAQ) and workplace health, safety and well-being. This study has indicated that there is a lack of initiative on the part of companies to address IAQ issues comprehensively. While there is growing support for the implementation of indoor air quality management programs, indoor pollution problems are generally dealt with exclusively through the maintenance and operation of building ventilation systems. This study explores the scope of indoor air quality problems in the office workplace, how they may be effectively addressed, and the importance of having indoor air quality standards and policies in the office workplace.