Do you work in a sick building?

Around 3.6 million South African office workers could be experiencing increased allergy symptoms in the workplace, according to a recent survey conducted by Pharma Dynamics.

Of the 1 300 survey participants, polled nationally, more than a quarter said their allergies worsened when at the office and 42% took time off work because of their allergies.

The most common allergy symptoms were a blocked or stuffy nose (62%), headache (61%), runny nose (54%), unexplained fatigue (52%), itchy or watery eyes (52%), dry throat (37%) and breathing difficulties (16%).

Wilmi Hudsonberg, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics blames poor ventilation and lack of cleanliness for the increased allergy symptoms.

“Many studies have been done in the past around Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition which focuses on the frequency of illness-related symptoms in buildings due to improper climate control and chemical exposure,” said Hudsonberg.

A shocking 77% of the office workers said their offices are not well ventilated.

“Fresh air is vital to the health of office workers, so ensure that windows are opened (where it does not pose a safety risk) and or that fresh air trickles in through air vents or allergy-approved air conditioning units,” she said.

More than half of the participants reported that their office is air conditioned, but this does not necessarily mean that they get healthy ventilation.

“To allergy-proof your air conditioner, check that it captures airborne allergens, and ensure that it is cleaned and serviced regularly, otherwise it can pollute the air.”

Another hazard are dust trappers, such as carpets, blinds, curtains, books and other soft furnishings which are perfect homes for dust mites.

“Our survey found that most SA offices are cleaned irregularly, with only a third being cleaned daily. A management plan in the workplace is of utmost importance to control allergy symptoms and to lessen the impact on productivity,”

Even the greenery in your office can be an allergy causer, as Hudsonberg recommends that office plants are kept to a minimum as mould can grow on top of the soil.

Not only plants and books can cause allergies, but also your colleagues.

“With many modern-day offices being open-plan, we are exposed to colleagues who live with pets or reside in areas where pollen counts are high. Pet dander and pollen can stick to office workers’ clothes and can easily trigger a sneezing frenzy in a person sensitive to these allergens.”

Evolution Architects design a lot of office buildings on the Dolphin Coast and according to their architect, Lauren Pearce, it is important to consider lighting, ventilation, temperature, noise or acoustics, space and atmosphere when designing healthy office buildings.

“We recently completed Simbithi Office Park in which we tried to maximise views of the sea, estate and surrounding vegetation. All offices have openable windows for natural light and ventilation to create a healthy working environment,” said Pearce.

“Large overhangs help with solar control to reduce direct sunlight and keeps the office cool and the offices spill out onto decks and a landscaped open area, to provide ‘breathing’ space between the buildings as well as an outdoor area to have lunch, meetings or simply relax,” she said.

So to keep healthy at work, you do not need to turn into an office hermit and fear the pot plant at reception, you just need to keep your desk clutter free, give yourself a lint roller brush down before you leave home and keep the windows open.