Millions could be allergic to their office

11th September 2012 - Poor ventilation, lack of cleanliness, even your colleagues, can make you allergic to your workplace.

Allergy UK carried out research amongst 1003 office workers, primarily allergy sufferers, and estimates at least 5.7 million people could experience allergic-type symptoms in the office. This includes anything from nasal problems to breathing difficulties, headaches and skin irritations. 42% of allergy sufferers said they took time off work because of their allergy.

The findings of the survey refer directly to an office environment but the charity says they could be just as applicable to shops, hospitals and laboratories.

The most reported symptoms at work were headaches and lethargy.

62% of respondents had also experienced itchy or watery eyes and 27% breathing difficulties over the last year in their office.

Over a quarter (27%) said their symptoms were made worse by their office environment.

Maureen Jenkins, Director of Clinical Services, Allergy UK said in a press release that it’s not surprising that allergy sufferers have experienced a reaction at work: "It is difficult for individuals to exercise the same control over their workplace as they would do at home. Management of allergies becomes increasingly difficult when in communal spaces."

According to Allergy UK there are a number of ‘hotspots’ around the office that can have huge implications for allergy sufferers. They are:

Ventilation: Whether it's windows, trickle vents or an air conditioning system, workers should ensure they have clean air around them. In the survey only 15% said their office was well ventilated.Carpet: 90% of office workers surveyed reported their workplace has carpeted floors. Carpets and soft furnishings can harbour dust mite allergen.  Carpets on concrete floors can trap moisture allowing dust mites and mould spores to thrive.Bookcases: 54% said they had open bookshelves, so when a  book is removed, any dust that has collected is disturbed and can release allergens into the atmosphere.Plants: 38% have plants in the office which can harbour moulds. Moulds release spores and it is these spores that may cause allergic reactions.Printers: 39% of respondents were very close to a printer and 16% were in the vicinity of a photocopier. Both these items of equipment have been known to give off fumes, which could cause an adverse effect on any-one, but those with allergic airways i.e. asthma or rhinitis are more likely to react.   

Even our colleagues can trigger a reaction. 34% of respondents had a pet allergy and could react to allergens (pet dander) brought in on people’s clothes, especially cat allergens. 61% of the office workers questioned sat within a metre of someone else, making the risk even greater.

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