The Problem of Air Pollution in The Workplace

Pollution, a term that is now very familiar and common to every single person on the globe, even kids are aware of the world’s current condition. It can be seen on newspapers, televisions, billboards and media in general. Pollution itself has become a mutual to our daily life that everyone is well aware of the continuous rise of pollution and its consequences to our surroundings. Workplace pollution is the presence of hazardous materials or noises within a workplace that may affect people while performing their job. We might think that pollution is fairly related to the outdoor air which if we keep ourselves indoors, we are saving ourselves from it. Unfortunately, the indoor air is significantly exposed to risk of pollution as to the outdoors. In the era of modernization and development we currently live in, pollution has come to its peak and has given a huge impact in every aspect of life including our working life and workplace. As for that, this essay will be discussing on the source of indoor pollution, the effect of it to the workers and also how to reduce it.

Air pollution is adversely polluting not only the outdoor atmosphere but also indoors. While air pollution has become a significant issue at home, the same problem is occurring at work. Many must be wondering how this happens as the air inside is separated from the hazardous pollutants that are wandering outside on the busy streets. Indoor air pollution that are occurring within our workplace is caused by the cleaning products we used daily in our office. Those products contain chemicals that are dangerous when inhaled, leading to severe health and safety issues. Plus, workplace is more exposed to substances, known as asthmagens, that may lead to asthma. Asthmagens are everywhere within the working space like dust from the floor, wood dust, cleaning agents and metal working fluids. Also, food and drinks can be contaminated as well by these contaminants. Other than that, though new buildings are created to be airtight as possible since the 1950’s which helps in the lessening of fuel consumption, hence reducing outdoor air pollution, it also comes with a negative impact where the hazardous chemicals trapped inside the building could not escape. This is the reason why the indoor air we are breathing in at work is riskier than the outside.

Furthermore, air pollution that happens in our workplace is hard to see and detect as compared to the outdoors. Outdoor pollution is quite easy for us to observe using our senses when it is severely polluted because we can see, feel and smell the difference between fresh and contaminated air. In contrast, indoor pollution is barely noticeable which makes it riskier. Usually, all openings in the office are mostly kept closed throughout the seasons to prevent harmful gases like carbon dioxide released by car exhaust fumes from barging in. It is good in a way, but on the other side, sealed building has resulted in poor flow of carbon dioxide released by workers as they respire and the increase of this gas can cause drowsiness and headaches to the employees especially if the area is smaller. This proves that workplace pollution can cause health issues to workers that are impacted by this condition. Other symptoms that may be shown due to indoor air pollution circulating in the office are eye and throat irritation, fatigue, breathing difficulties, coughing and dizziness. It can resultantly lead to worse medical problems such as lung cancer, asthma, heart disease, pneumonitis and allergic rhinitis. Workplace pollution should not be taken lightly as it involves employees’ health and it also will eventually affect their availability and productivity for work. A study has been made on this matter where workers in the service sector that experienced higher level of air pollution have poorer productivity as the number of calls completed each day are decreasing. Thus, workplace pollution has a strong impact on workers, mainly in terms of health and productivity.

Next, after going through the sources and impacts of air pollution in the workplace, it is vital to know ways and means that can be done in order to lessen the pollution in our working area. The most essential step in ensuring better air quality within the workplace is to comply to any regulations imposed by the government or any related bodies regarding this matter and employers too, must ensure a safe working environment for their employees by implying proper safety measures and providing necessary equipment to protect the workers. In addition, employers should consider investing in ventilation. Ventilation allows better oxygen circulation and improves air quality which prevents workers from feeling unproductive and fatigued. Then, employees should also be responsible of their own actions within the working place by keeping out as many detrimental chemicals as possible from the office. It is encouraged to cook lunch at home and bring it to work to reduce the use of cooking equipment provided at the workplace as it will produce unwanted fumes. All windows must also be opened for at least an hour to allow all chemicals escape during cleaning process. Lastly, try to spend more time outside when there is spare time like during the lunch break and enjoy your food while breathing in fresher and cleaner air.

In conclusion, air pollution does not only occur outdoors but indoors as well. Indoor air pollution is often disregarded as a part of our climate crisis, in spite of the fact that it is actually the biggest destroyer. Although air pollution is an issue to developing countries on the whole, the impacts can still take place on anyone who spends time indoors. It is said that people spend 90% of their time indoors either at home or at work. However, the risk of air pollution at home is lower than at work as people have more control of what they do and what is being used or released around their house. Moreover, the risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which can jeopardise employees’ health and safety is lesser at home compared to the workplace that is normally surrounded by chemicals. So, those at work should probably take the precautions and tips mentioned earlier more seriously to maintain a healthy working environment and lifestyle.