The individual showing environmentally associated symptoms is most likely to have been exposed to airborne substances originating not outdoors, but indoors. Studies from the United States and Europe show that persons in industrialized nations spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. In addition, the concentrations of many pollutants indoors exceed those outdoors. The workplace is usually the location of highest concern for those involving prolonged, continuing exposure.

As responsible employer you need to know more about the risks associated with indoor pollutants.   They can originate from a variety of sources. The main pollutant groups can be summarised as follows;

• Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS);
• Heavy Metals;
• Long term pollutants such as Asbestos;
• Sick Building Syndrome;
• Microbiologicals;
• Combustion Products and
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Due to a higher public awareness level, much has been done in the workplace today to reduce the level of ETS through banning smoking indoors, airborne asbestos through remediation programs and legislation, heavy metals due to limiting the use of lead-based paints and fuels and a heightened awareness of sick building syndrome has led to use of antimicrobial products in HVAC systems and IAQ questionaires.

Whilst it is important not to discount any pollutant groups, the specific health effects of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are less widely known amongst building owners, occupiers and managers.

VOCs are organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air. They are present in most buildings and include substances such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride, and methyl chloroform. VOCs are found in everything from paints and furniture coatings to underarm deodorant and cleaning fluids. Most hazardous are formaldehyde, pesticides, solvents and cleaning agents. A study by the EPA, covering six communities in various parts of the United States, found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources, such as petrochemical plants. According to the EPA and American Medical Association, following exposure to VOCs, the key signs and symptoms are;

• Conjunctival (eye) irritation;
• Nose, throat discomfort;
• Headache;
• Allergic skin reaction;
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath);
• Declines in serum cholinesterase levels resulting in neuromuscular effects;
• Nausea, emesis;
• Fatigue;
• Epistaxis (nosebleed) and
• Dizziness

Consideration must be given to the fact that some of the signs and symptoms listed above may occur only in association with significant exposures, and that effects of lower exposures may be milder and more vague, thus proving to be more of a diagnostic challenge. Resolving your occupant complaint may sometimes require a multi disciplinary approach, enlisting the advice and assistance of others outside the medical profession.

It is crucial though to not wait for symptoms to appear with your employees before taking action. The new OH&S Act 2000 (NSW), states that those responsible for general duties provide and maintain systems of work and work environments that are safe and without risks to health (Part 2, Division 1). It is also your duty to consult with your employees regularly. Employers must consult with employees about OH&S matters that employees can contribute to decisions affecting their health, safety and welfare (Part 2, Division 2 of the Act).