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The office breakroom may have unexpected health hazards

Courtesy of Kimberly-Clark Professional

According to a study conducted in 2012 by Kimberly-Clark Professional, you may be surprised where the germs in your office may reside. Here’s a hint: it’s actually not the bathroom.

The majority of germs and bacteria is actually where food may be prepared and eaten. Break rooms and kitchens are at the top of the list for being the worst offenders of germs at the office. You may be shocked to find out that the dirtiest surface of all is not the toilet seat – it was actually found to be the microwave door handle!

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Does the quality of indoor air affect your health?

Windows Daisy

Many years ago, I worked in a 24-story building in the heart of downtown Boston.

My office was on the 16th floor.

Into my second year, I became and remained ill for several months with colds, sinus problems and an ear infection that would not go away despite several rounds of antibiotics. Even then, it occurred to me that being in a closed environment without access to fresh air could not be healthy. My lingering cold symptoms seemed to affirm that theory.

Today we know that outdoor air pollution isn’t the only air quality concern that exists. Indoor air quality (IAQ) and the level of pollutants affects the health, comfort and performance of building occupants in a measurable way – every minute of every day. Poor air quality can lead to a number of symptoms that mimic those of the flu or cold… congestion, headaches, sinus problems, physical and mental fatigue, allergic reactions, and eye and throat irritation can all be triggered by particles and chemicals in the air. These symptoms can be challenging to identify within the workplace.

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