WARNING: WORK COULD BE BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH. Allergy UK reveals nearly 6 million Brits could be allergic to their office
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
at least 5.7 million people could be allergic to their workplace
The summer holiday season is officially over and the nation is knuckling down to work. But Allergy UK is warning that the office could actually be bad for our health.
The national charity estimates that at least 5.7 million people could be allergic to their workplace.
Allergy UK carried out research amongst office workers, primarily allergy sufferers, to establish how commonplace ‘work fever’ is.
From nasal problems, eye conditions, dry throats, breathing difficulties, lethargy, headaches and skin irritations, 95% of those questioned had experienced one or more of these symptoms in the office. But over a quarter (27%) said their symptoms were worsened by their office environment.
Worryingly, 62% of respondents had experienced itchy or watery eyes, and 27% breathing difficulties over the last year in their office.
Alarmingly, over half of the group surveyed had experienced an allergic reaction whilst at work.
Maureen Jenkins, Director of Clinical Services, Allergy UK says: “The results are of concern for Allergy UK because 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, so it’s not surprising that a great deal of allergy sufferers have experienced a reaction at work.”
Office Hot Spots
According to Allergy UK there are numerous ‘hotspots’ around the office that can have huge implications for allergy sufferers:
• Lack of ventilation: the majority of those with prevalent symptoms at work do not consider their office to be well ventilated. Of the overall sample, only 15% said their office was well ventilated.
• Carpets: 90% of office workers surveyed reported their workplace has carpeted floors, but carpets and soft furnishings can harbour house dust mite allergen.
• Bookcases: 54% said they had open bookshelves, which when you remove books or items from the shelves, could disturb any dust that has collected, and can release the allergen into the atmosphere.
• Plants: 38% have plants in the office which can harbour moulds. Moulds release spores and it is these spores that cause allergic reactions.
But even the people we are surrounded by in the workplace 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 allergen. 61% of the office workers questioned sat within a metre of someone else, making the risk even greater.
Cleanliness
The survey showed that cleaning of offices is infrequent and doesn’t appear adequate enough to prevent the build up of house dust mites and allergens. 37% said their office is cleaned just once a week or less, while a worrying 17% (nearly one in five) said their office is cleaned infrequently.
Productivity
20% of respondents spent eight hours or more at work. Combine this with visibly dusty and cluttered desks, soft furnishings, poorly vacuumed carpets and a lack of ventilation and it is not conducive to a healthy working environment.
Allergies don’t just have an impact on the employee. According to the research, they are also having a significant effect on productivity.
73% of those questioned took time off sick in the last 12 months; the majority of the workforce has had some form of sickness in the last year, which is not unusual.
However, the real area of concern is that 42% of allergy sufferers took time off work because of their allergy. 14% of sufferers actually took between four and ten days off sick due to their allergy, figures that could be addressed by actively minimising allergens in the workplace.
There are steps that both employees and employers can take to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction at work.
To prevent this figure from rising, Allergy UK believes more people need to understand what causes indoor allergies, such as house dust mite allergen, mould spores and pet dander and be able to recognise the symptoms:
• Ventilation is extremely important. Whether it is windows, trickle vents or an air conditioning system. Ensure that you have clean air in and around you. If however you have hay fever sufferers in the office, keep windows closed for the first part of the morning and also late afternoon
• If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit installed, make sure it is regularly serviced
• If ventilation is limited, use an effective air purifier to help remove and reduce allergens such as pollen, house dust mite debris and mould spores.
• Review flooring and furnishings. Carpets on concrete floors can trap moisture allowing dust mites and mould spores to thrive. Opt for a smooth or flocked Allergy UK approved flooring that has been scientifically tested by Allergy UK and awarded the Seal of Approval. Visit http://www.allergyuk.org/products-and-services/listing for more details
• Ensure that plants are regularly watered and the top soil removed regularly to avoid moulds, or cover with pea shingle
• Ensure office cleaners have effective cleaning methods and equipment such as a HEPA vacuum cleaner that will ensure that pollens and allergens are trapped adequately
• Take control of your personal desk environment, keep it clear and uncluttered and damp dust
twice a week
• Hang coats away from the desk and ‘traffic’ areas to prevent dust and allergens from being
disturbed and released into the air
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day and always ensure that you take your prescribed
preventative medication if you have asthma, rhinitis or eczema.
Allergy UK is the leading national medical charity providing advice, information and support to people with allergies and food intolerance. Allergy UK acts as the 'voice' of allergy sufferers, representing the views and needs of those affected by this multi organ disease.
Allergy UK makes a difference through a dedicated helpline and network for sufferers. The charity provides invaluable information and guidance to empower sufferers so that they can manage their symptoms and receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
-ends-
Press enquiries, case studies and further information:
Julie Doyle (Head of PR & Communications) or Alison Millen (Communications Officer), Allergy UK
T: 01322 611 655, E: press@allergyuk.org
Notes to editors:
Research carried out by Allergy UK, March to May 2012 amongst 1003 office workers, primarily allergy sufferers.
The research was funded by Forbo Flooring, whose Flotex & Marmoleum flooring products have been awarded the Allergy UK Seal of Approval. For more information on Forbo flooring visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allergy
Allergy UK is the operational name of the British Allergy Foundation; the leading national medical charity providing advice, information and support to people with allergies and food intolerance. Allergy UK acts as the 'voice' of allergy sufferers, representing the views and needs of those affected by this multi organ disease.
Allergy UK makes a difference by:
• Promoting wellbeing for people with allergy and food intolerance by providing information and support through our dedicated helpline
• Empowering people with allergy and food intolerance to manage their symptoms
• Enabling people with allergy and food intolerance to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment through education of healthcare professionals and the provision of dedicated services
• Educating corporate bodies in the need for products suitable for allergy and food intolerance sufferers
• Conducting ongoing medical and social research into the causes and impact of allergy and food intolerance, and producing reports enabling us to lobby for better allergy services for sufferers.
The national charity estimates that at least 5.7 million people could be allergic to their workplace.
Allergy UK carried out research amongst office workers, primarily allergy sufferers, to establish how commonplace ‘work fever’ is.
From nasal problems, eye conditions, dry throats, breathing difficulties, lethargy, headaches and skin irritations, 95% of those questioned had experienced one or more of these symptoms in the office. But over a quarter (27%) said their symptoms were worsened by their office environment.
Worryingly, 62% of respondents had experienced itchy or watery eyes, and 27% breathing difficulties over the last year in their office.
Alarmingly, over half of the group surveyed had experienced an allergic reaction whilst at work.
Maureen Jenkins, Director of Clinical Services, Allergy UK says: “The results are of concern for Allergy UK because 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, so it’s not surprising that a great deal of allergy sufferers have experienced a reaction at work.”
Office Hot Spots
According to Allergy UK there are numerous ‘hotspots’ around the office that can have huge implications for allergy sufferers:
• Lack of ventilation: the majority of those with prevalent symptoms at work do not consider their office to be well ventilated. Of the overall sample, only 15% said their office was well ventilated.
• Carpets: 90% of office workers surveyed reported their workplace has carpeted floors, but carpets and soft furnishings can harbour house dust mite allergen.
• Bookcases: 54% said they had open bookshelves, which when you remove books or items from the shelves, could disturb any dust that has collected, and can release the allergen into the atmosphere.
• Plants: 38% have plants in the office which can harbour moulds. Moulds release spores and it is these spores that cause allergic reactions.
But even the people we are surrounded by in the workplace 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 allergen. 61% of the office workers questioned sat within a metre of someone else, making the risk even greater.
Cleanliness
The survey showed that cleaning of offices is infrequent and doesn’t appear adequate enough to prevent the build up of house dust mites and allergens. 37% said their office is cleaned just once a week or less, while a worrying 17% (nearly one in five) said their office is cleaned infrequently.
Productivity
20% of respondents spent eight hours or more at work. Combine this with visibly dusty and cluttered desks, soft furnishings, poorly vacuumed carpets and a lack of ventilation and it is not conducive to a healthy working environment.
Allergies don’t just have an impact on the employee. According to the research, they are also having a significant effect on productivity.
73% of those questioned took time off sick in the last 12 months; the majority of the workforce has had some form of sickness in the last year, which is not unusual.
However, the real area of concern is that 42% of allergy sufferers took time off work because of their allergy. 14% of sufferers actually took between four and ten days off sick due to their allergy, figures that could be addressed by actively minimising allergens in the workplace.
There are steps that both employees and employers can take to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction at work.
To prevent this figure from rising, Allergy UK believes more people need to understand what causes indoor allergies, such as house dust mite allergen, mould spores and pet dander and be able to recognise the symptoms:
• Ventilation is extremely important. Whether it is windows, trickle vents or an air conditioning system. Ensure that you have clean air in and around you. If however you have hay fever sufferers in the office, keep windows closed for the first part of the morning and also late afternoon
• If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit installed, make sure it is regularly serviced
• If ventilation is limited, use an effective air purifier to help remove and reduce allergens such as pollen, house dust mite debris and mould spores.
• Review flooring and furnishings. Carpets on concrete floors can trap moisture allowing dust mites and mould spores to thrive. Opt for a smooth or flocked Allergy UK approved flooring that has been scientifically tested by Allergy UK and awarded the Seal of Approval. Visit http://www.allergyuk.org/products-and-services/listing for more details
• Ensure that plants are regularly watered and the top soil removed regularly to avoid moulds, or cover with pea shingle
• Ensure office cleaners have effective cleaning methods and equipment such as a HEPA vacuum cleaner that will ensure that pollens and allergens are trapped adequately
• Take control of your personal desk environment, keep it clear and uncluttered and damp dust
twice a week
• Hang coats away from the desk and ‘traffic’ areas to prevent dust and allergens from being
disturbed and released into the air
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day and always ensure that you take your prescribed
preventative medication if you have asthma, rhinitis or eczema.
Allergy UK is the leading national medical charity providing advice, information and support to people with allergies and food intolerance. Allergy UK acts as the 'voice' of allergy sufferers, representing the views and needs of those affected by this multi organ disease.
Allergy UK makes a difference through a dedicated helpline and network for sufferers. The charity provides invaluable information and guidance to empower sufferers so that they can manage their symptoms and receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
-ends-
Press enquiries, case studies and further information:
Julie Doyle (Head of PR & Communications) or Alison Millen (Communications Officer), Allergy UK
T: 01322 611 655, E: press@allergyuk.org
Notes to editors:
Research carried out by Allergy UK, March to May 2012 amongst 1003 office workers, primarily allergy sufferers.
The research was funded by Forbo Flooring, whose Flotex & Marmoleum flooring products have been awarded the Allergy UK Seal of Approval. For more information on Forbo flooring visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allergy
Allergy UK is the operational name of the British Allergy Foundation; the leading national medical charity providing advice, information and support to people with allergies and food intolerance. Allergy UK acts as the 'voice' of allergy sufferers, representing the views and needs of those affected by this multi organ disease.
Allergy UK makes a difference by:
• Promoting wellbeing for people with allergy and food intolerance by providing information and support through our dedicated helpline
• Empowering people with allergy and food intolerance to manage their symptoms
• Enabling people with allergy and food intolerance to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment through education of healthcare professionals and the provision of dedicated services
• Educating corporate bodies in the need for products suitable for allergy and food intolerance sufferers
• Conducting ongoing medical and social research into the causes and impact of allergy and food intolerance, and producing reports enabling us to lobby for better allergy services for sufferers.
This press release was distributed by SourceWire News Distribution on behalf of Allergy UK.
For more information visit http://www.sourcewire.com
For more information visit http://www.sourcewire.com
http://www.responsesource.com/news/73969/warning-work-could-be-bad-for-your-health-allergy-uk
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