[Subjective evaluation of the work environment quality in offices]

Exposure to harmful and strenuous factors in offices lead to the sick building syndrome (SBS) with its various symptoms: fatigue, dyspnoea, decreased ability to concentrate, irritation of mucous membranes of eyes as well as of the upper airways. Those symptoms are induced by: unsuitable microclimate, chemical, aerosol and microbiological pollution, noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields, optical radiation, and static electricity.

A questionnaire survey was aimed at collecting information, opinions and personal perception of the work environment quality reported by office workers. The survey covered 229 workers employed in 100 offices. Offices with different density of workers and varied staff movement were equipped with typical office outfit: computers, laser printers, xerographic printers, faxes, scanners, and others. In the majority of offices, various kinds of plastics were used as finishing materials. Offices were located in newly constructed buildings supplied with air conditioning (3 buildings) as well as in old buildings equipped with mechanical or natural ventilation, used for years and frequently modernized (2 buildings).

The respondents (239) reported frequently experienced fatigue (64%), redness, dry eyes, lacrimation, dyspnoea (62%), decreased ability to concentrate (47%), and irritation of the upper airways (44%). These symptoms were most frequently manifested at the end of the working day (42%). They were predominantly perceived as a result of unsuitable climate parameters (77%), defective ventilation or air conditioning (63%), unfit lighting (62%) and stress (49%).