Related Experiment Videos
[Microbiological measurement of air-borne bacteria at an office building]
W Sixl1, B Sixl-Voigt, C Arbesser
1Hygiene-Institut, Universität Graz, Osterreich.
Abstract:
Following a request of a cleaning firm microbiological measurings were carried out in (large building) office areas. Air was supplied through an air conditioner and all windows were locked and could not be opened. Office employees were on the opinion that illness had increased and felt endangered by colleagues' germs. To find out the reason of these complaints measurings were conducted in various rooms and floors also in the air conditioner. It must be stressed that in spite the continuous air conditioning, almost all doors were open to the corridors. This, declared one of the questioned employees had above all a communication expansion effect.
Insights
Microbiological measurements in an office found no significant airborne contamination despite employee concerns about increased illness. Open doors to corridors, not air conditioning, were noted as a factor in perceived germ spread.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
Background:
- Office employees reported increased illness and perceived germ exposure.
- Concerns were raised regarding potential contamination within the office environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological status of office areas and air conditioning systems.
- To assess the validity of employee complaints regarding increased illness and germ exposure.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological measurements were conducted in various office rooms and floors.
- Air samples were collected from the air conditioning system.
- Employee interviews were conducted regarding perceived health risks.
Main Results:
- Microbiological assessments of office areas and the air conditioning system did not reveal significant airborne contamination.
- Despite continuous air conditioning, most internal doors remained open to corridors.
- Open doors were identified by employees as facilitating communication and potentially perceived germ spread.
Conclusions:
- The study found no direct microbiological evidence to support employee claims of increased illness due to airborne germs in the office.
- Environmental factors, such as open doors to corridors, may influence perceptions of germ transmission.
- Further investigation into non-microbiological factors affecting perceived health risks in office environments is warranted.