Mental strain and physical symptoms among employees in modern offices

A comprehensive questionnaire that assessed both physical and psychosocial work environments, as well as personal health and lifestyle, was answered by 133 (92%) employees. In addition, we assessed the physical/chemical and psychosocial environments of 8 randomly selected employees, of whom some had environmentally related health complaints. Environmental factors most often associated with poor work environments were improper room temperature, light reflexes (i.e., glare and reflection of light), dust, and dry air. Emission products from traffic pollution and 1,1,1-trichloroethane levels were also detected. The electromagnetic fields in both the low and the extremely low frequencies spectra were close to background levels. Individuals who had environmentally associated health symptoms worked mainly in the customer support division, and they perceived higher work demands. Their computer environment was also worse ergonomically. There were no differences with respect to objective skin signs or disease between those with and without symptoms, respectively. The results of this study point to the importance of looking at both the psychosocial and physical environments when health complaints arise in modern offices.