If you experience these symptoms, you may be sensitive to the multitude of chemical compounds that permeate our work environment. At times the air we breathe affects our health and may even cause computer hardware failure.

Materials and equipment in office buildings and homes usually contain a chemical brew of volatile organic compounds (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene and tricholorethylene) that are outgassed from paper, inks, office equipment, furniture, carpet, paints, wall coverings, cleaning materials, and floor tiles. This is particularly prevalent in new or newly renovated buildings where paints, carpets and sealants release various gasses, especially during the first few months after installation. (Ever noticed that after remodeling, carpeting or painting you nose is congested and your eyes are irritated?) These gasses often stay in the rooms where there is limited air circulation due to sealed buildings or closed windows during winter or summer. Added to this brew are other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that we personally supply, such as chemicals from dry cleaned clothing, perfumes, soaps, shampoos and deodorants. Copiers and laser printers may add to, and activate, this mix by producing ozone. Consequently, indoor air pollution can sometimes be greater than outdoor

In addition, between 33 to 37 percent of people who work at the computer experience eye irritation. This computer vision syndrome includes itching, burning or dry eyes and is often caused by an interaction between indoor air pollution, ergonomics and continuous focus on the monitor. While looking at the screen (or is it staring??), our blinking rate is about 70% less than when we are relaxed. In addition, looking straight ahead or upwards at the monitor may decrease blinking and cause corneal surface drying especially when air conditioning or heating lowers the humidity.

Increase humidity and reduce indoor pollution by rapidly outgassing the unhealthy chemicals in your office, and use living plants to mop up the harmful VOCs. Take charge and make your office a more pleasant place to work when you increase air quality and breathe more fresh air.

HOW TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY:

1. Speed up outgassing after renovation or installation of newly installed furniture or carpets. Turn the heat as high as possible for 24 to 48 hours to speed up the outgassing process. The warmer the room, the faster the gasses are released. During this time period be sure that there is NO fire danger and that the room is not occupied by people or pets. Afterwards, ventilate the room completely.

2. Place plants in your office and home to help clear the indoor pollution and remove the volatile organic compounds. The following plants all mop-up VOCs and some gobble up specific chemicals in this brew. #

• Azaleas, rubber plants, tulips, poinsettia, philodendron and bamboo palms (absorbs formaldehyde)
• Areca palm (absorbs toluene)
• Lady palm (absorbs ammonia)
• Peace lily and chrysanthemum (absorbs acetone, methanol, trichlorethylene, benzene, ethylacetate)

3. Adjust the humidity in the room. If the humidity is less than 20%, which often occurs with air conditioning and heating, your eyes dry out much more quickly, especially when wearing contacts. Bring moisture to your office with a humidifier or plants. Plants not only increase humidity and absorb VOCs, their green color helps to relax your eyes. In addition, to decrease eye symptoms, adjust the monitor so that it is equal to or lower than the height of your eyebrows and increase your blinking rate. Train yourself to blink gently at the end of every paragraph or with every mouse click. Blink at least once or twice a minute.