September 14, 2004 – A study1 conducted among 920 French women indicates that those who work in a building with air conditioning are 2.3 times more likely to consult an otolaryngologist than those who work in an environment where ventilation is natural.
This cohort study also reveals that among participants who breathe air conditioning at work, the absenteeism rate is 1.7 times higher than among those who do not work in an air-conditioned environment.
For several years, HVAC ventilation systems (heat, ventilation and air conditioning) have become the norm in the construction of modern office buildings. Although the energy consumption of these buildings is exemplary, the authors of the study emphasize that their ventilation systems are increasingly associated with certain ailments, including those of “sick building syndrome”. The most common ailments of this syndrome include irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
The researchers indicate that, to their knowledge, their study is the first to quantify the real effects of the waterproofing of these buildings on health, in terms of medical visits and absenteeism at work.
The authors of the study believe that it will be necessary to assess the economic impact of HVAC systems on the loss of productivity and the use of the health system. According to them, the energy efficiency of these systems could have an advantage greater than the disadvantages related to health, in temperate regions. However, the researchers say they hope their work can lead to increased interest in ventilation research, especially in regions with more varied climates.
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
1. Preziosi P, Czernichow S, Gehanno P, Hercberg S, Workplace air-conditioning and health services attendance among French middle-aged women: a prospective cohort study, International Journal of Epidemiology, 2004, 33, 1-4.
