Air Quality in the Workplace

As for workplace ventilation, follow posted guidelines. Opening windows or changing thermostat settings may actually cause more problems than you are trying to solve.

Is your workplace smoke-free? If not, you are not only being exposed to deadly, second hand smoke, but the smoke may combine with chemicals already present create new dangers. For example, burning tobacco can heat and transform chemicals like chlorinated hydrocarbons and turn them into highly toxic phosgene gas. By the way, Princeton University's Environment Health & Safety department describes phosgene gas as "a highly toxic, irritating and corrosive gas. Inhalation can cause fatal respiratory damage. Phosgene reacts violently and decomposes to toxic compounds on contact with moisture, including chlorine, carbon monoxide and carbon tetrachloride." The American Cancer Society has begun programs with local organizations throughout the United States to help employers make their workplaces smoke free. The program offers training and support to employers and their staff on ways to stop smoking, which is very difficult. Just saying "no" is usually not enough. Quitting for good requires a great deal of effort and support from the people around you. For more information on whether or not there is a program in your area, or how to start one, visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org or the National Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca. You can also visit the American and Canadian Lung Associations for local cessation programs.

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