WASHINGTON – Indoor air quality is the biggest issue currently facing the American worker, according to a newly released membership survey from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). The association represents nearly 12,500 professionals in the field of occupational and environmental health and safety.
Indoor air quality, or IAQ, has hit the news frequently in the last several years over growing concerns about “sick building syndrome.” Poor IAQ results from culprits such as mold-filled ductwork or formaldehyde-treated carpet. In some cases, entire buildings have been shut down for cleaning and renovation. More than 40% of members surveyed named IAQ the first or second most important health issue for workers.
AIHA’s members noted several other key concerns for the nation’s workforce. These include workplace reproductive hazards, environmental lead, and the creation and implementation of an ergonomics standard. Such a standard, though voluntary, could greatly influence and improve physical working conditions for a variety of employees, including the millions of office workers who spend hours a day at computer workstations.
AIHA members also believe that changes underway at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will have a significant impact on working conditions in the next several years.
The AIHA Membership Survey, conducted every three years, is designed to review member perceptions about the profession of occupational and environmental health and safety, as well as challenges facing the American workplace. Earlier this year, Association Research Inc. (ARI), an independent firm, mailed 1,500 surveys to randomly-selected AIHA members. ARI received 745 completed surveys, for a return rate of 49.7%. A complete copy of the membership survey can be obtained from AIHA, 703-849-8888, or at www.aiha.org.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), founded in 1939, is the world’s largest association of occupational and environmental health professionals and its members play an important role on the front line of worker health and safety. The 12,500 members come from government, labor, industry, academia, and private business. AIHA is the most diverse professional association dedicated solely to the prevention of workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.
(This article has been reprinted by Environmental and Engineering Solutions, Inc. with permission from AIHA.)
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Hospital IAQ survey, including IAQ parameters, noise and illumination (2 locations)
Distribution warehouse IAQ survey, including HVAC review and smoke tube testing
Non-profit organization IAQ survey, including review of potential mold contamination
International embassy IAQ survey, including review of potential mold contamination
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