| | For Occupant Health
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Occupant Health
Building
contaminants contribute to
performance-robbing illness.
When employees
and students attend work or school and
suffer from health related symptoms such as
respiratory illness, allergies and
headaches, their performance suffers. "Presenteeism"
is a term used to describe this problem.
Presenteeism
symptoms relating directly to inadequate
cleaning include:
- dry and scratchy eyes caused by dust from ineffective
vacuuming,
- headaches and nausea caused by VOCs from cleaning
products,
- and allergic reactions and flu symptoms caused by
bacterial contamination from molds and
fungi.
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Performance
cleaning can reduce contaminant levels.
 Dr.
Michael Berry, author of Protecting the
Built Environment: Cleaning for Health, was
able to quantify reductions in contaminant
levels when improved cleaning methods were
used. Reducing the source of the problems can improve the
health of building occupants.2
Study links improved cleaning to improved
health outcomes.7
- Dr.
Leonard Krilov, Cornell University
conducted a study at The Association For
Children With Downs Syndrome School.
While Dr. Michael Berry has shown
improved cleaning methods reduce
contaminant levels, Dr. Krilov wanted to
see if improved cleaning methods
positively impacted certain health
related events and absenteeism levels.
- The
chart below documents significant
reductions in total illnesses, doctor
visits, antibiotic use, and absenteeism
when improved cleaning methods were
used.
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Generally speaking, schools have 4 times
as many occupants per square foot than
office buildings. Additionally,
children's developing immune systems
play a role in what they can fend off.
While an office setting may not achieve
the same results, it stands to reason
there would be some level of positive
impact
- Improved
cleaning methods produce improved health
outcomes which lead to lower costs
through reduced medical expenses and improved productivity.
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