Rank: Super forum user 
|
Three members of staff in an open plan office are suffering from eye irritaion that has been put down to an allergy (cleared up after using anti histamine).
They have not tried new perfume, make-up or washing powder. The irritation flared up at work, not at home and improved whilst away from the office. There was an office reorganisation around the time that symptoms started to appear, although they all sit in different areas of the office.
Next step is to check any new cleaning materials being used.
Any other (sensible please) suggestions?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
Don't make too strong a link between relief from antihistamines and an allergy. It is likely perhaps, but not certain.
Histamine can be released and thus antihistamines soothe more than common allergies. Some infections and mechanical irritations can result in local histamine release and be soothed by antihistamines.
Topical antihistamine creams may sooth just because of the cream, not the antihistamine it contains
And then there is always the placebo effect!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
Dec
A random thought...and that is all it is without actually seeing the location. Has the move around sited peeps directly below A/C blades? It can dry the eyes if not used to it and with the recent nice weather I have received several calls from clients re A/C issues...not I would add, related to your own problem.
What else then? OK, genuinely scratching head now. New monitors, different light / lux values, different location to lighting output, glares, stroboscopic etc etc? Just shooting from the hip somewhat here so don't laugh, funnier things have been known to happen.
Thas it for now, if I think of anything else from 35 years worth of experience I'll add it on.
CFT
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Hi,
Always a difficult one as there are so many possible sources that could cause eye irritation but would expect some kind of odour - such as faulty boiler/heater/air conditioning, painting/decorating nearby, new carpet/lino, change in cleaning, nearby factory/workplace fumes, pot plants. Could be as simple as increased concentration of electrical equipment in the office PCs/Printers/Scanners/Photocopiers leading to a drier atmosphere which has affected some staff i.e. those that have particularly sensitive eyes, do they wear glasses/contacts, has there been a change in lighting levels, is irritation more pronounced at beginning or end of day, does opening window/fresh air help, has there been a change in intensity/type of computer work done – just throwing in ideas.
Regards
Steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
What's the relative humidity? I have experienced persons with dry eyes in low humidity environments? Worth checking?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Thank you for the responses. How would one go about checking relative humidity?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
With a digitla relative humidity meter. Often combined with a digital thermometer these days and available very cheaply from most safety goods suppliers. not a bad tool for a facilities manager to have as standard anyway and you may find your company already has one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Pot plants has been mentioned briefly, the introduction of real live plants that need watering now and then could ease the situation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
It is not uncommon to find that the low relative humidity in air conditioned offices leads to dry skin. In fact, when we carried out a study on skin hydration levels in office workers for a skin care product manufacturer it was possible to largely distinguish between those who worked in normal and air conditioned offices by the level of residual skin moisture.
Many years ago Dr. Rycroft, then the dermatologist advising the HSE, reported on a case of several workers developing skin problems around the eyes when working in very low humidity in the manufacture of soft contact lenses. Increasing RH was not a possibility but if I recall correctly the frequent use of a moisturising lotion on the affected skin resolved the problem.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Chris, some wise words as usual, but the OP's question related to dry eyes. Any thoughts to help them come to a conclusion?
CFT
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Thanks Heather - I only just got around to checking back.
Do those magic Succulent plants work :) Apparently they absorb radiation as well!
In the situation I experienced we had a RH of about 30 - 35 in the office (HSE advise above 40), this was due to faulty aircon. Short term we added humidifiers - a few people then complained it was too humid and affecting their chests.
The joys of safety :)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
It could be that if the carpet hadn't been cleaned for a while that moving furniture around etc has disturbed dust, mites or whatever is in the carpet? Is the eye irritation still happening? If so, perhaps the carpet need cleaning? Lilian
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.