How to Have a Safer Office

There are steps you can take to make your office a safer environment.

For the person who is basically trying to protect their good health in every way they can, there are a number of things that can be done to improve their work space even in a sick building.

Obtain a screen for the computer monitor to reduce radiation.  If one is exposed to the rear of another employee's terminal, insist (politely but firmly) that the desks be moved to reduce your exposure.

Do not drink the tap water.

Find a small desk-top air filter.

Office plants help clean the air, especially spider plants.  Other good ones are azalea, dieffenbachia, philodendron, golden pathos, bamboo palm, corn plant, chrysanthemum and mother-in-law's tongue.

Another way to help the body improve its ability to detoxify is a small desk-top fountain.  The running water creates negative ions, as well as creating a very pleasant, soothing sound.  A relaxed person is better able to detoxify than a tense one. A radio with classical or other soothing music can sometimes lower stress..

Speak to the building manager about using nontoxic cleaners.  There are now many on the market, priced competitively, and they not only make a difference in the health of the employees, but also that of the maintenance personnel.  

If you're chemically sensitive, or otherwise in poor health, possibly you can talk to your boss about telecommuting and working from home.  If you could demonstrate that you are more productive–for various reasons including the chemical exposure you encounter at work–while working from home, you might be successful at convincing a boss to let you try that, if not every day, at least several days a week