Sick Offices, sick cages

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Troubled orangutan a lesson for sick offices

By Heldt , Wednesday, May 17, 2006

<http://business.bostonherald.com/businessNews/view.bg?articleid=139584>

Pity poor Minyak.

The 23-year-old orangutan was beset with breathing ailments that forced

him into isolation at the Los Angeles Zoo’s clinic. Sick and sad, he was put

on antidepressants.

The problem was finally traced to particles in the air of his home - an

issue that plagues plenty of the buildings in which we live and work, says

the author of a new book “My Office is Killing Me.”

Calling on his years of experience as a building consultant, C.

May defines the issue and offers practical cures for both individuals and

those in charge of sick buildings.

“I think it’s happening all the time in older and newer buildings,” he

said.

Up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the

subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality, according to

the World Health Organization.

In his book, which will have many running for a vacuum, May says sick

building symptoms range from light headaches to life-long asthma.

Those who suspect they are being hurt by their work places should talk to

others to see if they also have problems and then look around, May said.

Problems can come from numerous sources - ranging from the heating system to

the ceiling tiles to cloth chairs harboring dust mites. Those who suspect

it’s particles can try donning a mask. If they improve, it’s time to turn to

management.

Minyak’s story shows that there can be a happy ending. The zoo cleaned

the air-handling system, sealed a fiberglass lining in the heating system

and installed a new filtration system.

The rare beast recovered and went on to become a father.