Fall And Winter Allergies And Employee Productivity

Fall and Winter months are notoriously spent indoors for most of
us. During these months, Americans spend over 90% of our time inside. Besides
the spread of the typical colds, flus and “Sick Building Syndrome”
that can run rampant during this time, allergies can wreak havoc on our
health, well-being and productivity.

Though we associate most seasonal allergies with pollen in the
Spring, Ragweed is the largest allergy trigger in the autumn as it goes to
bloom in September and October. Nearly 75% of people who have Spring seasonal
allergies will also have them in the Fall, according to WebMD. In addition,
more time spent indoors with doors and windows sealing out the cool, fresh
air results in higher concentrations of molds, dander, dust mites, and
chemicals associated with materials or cleaners (VOCs) which result in
negative effects ranging from headaches, fatigue,
allergic reactions and asthma. As noted in a previous blog
post, repeated exposures to indoor air pollution can create chronic
sensitivities or TILT, toxicant-induced loss of tolerance.

Employee productivity is one of the costliest items hit for
employers and businesses during the fall and winter, far beyond weather
related inconveniences. Those suffering from allergies lose about 10% of
their productivity according to a study performed by Northwestern University
Medical School, conducted during the fall ragweed season. Absenteeism due to
severe allergies and illnesses increase this loss during the winter
months.

Combating the fall and winter seasonal allergies and illnesses
starts at the source, according to the EPA. Checking for ventilation issues,
emissions from heaters and stoves, use of non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning
chemicals and reduction of dust and germs through regular cleanings are all
effective, cost-effective ways to reduce employees’ and customers’ exposure
to allergens and germs.