Cornell University Ergonomics Web

EFFECTS OF A FURNITURE-INTEGRATED BREATHING ZONE FILTRATION SYSTEM ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY, SICK BUILDING SYNDROME, AND PRODUCTIVITY

Alan Hedge

George E. Mitchell (Centercore, Wayne, PA)

John F. McCarthy and Jerry Ludwig (Environmental Health and Engineering, Cambridge, MA)

ABSTRACT

A field experiment evaluated the effect of a furniture-integrated breathing-zone filtration (BZF) system on indoor air quality and worker comfort, health, and productivity. The BZF system tested filters office air to remove volatile organic compounds and airborne particulates. The BZF system was installed on one floor of a 29 story air-conditioned office building. Another floor of the building served as a control. Comparisons of pre-installation and three month post-installation surveys showed improvements in indoor air quality, sick building syndrome symptoms, and self reported productivity with the BZF system.


Published in Indoor Air, 3, 328-336. 1994.

For copies of papers on BZF and IAQ contact Alan Hedge: (607) 255-1957 : ah29@cornell.edu

More information on BZF systems.