The awareness on health effects caused by indoor air pollution in the photocopy centres

Abstract

Empirical studies discovered after years of exposure of the hazardous pollutants, and other factors which are the sources of indoor air contaminants, the exposure to air contaminants, the location of workstation, the mechanical ventilation at the place of work, the duration of exposure, the emission rates, the concentration of the chemicals. This study aims to identify the awareness of employees who works in photocopy centre on health effects caused by indoor air pollution in photocopy centres. The case study is in Johor Bahru, Malaysia as it is the central place for photocopy business. The employees of the photocopy centres was surveyed through self administered questionnaires. The result reveals that there are lack of awareness of health effects caused by indoor air pollution among workers. Even for those who are aware of the indoor air pollution, they do not realize the emissions of the photocopiers could contribute to indoor air pollution, eventually cause health effects to them indeed. In making the matter worst, some workers has already experienced symptoms such as fatigue, headache, sneezing, irritation of nose, throat, and eyes, and dizziness for continual exposure to indoor air pollution. Campaigns need to be conducted to educate the people the practices or precaution actions that reduce the effects of indoor air pollution.