Environmental Health and Safety

Chemical contaminants can originate from activities inside and outside the building. Some chemicals do not pose a health hazard but produce annoying odors while others can cause acute or chronic health concerns that can be temporary or long-term.

Possible Sources of Chemical Contaminants:

• Tobacco smoke
• Printing machines and copiers
• Emissions from products used in the building
• Accidental spill of chemicals
• Gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are products of combustion
• Emissions from vehicles left running beside a building air intake

Reducing Chemical Contaminants:

• Comply with Bowling Green State University’s no smoking policy.
• Minimize bringing products into the building that could release sensitizing odors or contaminants such as perfume products, scented lotions and air fresheners.
• Limit the number of laser printers and copiers that are in your general vicinity. Have multiple terminals connected to one printer.
• Consolidate large electronic office equipment in a well ventilated room. Such equipment includes large photocopiers, fax machines, and laser printers.