Associations between Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants and Respiratory Morbidity in Urban Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kolkata, West Bengal

ABSTRACTOffice employees in rapidly growing cities like Kolkata encounter extended contact with indoor air contaminants, yet studies examining commercial indoor air quality and related health effects remain limited in these settings. This comprehensive analysis involving 483 workplace professionals in Kolkata sought to evaluate air quality factors and their connection to breathing-related health through surveys and environmental assessments. Findings showed widespread occurrence of work-related symptoms, with headaches affecting 49.3% of participants, persistent coughing in 43.3%, and eye discomfort in 39.5% of workers. Additionally, 60.2% of those surveyed noted that their symptoms became worse throughout their workday. Strong correlations emerged between inadequate air circulation and negative health effects, as employees in spaces with poor airflow experienced dramatically elevated instances of coughing (75% compared to 40.1%, p<0.001) and symptom deterioration (91.7% versus 58.6%, p<0.001). The research demonstrates that substandard indoor air quality poses a substantial threat to respiratory health among office professionals in Kolkata, emphasising the critical necessity for enhanced air circulation requirements, consistent air quality assessment, and establishing nationwide standards to protect worker health across India's business environments.