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Why
should I care?
Every year, Americans spend $1.5 billion in medical
bills because of indoor air pollution. IAQ problems
also cost U.S. businesses tens of billions of dollars
in productivity losses. OSHA issued a proposal to establish
the first enforceable nationwide regulations for air
quality in offices. OSHA's plan would cost building
owners at least $8.1 billion - but would increase business
productivity by an estimated $15 billion per year. However,
there are currently no enforceable rules for indoor
air quality, and the real estate and chemical industries
are resisting efforts by OSHA and some members of Congress
to regulate it. But this hasn't stopped the litany of
lawsuits against building owners. In 1993, 19 EPA employees
sued the landlord of the building where their offices
are located, arguing that chemical emissions from the
new carpet and furniture were causing them health problems.
In October of that same year, the first five claims
went to trial and a jury awarded the plaintiffs $1 million
collectively. In 2000 over $64 million has been awarded
in IAQ litigation. While consumer knowledge continues
to grow, so does litigation. These situations make it
important that you also become informed of the possibility
of these issues taking place in your structure. Imagine
how much time, effort, and most importantly MONEY could
have been saved by developing a proactive approach to
IAQ issues. |
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