Office worker protected in a bubble amidst dust and fumes.

Eczema and Rhinitis Outbreak: Unmasking the Hidden Dangers in Your Office

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how indoor environments can trigger skin and respiratory issues, and what you can do to protect yourself and your colleagues."

Imagine going to work and developing skin rashes, a constantly runny nose, or other allergic symptoms seemingly out of nowhere. While it might sound unusual, outbreaks of eczema and rhinitis linked to indoor environments are more common than you think. These issues often stem from hidden factors in the workplace that, once identified, can be addressed to improve overall health and well-being.

A compelling case study published in the 'International Journal of Circumpolar Health' details an investigation into an outbreak of eczema and rhinitis among office workers in Greenland following a building renovation. The research highlights the potential impact of indoor air quality and building materials on employee health, offering valuable insights for creating safer and healthier workplaces.

In this article, we'll delve into the details of this investigation, explore the potential causes of these outbreaks, and provide practical tips for preventing and managing eczema and rhinitis in the office. You’ll learn what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to advocate for a healthier workspace for yourself and your colleagues.

The Greenland Office Outbreak: A Case Study in Workplace Health

Office worker protected in a bubble amidst dust and fumes.

In 2009, a bank in Greenland underwent a complete renovation, introducing new furniture and carpets. Shortly after moving back into the renovated building, a significant number of employees began experiencing troubling symptoms. Out of 80 workers, 32 reported skin problems such as eczema, rhinitis, and urticaria. This alarming situation prompted a thorough investigation to pinpoint the underlying causes.

The investigation involved a series of steps, including:

Clinical Examinations: Assessing the specific symptoms and their locations on the affected workers.
Patch Testing: Identifying potential allergens triggering skin reactions.
Skin Prick Tests and Histamine Release Tests: Evaluating immediate allergic responses.
Analysis of Building Materials: Testing carpets and other materials for substances that could cause skin and respiratory irritation.

The results of the investigation revealed a strong link between the reported symptoms and exposure to the newly renovated building. When the carpets were removed from the building, a significant number of workers reported improvements in their condition. Further tests revealed that carpet extracts triggered reactions in workers far more frequently than in a control group, pointing towards a key factor contributing to the outbreak.

Creating a Healthier Workplace for Everyone

The Greenland office outbreak serves as a powerful reminder of how indoor environments can impact our health. By understanding the potential risks and taking proactive steps to improve air quality and reduce exposure to allergens and irritants, you can create a healthier and more comfortable workspace for yourself and your colleagues. Stay informed, advocate for change, and prioritize your well-being in the office.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3402/ijch.v74.27919, Alternate LINK

Title: Outbreak Of Eczema And Rhinitis In A Group Of Office Workers In Greenland

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: International Journal of Circumpolar Health

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Niels E. Ebbehøj, Tove Agner, Erik Zimerson, Magnus Bruze

Published: 2015-01-31

Everything You Need To Know

What are the initial signs of environmental factors causing eczema or rhinitis in an office setting?

Initial signs can include skin rashes indicating eczema, a constantly runny nose suggesting rhinitis, or other unexpected allergic symptoms. These symptoms may appear shortly after exposure to a specific indoor environment or after changes such as renovations or new furnishings. Identifying these early indicators is critical for initiating further investigation and implementing preventive measures to protect the health of employees. In the Greenland case study, the increase in workers reporting eczema, rhinitis, and urticaria after the bank renovation served as the initial sign that prompted a thorough investigation.

What specific investigative steps were taken to determine the cause of the eczema and rhinitis outbreak in the Greenland office?

The investigation in the Greenland office involved several key steps to identify the source of the outbreak. Clinical examinations were conducted to assess the specific symptoms and their locations on affected workers. Patch testing was performed to identify potential allergens triggering skin reactions. Skin prick tests and histamine release tests were used to evaluate immediate allergic responses. Additionally, analysis of building materials, particularly carpets, was carried out to test for substances that could cause skin and respiratory irritation. The combination of these methods helped pinpoint the carpets as a significant factor contributing to the outbreak.

How did removing the carpets in the Greenland office affect the employees' health conditions related to eczema and rhinitis?

Removing the carpets from the renovated bank in Greenland had a positive impact on the employees' health. A significant number of workers reported improvements in their skin and respiratory conditions after the carpets were removed. This observation, combined with the fact that carpet extracts triggered reactions in workers far more frequently than in a control group, strongly suggested that the carpets were a key factor contributing to the eczema and rhinitis outbreak. This underscores the importance of considering building materials as potential sources of indoor health issues.

Beyond the Greenland case study, what broader implications exist for workplace health and safety when considering indoor air quality and building materials?

The Greenland case study highlights the critical impact of indoor air quality and building materials on workplace health. It underscores the need for organizations to prioritize thorough testing and monitoring of air quality, especially after renovations or the introduction of new furnishings. The implications extend to the selection of building materials, emphasizing the importance of choosing low-emission and hypoallergenic options. Regular health assessments and employee feedback can also help identify potential triggers early, allowing for proactive interventions to prevent outbreaks of eczema, rhinitis, and other environmentally-related health issues.

What practical steps can employees and employers take to create a healthier office environment and mitigate the risk of eczema and rhinitis outbreaks?

To create a healthier office environment and reduce the risk of eczema and rhinitis outbreaks, several practical steps can be taken. Employers should ensure proper ventilation and air filtration systems are in place and regularly maintained. They should also select building materials and furnishings that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and allergens. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help minimize dust and mold accumulation. Employees can advocate for these measures, stay informed about potential indoor environmental hazards, and report any concerning symptoms promptly. Individual actions, such as using personal air purifiers or humidifiers, can also contribute to a healthier workspace.