Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK

HEALTH

High CO2 levels in ‘every third office’

Suffering from headaches and tiredness in the afternoon? If you work in an office carbon dioxide levels could be to blame, as new research suggests that one in three Austrian offices have high levels of CO2 and are too dry.

Published: 1 October 2014 17:07 CEST
High CO2 levels in 'every third office'
Photo: APA

Thomas Schlatte from MeineRaumluft.at said that 500 companies across Austria participated in the study, from small firms to large corporations.

The study found that during the cold season, when offices are heated, CO2 levels are above 1,000 ppm in every third office.

There is no legal limit for carbon dioxide in offices, which is released during breathing.

Schlatte said that in general, levels above 1,500 ppm make it difficult to concentrate and can cause headaches. One in ten offices were found to have levels over 1,500 ppm.

The study also found that the risk of getting respiratory infections and having to take sick leave rose with CO2 levels.

More than one third of offices had less than 30 percent humidity. "This is dramatically exacerbated in the heating season," Schlatte said.

Recommended humidity values ​​are between 40 and 60 percent, and with air conditioning 70 percent. The more humid the air is, the less susceptible people are to infectious diseases.

An office temperature above 25 degrees will make workers feel more tired, and the ideal temperature is between 20 and 22 degrees.

House plants can help improve the office environment by filtering pollutants in the air and restoring humidity, according to environmental consultant Manuela Lanzinger. She recommended three to six large houseplants for an office measuring 30 square metres.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

HEALTH

Will my Austrian health insurance pay for medical expenses abroad?

If you plan on travelling, you might wonder if you can use your Austrian e-card or public health insurance abroad. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 14 May 2024 15:47 CEST
Will my Austrian health insurance pay for medical expenses abroad?

With the summer holidays approaching, many people might wonder if their statutory health insurance in Austria will cover them in case of illness or accident. The answer depends on your destination, the purpose of your trip, and the type of healthcare you need.

Inside Europe

If you travel within the European Union, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein Norway or Switzerland, your Austrian health insurance will provides coverage for certain type of “medically necessary” healthcare through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The EHIC grants access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare under the same conditions as residents of that country. This applies to sudden illness, accidents, pre-existing conditions requiring urgent treatment, and even maternity care.

READ ALSO: Everything foreigners need to know about the Austrian healthcare system

As well as the countries mentioned above the EHIC is valid in Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the UK.

However, the EHIC is not an alternative to comprehensive travel insurance as it doesn’t cover private healthcare costs, a flight home, or lost/stolen property. While the coverage is limited to state-provided healthcare, it does mean a doctor will treat you, and you are not liable to pay non-resident medical fees.

In Austria, every e-card (the health insurance card used to visit a doctor) already contains an EHIC on the reverse, so there is no need to apply for it separately. 

However, if the data fields on the EHIC on the back of your e-card contain stars (***) instead of personal information such as name and date of birth, further documentation is required to access healthcare in another EU country. In this case, you need to contact your social security provider in Austria to receive a replacement card before you travel.

READ MORE: How do I get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Austria?

Austria’s insurer website ÖGK will also cover costs for any medically necessary treatments in Turkey in the event of illness, but you will need a so-called “sickness certificate (certificate of entitlement to benefits in kind for temporary stays)”. This can be issued by your employer or the ÖGK HERE and must be done before any treatment.

Third countries

Your EHIC won’t be valid in destinations outside the EU/EEA. Austrian health insurance will offer some reimbursement for emergency medical expenses and other medical consultations, but the extent of coverage varies depending on your specific provider’s policy.

In principle, you must pay the medical and treatment costs yourself in other continents, according to Austria’s insurer website ÖGK. You can submit the paid invoices for reimbursement, but not all treatment will be paid back, and you won’t receive the total amount you paid either. 

ÖGK will reimburse certain costs, including consultations with private doctors abroad, but you must have certain documents, such as a detailed fee note and proof of payment. You can apply for reimbursement HERE.

ÖGK recommends taking out travel insurance for trips abroad and ensuring that repatriation is included – as the insurer does not cover repatriation costs.

READ ALSO: Why getting rescued in the Austrian Alps could cost you thousands

It’s also worth noting that ÖGK does not cover all accidents, even in Austria. If you plan on doing certain types of sports, like skiing, even in the Austrian Alps or in neighbouring countries within the EU, it’s essential to take out a specific sports insurance that covers all possible costs, including mountain rescue. 

SHOW COMMENTS