3. Breathing bad air

While your deskmate's body odour may be a cause for protest, there is more evil lurking around in the office air.

Award-winning toxicologist Professor Chow Sek Chuen said poor building infrastructure is a culprit for poor air quality.

When buildings are not well waterproofed, the water from leaking rooftop pipes or air-con cooling system can seep through the walls. The dampness then passes through to the other side of the wall, creating airborne mold spores, he said.

Inhaling mold spores can exacerbate allergic reaction, said Dr Chow.

To prevent such problems, it is important for a building to be well ventilated. "Ventilation is very important. It helps to dry the room and bring in fresh air," he says.