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Sick-building syndrome.

¹John B. Pierce Foundation Laboratory, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.

Environmental Health Perspectives

|November 1, 1991

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Sick-building syndrome (SBS) involves numerous occupant complaints like headaches and irritation. Addressing inadequate ventilation, contaminants, and psychosocial factors is key to improving building environments and productivity.

Area of Science:

Environmental Health
Occupational Health
Building Science

Background:

Sick-building syndrome (SBS) is characterized by a high prevalence of occupant-reported subjective symptoms.
Symptoms include headaches, eye/nose/throat irritation, lethargy, and concentration difficulties, with prevalence often exceeding 15-20%.

Purpose of the Study:

To define sick-building syndrome and identify contributing environmental and psychosocial factors.
To establish symptom prevalence thresholds indicative of building-related issues.

Main Methods:

The abstract describes the definition and common symptoms of SBS.
It outlines contributing factors identified through occupant questionnaires and environmental assessments.

Main Results:

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SBS symptoms are reported by a fraction of occupants, with over 30% prevalence suggesting environmental issues.
Inadequate outdoor air supply, poor ventilation, contaminant sources (smoke, materials, microorganisms), and psychosocial factors are implicated.

Conclusions:

SBS is multifactorial, rarely caused by a single issue.
Building environment quality, including ventilation and contaminant control, significantly impacts occupant health and potentially productivity.