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Indoor climate, air pollution, and human comfort
1Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms like irritation are linked to indoor climate issues. A guideline for total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) is proposed to mitigate these common building-related health complaints.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Building Science
Background:
- Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) describes occupant symptoms attributed to poor indoor environments.
- Common SBS complaints include irritation of eyes, nose, and throat.
- Causality of SBS symptoms remains multifactorial and not definitively identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on Sick Building Syndrome.
- To identify key symptoms that differentiate "sick buildings" from those with normal indoor climates.
- To discuss the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in SBS and propose a guideline.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of indoor air quality and SBS publications.
- Analysis of symptom prevalence in buildings with differing indoor climates.
- Discussion of dose-response relationships for VOCs and sensory/mucosal irritation.
Main Results:
- Irritation of mucosal membranes and headaches are significantly more prevalent in "sick buildings".
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are identified as potential agents causing SBS-like symptoms.
- A tentative guideline for total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) of 3 mg/m³ is suggested for non-industrial indoor environments.
Conclusions:
- Indoor climate significantly impacts occupant health and well-being.
- VOCs are a key factor to consider in addressing Sick Building Syndrome.
- Establishing guidelines for TVOC levels can help improve indoor air quality and reduce SBS symptoms.