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Related Experiment Videos

Symptoms and microenvironmental measures in nonproblem buildings.

M J Hodgson1, J Frohliger, E Permar

  • 1Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA.

Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|April 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Sick building syndrome symptoms in office workers were linked to environmental factors. Higher volatile organic compounds and lighting intensity correlated with specific symptoms, suggesting environmental causes.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Occupational Health
  • Building Science

Background:

  • Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a prevalent issue affecting office workers.
  • Understanding specific environmental triggers is crucial for mitigating SBS symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between indoor environmental quality and SBS symptoms.
  • To identify specific environmental factors contributing to SBS.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 147 office workers using a linear-analog self-assessment scale.
  • Measurement of environmental parameters: thermal conditions, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulates, noise, light, CO2, and CO.
  • Recording of demographic and building characteristics.

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Main Results:

  • Mucous membrane irritation and central nervous system symptoms were associated with VOC concentrations, crowding, clothing layers, and lighting intensity.
  • Chest tightness correlated with lighting intensity.
  • Skin complaints were linked to gender; demographic factors showed no consistent symptom relationships.

Conclusions:

  • Specific environmental factors, notably volatile organic compounds and lighting intensity, are implicated as causes of sick building syndrome.
  • Targeted improvements in indoor air quality and lighting may alleviate SBS symptoms.