Environmental tobacco smoke and the sick building syndrome

Environmental tobacco smoke is of serious concern in ventilated spaces both for comfort because of its odor properties and for health reasons. Although it has not been demonstrated as the primary cause in complaints, it is frequently seen as a contributing factor. Recirculation of air with ETS, without filtration or air-washing, may in fact lead to complaints, although at an unknown frequency. Finally, the contributions of ETS to the sick building syndrome is documented, although its extent is currently unknown.