Effect of indoor environmental quality on building-related symptoms among the residents of apartment-type buildings in Bangkok area

Abstract

This study investigated the associations between residential characteristics and building-related symptoms (BRSs). Individuals who resided in an apartment-type building in the Bangkok area were recruited. Residential characteristics, activities, and BRSs were assessed using questionnaires. Airborne fungi were collected using an electrostatic dust collector. In total, 93 questionnaires and dust samples were returned to the laboratory. The most prevalent BRSs that the participants reported were sneezing, followed by fatigue and headache. The results of multiple logistic regression analyses showed the participants who seldom used hairstyling products had more general symptoms than those who never used them (OR = 4.35; 95% CI = 1.00, 18.96). Moreover, the operating hours of an air conditioner or a fan was negatively associated with mucosal (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.79, 0.99) and dermal (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.76, 1.00) symptoms. Airborne fungi (i.e., nonsporulating fungi, Cladosporium spp., and Curvularia spp.) were also significantly associated with general (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.00, 2.02), mucosal (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.00, 2.18), and dermal (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.03, 4.83) symptoms. Proper indoor environmental management can reduce indoor air pollution and consequently promote the health of occupants.