Factors associated with the prevalence of sick building syndrome among sewing operators in the garment manufacturing industryin Ethiopia

This study aimed to investigate the association between indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and the prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms among university students in different types of classrooms. The research responds to growing concerns about environmental health risks in educational settings and seeks to identify key IAQ predictors of SBS symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 students at a Malaysian public university. An online questionnaire adapted from the Indoor Air Quality Industry Code of Practice (ICOP-IAQ) 2010 was used to assess SBS symptoms. Simultaneously, IAQ monitoring was carried out in selected lecture halls (LHs) and tutorial rooms (TRs) using calibrated instruments to measure PM2.5, PM10, temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), total bacterial count, and fungal count. Comparisons were made between the classrooms. Significant differences were observed between LHs and TRs for PM2.5, PM10, temperature, relative humidity, CO, and bacterial counts. SBS symptoms were more prevalent in LHs (70.2%) than in TRs (56.6%). In LHs, CO, PM10, relative humidity, and fungal count were significantly associated with SBS symptoms, while in TRs, only CO2 showed a significant association. Multivariate analysis identified CO, PM10, and fungal count as significant predictors in LHs (AOR = 4.7; p < 0.001), and CO2 in TRs (AOR = 2.7; p = 0.003). IAQ parameters are significant contributors to SBS symptom prevalence among university students, with differences influenced by classroom type and ventilation design. These findings emphasize the urgency of IAQ interventions in academic institutions.

This study aimed to assess musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among industrial sewing machine operators through a survey with a descriptive and explanatory design. MSDs and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms were assessed through the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and indoor air questionnaire, respectively. Data were collected from 407 participants randomly and analyzed by frequency, percentages, structural equation modeling and ordinal logistic regression. Most of the participants experienced pain in the lower back (85.0%), shoulders (83.3%), head (79.6%) and neck (76.2%). The most common SBS symptoms were found in the nose (M 3.66). Runny nose, itching and sneezing attacks occurred always in 166 (40.8%), 152 (37.3%) and 195 (47.9%) participants, respectively. Statistically significant relationships were found between environmental factors and SBS symptoms, and SBS symptoms and MSDs. All job-related factors were associated with MSDs in at least one body part. The findings imply the need for an ergonomic intervention to improve sewing workstations.

Home environment exposure and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms among adults in southern China: Health associations in 2010 and 2019

We investigated associations between dampness in Chinese homes and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and studied the role of climate, family size, cleaning and ventilation for dampness, mould and SBS. A questionnaire survey was done in 2019–2020 among adults in five cities (32349 participants) and data on outdoor climate was collected. Multilevel logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs). In total, 2.2% had rhinitis, 1.8% eye, 1.6% throat and 2.9% skin symptoms, 2.1% headache and 8.7% fatigue (weekly symptoms). Overall, 12.1% reported indoor mould, 5.7% damp bedding, 5.3% mould odour and 33.8% humid air in current home. Mould was associated with all symptoms (ORs 1.86–2.15 for minor mold growth and 1.65–3.45 for major mould growth). Damp bedding was associated with all symptoms (ORs 2.18–2.80 for minor dampness and 2.51–8.03 for major dampness). Mould odour was associated with all symptoms (ORs 1.84–2.77 for sometimes odour and ORs 3.78–7.80 for weekly odour). Perception of humid air was associated with all symptoms. ORs increased by number of dampness signs. Precipitation, outdoor relative air humidity and temperature increased dampness, mould and SBS symptoms. Large family size increased dermal symptoms. Daily floor cleaning, airing in winter, putting bedding to sunshine and mechanical ventilation in the bathroom reduced dampness, mould and SBS symptoms. In conclusion, mould and dampness in Chinese homes can increase rhinitis and SBS-symptoms in a dose-response manner. A warmer and more humid climate can increase, and cleaning and ventilation in the home can decrease dampness, mould and SBS symptoms.

A long-term multi-parametric monitoring study: Indoor air quality (IAQ) and the sources of the pollutants, prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, and respiratory health indicators

From a large questionnaire-based survey investigating the indoor air quality (IAQ) in 48 schools and 74 kindergartens, 21 schools were selected for measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) based on the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms reported by the staff. The 10 schools with the lowest prevalence of SBS symptoms ‘healthy’) were compared to 11 schools with the highest prevalence (‘sick’; median value showing twice as many SBS symptoms reported). The concentrations of total VOCs (TVOC) in schools and kindergartens were low and within suggested guidelines. The levels of CO2 were higher than suggested guidelines in several cases. However, neither TVOC nor CO2 concentrations were associated with SBS symptoms. Thus, TVOC and CO2 concentrations do not seem to be useful as SBS risk indicators.

Air Quality and sick building syndrome symptoms in a public building in Athens, GreeceIoannis Nezis1, George Biskos2,3, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis4, Prodromos Fetfatzis4, Olga Popovicheva5, Nikolay Sitnikov6, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi1*1 Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, 81100, Greece2 Climate and Atmosphere Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus 3 Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands 4 Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, N.C.S.R. “Demokritos”, 15310 Ag. Paraskevi, Greece5 Institute of Nuclear Physics, Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia6 Central Aerological Observatory, Moscow region, 141700, RussiaBackground: The objective of this study was to investigate the concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and Black Carbon (BC) and the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms of civil servants working in a public building in the center of Athens, Greece.Methods: Continuous air measurements were carried out from March until May 2016 (24 hours, 7 days per week) in four different types of rooms, including an office, a printer room and two filing rooms, representing both high and low exposure environments. Data on SBS symptoms was collected from 73 employees.Results: Indoor PM2.5 and BC concentrations in the office ranged from 5.9 to 14.3 μg/m3 and 1.1 to 1.9 μg/m3, respectively. During working hours the indoor PM2.5 and BC to outdoor ratio (I/O) was higher than 1. The most commonly reported SBS symptoms were irritation of the eyes, a stuffy or runny nose, headache and drowsiness. These symptoms occurred “often” or “always” and subsequently disappeared after leaving the building. Female employees were more likely to report SBS symptoms than male employees (“Unusual tiredness or fatigue” OR = 5.4; “feeling depressed” OR = 4.1).Conclusions: PM2.5 and BC concentrations varied substantially between the different rooms depending on the ventilation, construction characteristics and indoor activities.

From a large questionnaire-based survey investigating the indoor air quality (IAQ) in 48 schools and 74 kindergartens, 21 schools were selected for mea surements of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) based on the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms reported by the staff. The 10 schools with the lowest prevalence of SBS symptoms 'healthy') were compared to 11 schools with the highest prevalence ('sick'; median value showing twice as many SBS symptoms reported). The concen trations of total VOCs (TVOC) in schools and kindergartens were low and within suggested guidelines. The levels of CO2 were higher than suggested guidelines in several cases. However, neither TVOC nor CO2 concentrations were associated with SBS symptoms. Thus, TVOC and CO2 concentrations do not seem to be useful as SBS risk indicators.

The perceived Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), the prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms and its contributing risk factors were assessed in a university during the period of the economic crisis in Greece. Data was collected from 613 employees via questionnaires. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was performed. The most prevalent perceived IAQ complaints were ‘Dust and dirt’ (63.2%), ‘Room temperature too low’ (24.9%) and ‘Varying room temperature’ (24.4%). The most frequently reported SBS symptom was ‘Fatigue’ (34.1%). The prevalence of General, Mucosal and Dermal symptoms was 40.8%, 19.8% and 8.1%, respectively. Several contributing risk factors were identified, such as IAQ Discomfort Scale, atopy, sleep problems, female, exposure to biological and chemical agents, PC-use, Psychosocial Work Scale and job satisfaction. Poor perceived IAQ and high prevalence of SBS symptoms were reported from the university staff in a temperate climate country. SBS seemed to be multifactorial.

The Journal is the primary organ of Continuing Paediatric Medical Education in Sri Lanka. The journal also has a website. Free full text access is available for all readers.The Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health is now indexed in SciVerse Scopus (Source Record ID 19900193609), Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region (IMSEAR), CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International Global Health Database), DOAJ and is available in Google, as well as Google Scholar.The policies of the journal are modelled on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Guidelines on Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health is recognised by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) as a publication following the ICMJE Recommendations.

The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between air pollution and environmental parameters with sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in schools of northern Iran. This study was conducted on 759 students from a total of 52 primary, guidance and high schools in northern Iran. Selection of schools, classes in each school and students in each class was performed using a multistage random sampling method. Carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and humidity were measured. Data on the SBS symptoms were collected using a standard questionnaire via interview. Measurements in 215 classes showed the highest levels of CO2, temperature and humidity were 4263 ppm, 25.2°C and 82.5%, respectively. A t-test showed that there were significant correlations between CO2 and temperature with SBS symptoms (p = 0.01). In Winter, dizziness (44.4%) was the most common symptom among 12 SBS symptoms, and fatigue (37.2%) was the most common symptom in Spring. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the types of ventilation, cooling and heating systems with the SBS symptoms in both seasons (p = 0.001). The SBS symptoms in students were considered to be mild. Considering the poor physical conditions in some schools and the lack of proper space and ventilation systems, the health authorities in cooperation with the Education Department should create better educational environments.

This study investigated levels of airborne bacteria in 90 indoor sampling sites with no known complaints such as kindergartens, schools, homes and dorms over three seasons. Airborne bacteria samples were collected before and during the heating season in Çanakkale, Turkey. Also, a detailed occupant questionnaire was completed by one of the occupants ( n = 90) in each sampling site. Total bacteria counts (TBCs) were found to be higher in the sampling sites where coal was used as a heating source and in kindergartens where the occupancy rate was highest ( p &lt; 0.05). Meteorological parameters were associated with outdoor TBC levels ( p &lt; 0.001). Associations were found ( p = 0.05) for indoor TBC and other building factors (last floor covering/wall painting/renovation times, heating/cooking fuels and the age of the building). Indoor TBC levels together with the building-related factors (environmental tobacco smoke exposure, occupancy rate, distance to traffic, heating fuel, amount of carpet covering, and last wall painting time) and personal factors (gender and daily time spent indoors) were found to be associated with at least one group of the sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms ( p &lt; 0.05). In particular, general SBS symptoms (headache, fatigue and dizziness) were observed more often in female participants ( p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, there is a need to conduct more studies in larger populations to find the links between air pollutants and SBS symptoms.

Background: There are few studies on sick building syndrome (SBS) in China. Aims: To study association between SBS in Chongqing adults, with preschool children, and home environmental factors. Methods: The present study is part of a large Chinese multicenter study (China, Children, Homes, Health, CCHH). Parents of 3-6 years old children from randomly selected kindergartens in Chongqing, China returned completed questionnaires (one/child) between December 2010 and April 2011 (response rate 74.5%). There were questions on parents’ SBS in the last 3 months (12 questions, categorized to general symptoms, mucosal symptoms and skin symptoms) (every week; sometimes; never). The association between parents’ SBS symptoms and home environment were analysed by multiple logistic regression, controlling for gender and a history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or eczema. Results: The prevalence of SBS (every weekcompared with never) among 4950 participants were: 11.4% for general symptoms, 7.1% for mucosal symptoms and 4.4% for skin symptoms. Living near a main road or highway was a strong risk factor for general symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=2.16, P&lt;0.001), skin symptoms (aOR=2.69, P&lt;0.001), and mucosal symptoms (aOR=1.63, P&lt;0.01). Redecoration was a risk factor for general symptoms (aOR=2.00, P&lt;0.001), skin symptoms (aOR=1.66, P&lt;0.01), and mucosal symptoms (aOR=1.66, P&lt;0.05). New furniture was a risk factor for general symptoms (aOR=2.16, P&lt;0.001) and skin symptoms (aOR=1.67, P&lt;0.01). Dampness related problems (mould spot, damp stain, water damage and condensation) were all risk factors for SBS (aOR ranged from 1.68 to 3.98), as was the presence of cockroaches, rats, mosquitoes/flies and use of incense. Protective factors included cleaning the child’s bedroom every day and frequently exposing bedding to sunshine. Conclusions: Parents’ SBS were related to factors of the home environment.

Previous studies mainly evaluated of the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, including skin and mucosal symptoms, respiratory system symptoms, and central nervous system symptoms, in office workers. This study evaluates the prevalence and possible risk factors for SBS symptoms in respiratory therapists and hospital office workers at a medical center in northern Taiwan. Questionnaires were distributed to recruited participants to collect such data as personal and work characteristics, perception of environmental quality, and prevalence of SBS symptoms during the last three months. The prevalences of SBS symptoms for respiratory therapists and hospital office workers were 88.8% and 66.7%, respectively. The most common SBS symptoms were central nervous system symptoms in the respiratory therapists and respiratory system symptoms in hospital office workers, respectively. The prevalence of SBS symptoms was strongly associated with gender in the respiratory therapists [odds ratio (OR)=7.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) of OR=1.93-29.15].

Background: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a syndrome caused by the work environment. SBS is stated as a health problem in the work environment which is related to poor indoor air quality. The Central Java Provincial Health Office building is in the city center so it is an environment prone to air pollution. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence SBS symptoms in Central Java Provincial Health Office employees. Methods: This study uses an analytic study type with a cross-sectional approach. The sample in this study were 73 respondents. The sampling technique used purposive sampling technique. The instruments used were questionnaires and measurements. The data analysis used the chi square statistical test. Results: The results of this study showed that among the 73 respondents there was a relationship between age and SBS symptoms (p=0.020), there was a relationship between gender and SBS symptoms (p=0.010), there was a relationship between years of service and SBS symptoms (p=0.020 ), there was a relationship between room temperature and SBS symptoms (p=0.007), there was a relationship between the number of bacteria and SBS symptoms (p=0.004), there was no relationship between room air humidity and dust levels and SBS symptoms. Conclusion: Age, gender, length of service, and number of bacteria are factors associated with SBS symptoms. In an effort to reduce the risk of SBS symptoms, workers need to relax body muscles, optimize the use of AC, increase AC maintenance, turn off the AC for a moment and open windows periodically.