Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome among Caretakers in Childcare Centers

Abstract

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) refers to the health-related symptoms of exposure to an unhealthy microenvironment, especially poor indoor air quality This study investigated the associations of indoor air quality including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2 5), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), and childcare center environment with SBS symptoms among caretakers. SBS was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire The prevalence of SBS was 77 78% among caretakers PM10 negatively correlated with CO2 (r=0 -558; p<0 01) PM10 levels were associated with any reported symptoms of SBS (OR=7 38; 95%CI 1 98 - 27 53), and upper respiratory symptoms (OR= 12 00; 95%CI 1 46 – 98 08) PM2 5 showed no association with SBS Using air refresher was associated with upper respiratory symptoms (OR=5 10; 95%CI 1 46 – 13 59), lower respiratory symptoms (OR=3 64; ; 95%CI 1.22 - 10.82).