Prevalence of sick building syndrome symptoms and subjective–objective indoor air quality of stores in underground shopping districts of Korea

Abstract

Most sick building syndrome (SBS) studies have been conducted on workers in office buildings, whereas those assessing store workers in underground shopping districts (USDs) are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between SBS symptoms of USD store workers and subjective–objective indoor air quality (IAQ). In 2020, 128 stores across 10 USDs in Korea were assessed. One worker in each store was asked about 16 SBS symptoms and seven subjective IAQ perceptions (categorized into two levels [Yes or No]) via questionnaire. Objectively, indoor concentrations of aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in each store. The prevalence of SBS symptoms within the previous month was 16.4%, 39.1%, 28.9%, and 43.8% for skin, eye irritation, respiratory, and general symptoms, respectively. IAQ perceptions were correlated with the concentrations of several aldehyde compounds and VOCs. After adjusting for demographic (e.g., sex, age, or education) and job-related variables (e.g., working hours), logistic regression models showed all SBS symptom groups (except skin) were significantly associated with IAQ perception. Environmentally, eye irritation symptoms were associated with n-butanol, n-heptane, and xylene; respiratory symptoms with n-heptane; and general symptoms with benzene, n-heptane, and decanal concentrations. The association of SBS symptoms with aldehyde compounds and VOCs suggests that the chemical levels in USD stores may require further control to reduce these symptoms in workers. As controlling the products sold or cooking activities within USDs is difficult, increasing ventilation rates or using low-VOC-emission building materials may be more practical.