Sick Building Syndrome Research Articles

Association Between Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome Among Workers in Food Outlets in Selangor, Malaysia

Association Between Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome Among Workers in Food Outlets in Selangor, Malaysia

Prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms in Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Case Study of Suzhou City, China

Quarantine policies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prolonged time spent at home, leading to an unintended occurrence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SBS symptoms among residents in Suzhou, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was conducted online from February to May 2022. A total of 442 adults were included in this study. The prevalence of SBS symptoms was much higher during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the proportions of general, mucosal, and skin symptoms were 59.3%, 45.5% and 49.1%, respectively. The influences of building characteristics, occupant lifestyle, indoor environment and perception of indoor environment were analysed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Neighbourhood pollutant sources, older residences, non-ownership and humidity indicators were significant risk factors for SBS symptoms. Frequent use of air fresheners was significantly associated with general (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI: 2.4–10.0), mucosal (AOR: 5.3, 95% CI: 2.4–11.5), and skin symptoms (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6–13.1), while the use of disinfectants was significantly correlated with skin symptoms (AOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.5–10.7). Residents’ perception of an uncomfortable indoor environment was a significant predictor of general (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–4.0) and mucosal symptoms (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.6–6.0). The use of air cleaners can reduce the prevalence of general symptoms. An important finding of this study is that the psychological impact of staying at home for a long time was associated with general symptoms (AOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.7), which means that attention should also be paid to the mental health of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the quarantine period has now ended, our results can still serve as a reference for the impact of the indoor environment on the health of people with SBS, especially for those who stay at home for a long time, such as the elderly.

Evaluation of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Symptoms and Measurement of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Parameter in One of Hospital Building in Johor

This study assesses Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters among hospital ward staff. Utilizing a thorough methodology, a questionnaire survey and IAQ monitoring were conducted, aligning with Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) guidelines. IAQ parameters are generally within limits, except for relative humidity which recorded values of 73.09-75.23% for Ward 16 and 62.33-71.13% for Ward 18. Respondents expressed concerns about room conditions, including temperature variations, unpleasant odours, and noise. Fatigue, difficulties concentrating, and various respiratory symptoms were prevalent, suggesting potential health issues linked to indoor pollutants. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing IAQ concerns to improve the well-being of patients and healthcare workers.

Sick Building Syndrome Overview- UK’S Indoor Sick Building Syndrome Formation Analysis

Building-related illnesses pose a critical risk to public health and have consistently been a source of concern. The illnesses are collectively referred to as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and are used to elaborate on a situation in which the occupants of a house experience headaches discomfort-related effects or symptoms of air borne diseases that seems to be connected to the time spent in houses. Symptoms are many, but in general, occupants may experience throat, eye, and nose discomfort, as well as fatigue and, on occasion, dizziness. The increased prevalence of this syndrome has prompted substantial research. Although there is no known specific cause of SBS, some experts have concluded that indoor pollutants have a significant role in exacerbating the illness. The sources of indoor pollutants include biological contaminants, chemical contaminants, and particulate matter. These contaminants include bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dust, respectively. This study will examine the role of indoor pollutants in Sick Building Syndrome symptoms, investigate the causes and effects, and recent progress in understanding and controlling SBS caused by these contaminants.And also outlines an overview of the UK’s SBS issues.

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

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).

Hierarchical and two-step clustering to assess symptoms of sick building syndrome in office spaces in an educational building

ABSTRACT People spend a significant amount of time indoors, being exposed to situations that might lead to discomfort, illness and loss of productivity. This study addressed the symptoms reported by employees of office spaces within an educational building, focusing on sick building syndrome (SBS), a set of symptoms experienced by occupants of buildings without a known cause. Volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire reporting their symptoms during the workday. After data collection, hierarchical and two-step clustering were applied to assess the symptoms reported. The main results found were: (I) around 43.06% of people reported at least one symptom of SBS; (II) two-step clustering analysis showed that the main predictive symptoms are blurred vision, eye irritation, exhaustion, drowsiness and weakness; (III) hierarchical clustering analysis observed a high probability of simultaneous symptoms such as exhaustion and drowsiness, nasal irritation or itching and runny nose. At the same time, cough and shortness of breath showed a lower probability; (IV) the dendrogram formed a group predominantly linked to respiratory symptoms and another related to throat and skin symptoms; (V) the application of cluster analysis has the potential to describe the patterns and groups of identified symptoms accurately. Additionally, the research presented several contributions, such as identifying the most severe symptoms requiring immediate mitigation actions and enabling decisions related to employees’ health and well-being by implementing preventive measures to promote a healthier environment.

Several Factors Responsible For Sick Building Syndrome in Urban Settings: Literature Review

Introduction: Urban dwellers are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change. Sick building syndrome (SBS) relates to health issues experienced by workers as a result of indoor activities, air pollution, and climate change. The incidence of SBS is strongly correlated with environmental factors both within and outside the workplace. Objective: To identify current factors associated with the incidence of sick building syndrome in urban areas Method: Review of the literature compiled in both English and Indonesian from the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The literature, which is available in full text publications, was collected during the period of the last five years, from 2019 to 2024. Results: Temperature, relative humidity, microbes, air pollution, psychological factors, light, and ventilation in a room or workplace were some of the variables that affect the incidence of sick building syndrome in urban settings. Conclusion: SBS was related to a number of factors, including temperature, relative humidity, ventilation, lighting, pathogens, and psychosocial factors. These elements may have an individual or combined effect on worker productivity and the development of SBS.

Ventilation Strategies to Mitigate Air Pollution Impact on Hospital Professionals in Intensive Care Units in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This study critically examines the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on occupant health in two critical care units (ICUs) at Jason Sendwe Hospital (JSH) and General Carrier de Mine Hospital (GCMH) within the Southern DRC metropolitan area, focusing on their impact on occupant health and well-being. Utilizing a mixed methods approach that includes health questionnaires, continuous environmental monitoring (monitoring CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, PM10, temperature, and relative humidity), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, this research aims to identify correlations between environmental factors and the health of hospital staff and patients. The investigation was conducted across both the rainy and dry seasons, revealing significant seasonal variations in IEQ parameters and exploring the incidence of symptoms commonly associated with sick building syndrome among hospital staff. Higher CO2, VOCs, and particulate matter levels during the dry season indicated the inadequacy of current ventilation strategies to maintain optimal air quality. This study proposes the implementation of air filtration and purification systems and the refurbishment of natural ventilation systems as effective measures to improve IAQ. Additionally, alternative ventilation strategies, including occupancy reduction and the integration of supply and exhaust ventilation, were explored to address the challenges of inadequate ventilation. The findings reveal the urgent need for hospitals to adopt ventilation strategies that ensure the health and well-being of occupants, highlighting the importance of continuous IAQ monitoring, community engagement, and the integration of advanced ventilation technologies in healthcare settings. This comprehensive exploration offers valuable insights for improving ventilation in ICUs, contributing to creating healthier indoor environments in hospital settings, especially in regions facing unique environmental challenges.

Hubungan Suhu dan Kelembapan Ruangan Terhadap Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) di UPTD Balai Pengujian dan Sertifikasi Mutu Barang (BPSMB) Samarinda

Samarinda is one of the cities in East Kalimantan, in Samarinda itself there are many office buildings that use AC coolers. One of the office buildings in Samarinda is the Quality Testing and Certification Center of East Kalimantan’s Building (UPTD. Balai Pengujian dan Sertifikasi Mutu Barang Provinsi Kalimantan Timur). Room temperature and humidity greatly affect the level of worker productivity, but not many people understand the existence of sick building syndrome (SBS). The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of employees regarding SBS complaints based on age and length of work and to find out the description of room temperature and humidity at UPTD BPSMB. The type of research used is non-probability sampling with a descriptive approach. The sample in this study were UPTD BPSMB Samarinda employees with a sample size of 20 people. The sampling technique was determined by purposive sampling method. The results of this study showed that the most commonly experienced symptoms were dry skin (50%), drowsiness (40%), dry lips and fatigue (20%), eye irritation, headaches, and difficulty concentrating (15%). From the results of the cross-tabulations that were carried out, it was found that there was no relationship between temperature and SBS, age and SBS, and duration of work with SBS, Still, there was a relationship between humidity and SBS. It is suggested to the UPTD BPSMB to monitor the room at least once a month to see the temperature and humidity conditions of the room so that employees can work comfortably and can increase employee productivity.

The parameter of the Sick Building Syndrome: A systematic literature review

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a collection of symptoms assumed to be related to spending time in a certain building, most typically a workplace, but no specific cause has been identified. The need to measure and assess various types of parameters of SBS is crucial and it is important to explore what parameter has been used in the previous studies of SBS. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the parameter that has been used to monitor the SBS. This study was conducted using the PRISMA Statement and the search was conducted using two scientific databases which were Scopus and Web of Science. After a thorough and tight process, a total of 55 articles have been finalized and selected for thematic analysis. Two themes have been identified which were a) Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and b) Occupant. This study also found that the spatial distribution pattern revealed that the Sick Building Syndrome research was spread over 26 nations, with the majority of articles originating from the United States and China. In terms of context, the majority of the selected publications employed the survey approach to investigate SBS parameters. Aside from that, the most researched form of building is the business building. This study has found that it would be more impactful for the SBS study if researchers could incorporate both indoor environmental quality and occupant factors into a study, resulting in more holistic conclusions.

Carcinogenic formaldehyde in U.S. residential buildings: Mass inventories, human health impacts, and associated healthcare costs

Formaldehyde, a human carcinogen, is formulated into building materials in the U.S. and worldwide. We used literature information and mass balances to obtain order-of-magnitude estimates of formaldehyde inventories in U.S. residential buildings as well as associated exposures, excess morbidity, and healthcare costs along with other economic ramifications. Use of formaldehyde in building materials dates to the 1940s and continues today unabated, despite its international classification in 2004 as a human carcinogen. Global production of formaldehyde was about 32 million metric tons (MMT) in 2006. In the U.S., 5.7 ± 0.05 to 7.4 ± 0.125 MMT of formaldehyde were produced annually from 2006 to 2022, with 65 ± 5 % of this mass (3.7 ± 0.03 to 4.8 ± 0.08 MMT) entering building materials. For a typical U.S. residential building constructed in 2022, we determined an average total mass of formaldehyde containing chemicals of 48.2 ± 10.1 kg, equivalent to 207 ± 40 g of neat formaldehyde per housing unit. When extrapolated to the entire U.S. housing stock, this equates to 29,800 ± 5760 metric tons of neat formaldehyde. If the health threshold in indoor air of 0.1 mg/m3 is never surpassed in a residential building, safe venting of embedded formaldehyde would take years. Using reported indoor air exceedances, up to 645 ± 33 excess cancer cases may occur U.S. nationwide annually generating up to US$65 M in cancer treatment costs alone, not counting ~16,000 ± 1000 disability adjusted life-years. Other documents showed health effects of formaldehyde exist, but could not be quantified reliably, including sick building syndrome outcomes such as headache, asthma, and various respiratory illnesses. Opportunities to improve indoor air exposure assessments are discussed with special emphasis on monitoring of building wastewater. Safer alternatives to formaldehyde in building products exist and are recommended for future use.

Optimizing Indoor Air Quality to mitigate Sick Building Syndrome

- In current scenario, where individuals spend the majority of their time indoors, the quality of the indoor air has become increasingly crucial. This research paper investigates the role of optimizing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as a proactive strategy for mitigating Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) within built environments. It examines the relationship between indoor air quality (IAQ) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in workplace settings and explores strategies for enhancing IAQ to mitigate SBS symptoms. Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly impacts human health and well-being, with implications for productivity, comfort, and overall quality of life. To ensure safe and healthy indoor environments, various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have established IAQ standards and guidelines. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of these standards. Moreover, the multifaceted nature of IAQ management is explored through the inclusion of parameters like radon (Rn), relative humidity (RH), and temperature. These factors not only contribute to indoor air quality but also affect occupants' comfort and well-being. By considering both chemical and environmental factors. Key Words: Indoor air quality, mitigate, policies, Sick building syndrome

What effect do mycotoxins, cell wall components, enzymes and other mold components and metabolites have on our health?

AbstractThe AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies) mold guideline “Medical clinical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure”—Update 2023 [44] concludes that there is limited or presumed evidence of a link between indoor dampness/mold exposure and health problems. However, there is inadequate or insufficient evidence for an association between indoor dampness/mold exposure and the environmental medical syndromes sick building syndrome (SBS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Newly coined terms, such as biotoxicosis and mold and vapor hypersensitivity syndrome (MDHS) or volatoxins, suggest a nosological specificity of a pathophysiological connection for which, however, there is no evidence to date. The background to this assessment is presented in this paper.

Several factors affecting sick building syndrome complaints in construction office workers in Jakarta

Introduction: Sick building syndrome is a condition in which people who live or work inside a building experience sudden health and comfort impacts related to time spent inside the building, in the absence of a specific disease or cause that can be identified. This study aims to determine the picture of the risk of sick building syndrome in office workers and complaints of sick building syndrome. Methods: Data obtained from several respondents through axial sampling. Data collection was carried out by filling out questionnaires related to complaints of sick building syndrome that had been validated and observed. Results: Factors that influence complaints of sick building syndrome in office workers of hospital construction projects in Jakarta are room temperature, room humidity, habits of leaving the room during rest, and odor in the room. And complaints that often arise, including complaints of headaches, fatigue as many as 39 people, sore eyes, and dry cough and dizziness. Conclusion: Work environment factors that include room temperature, room humidity, and odors in the room as well as behavioral factors that include the habit of leaving the room are driving factors for the occurrence of sick building syndrome in office workers of hospital construction projects in Jakarta.

The Impact of Sick Building Syndrome and Physical Air Quality on Staff Productivity in the Hospital's Outpatient Room of Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Haji Indonesia

Introduction: The concept of SBS as an occupational health problem is related to air pollution, inadequate ventilation, and indoor air quality in office buildings. Lighting in the RSUD Haji Building still does not meet general and local lighting standards. Complaints of eye fatigue are also felt by administrative staff in the outpatient room of the RSUD Haji Indonesia. This research aimed to examine how physical air quality and sick building syndrome give impact to officer productivity in the outpatient room of the RSUD Haji Indonesia. Methods: This kind of study used a cross-sectional design and was observational. Simple random sampling was utilized in the sampling process, and logistic and linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results and Discussion: Lighting in outpatient rooms that is 100% compliant with standards. The percentage of rooms without proper temperature norms was 21.42%. The rate of rooms with inadequate noise requirements was 17.86%. Spaces without 50% relative humidity norms. SBS symptoms: 10.3% of respondents said they always had itchy skin, and 27.6% said they frequently experienced extreme stress and exhaustion symptoms. Conclusion: There was no effect of temperature, lighting, or noise in the room regarding the sick building syndrome symptoms of officers in the outpatient room, except humidity. However, most workers felt SBS symptoms. Officer productivity was not impacted by the physical quality of the air or by sick building syndrome symptoms.

Breathing Uneasily: Employees' Stories of Coping With Poor Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace.

This phenomenological study aimed to elucidate the lived experiences of employees suffering from poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in their university workplace. It addresses gaps in understanding IAQ's personal impacts from occupants' perspectives. Prior research on sick building syndrome and indoor air pollution utilized quantitative methods to assess physical health outcomes. However, few studies have adopted qualitative approaches to uncover the meanings ascribed to adverse IAQ experiences and their influences on psychosocial well-being. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five university employees who attributed their chronic illnesses to poor IAQ in their 60-year-old office building with a history of IAQ concerns. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using qualitative techniques including thematic coding to extract key themes conveying shared experiences. Employees depicted the building itself as fundamentally "sick" and stigmatized, compelling complex coping behaviors hindering productivity. Communication breakdowns, mistrust in leadership, and strained workplace relationships were prevalent. A sense of betrayal, powerlessness, and a sense of detachment from the workplace emerged with home as a refuge. Although technically adequate, poor IAQ profoundly damaged perceived health, quality of life, relationships, and satisfaction. The accounts emphasize IAQ's psychosocial dimensions, advancing theoretical links between indoor environments and well-being. Supportive policies, transparency, communication, participatory processes, and human-centered strategies emerge as ways to nurture productivity, well-being, and organizational health.

Indoor air quality and sick-building syndrome at a metro station in Tianjin, China

Metro systems play a crucial role in public transportation worldwide. Given that metro stations are unique built environments with a significant volume of daily commuters, ensuring a satisfactory air quality in these spaces becomes paramount. This study involved measurements of indoor air quality (IAQ), staff satisfaction, particulate matter (PM) chemical composition, and heavy metal health risks at a typical metro station in Tianjin over two seasons. Although the air exchange rate was sufficient to maintain a CO2 concentration less than 1000 ppm, the proportion of staff reporting no sick-building symptoms decreased from 83 % in spring to 25 % in winter. An average mass concentration of PM with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) of 68.0 ± 42.2 μg/m3 and an average PM1 mass concentration of 51.8 ± 33.3 μg/m3 were observed on the platform in winter. PM2.5 contained more metal in winter than in spring. PM2.5 in winter contained more metal in winter than in spring. With a lower relative humidity in winter, the coefficient of friction between railway wheels and rails increased, thus increasing particle emission. The carcinogenic risk of Cr on the platform was unacceptable. Moreover, the health risks induced by Ba should be investigated. The findings indicate that PM control at metro stationss, particularly on platforms in winter, should be emphasized.

Assessment of Indoor Air Quality Performance in a Building at Kemaman, Terengganu

Violations of IAQ regulations can lead to sick building syndrome (SBS), which manifests as symptoms like respiratory difficulties, eye irritation, skin issues, and headaches. Monitoring IAQ is crucial for ensuring the well-being of occupants and preventing health issues and reduced productivity. Compliance with IAQ regulations is necessary to avoid legal concerns and penalties. The study aims to evaluates IAQ in accordance with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia's Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (ICOP 2010), which provides guidelines and acceptable limits for physical and chemical contaminants on the impact on occupants' health and comfort in Bangunan Persekutuan Kemaman, a government office building in Terengganu, Malaysia. Objective and subjective measurements were collected to assess physical parameters, chemical contaminants, and ventilation performance indicators. The data revealed that the airflow, relative humidity, and light intensity in the building did not meet the ICOP 2010 standards, indicating the need for repair and maintenance of the mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning (MVAC) system. The subjective survey completed by occupants indicated symptoms such as drowsiness, fatigue, and headaches, which are associated with poor IAQ. The study concludes that improvements are necessary to ensure compliance with IAQ regulations and recommends further research on the relationship between air temperature, relative humidity, and older building designs.

Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms in administrative office at public university

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is an illness among workers linked to time spent in a building. This study aimed to investigate the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) among administrative office workers. The IAQ parameters consist of ventilation performance indicators, and physical and chemical parameters were measured using specified instruments for three days during weekdays. The SBS symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire adopted from the Industry Code of Practice of Indoor Air Quality (ICOP-IAQ) 2010 among 19 employees from the office in East Coast Malaysia. Relationship between past symptoms and present symptoms which are draught (past symptoms) with feeling heavy headed (present symptoms) (r = 0.559, p < 0.05), room temperature too high (past symptoms) was highly correlated with feeling heavy headed (present symptoms) (r = 0.598, p < 0.01) and cough (present symptoms) (r = 0.596, p < 0.01). Room temperature (past symptoms) has a positive medium relationship with cough (present symptoms) (r = 0.477, p < 0.05) and scaling itching scalp or ears (present symptoms) has a relationship between stuffy bad air (r = 0.475, p < 0.05) and dry air (r = 0.536, p < 0.05). There was a significant association between RH with drowsiness (χ2 = 7.090, p = 0.049) and dizziness (χ2 = 7.090, p = 0.049). The association was found between temperature and SBS symptoms between temperature with headache (χ2 = 7.574, p = 0.051), feeling heavy-headed (χ2 = 8.090, p = 0.046), and skin rash itchiness (χ2 = 7.451, p = 0.044). Air movement also showed a positive association with symptoms of feeling heavy-headed (x2 = 8.726, p = 0.021). PM10 has positive significance with SBSS which are feeling heavy-headed (χ2 = 7.980, p = 0.023), and eyer's irritation (χ2 = 7.419, p = 0.038). The conclusion of this study showed that there were positive significant between temperature and relative humidity toward SBSS.

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME: IMPACT OF IDEAL ROOFING ON OCCUPANTS HEALTH

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has been defined as a “set of adverse health or discomfort symptoms that individuals experience when they spend time indoors, particularly in office buildings, and that lessen while away from the building” Apte et al. (2000). Various construction elements such as windows, floors, roof designs and construction methods can substantially increase or reduce health and safety levels. This can affect internal and external environments in workplaces. Therefore, the more sustainable the construction elements, the less hazardous or negative impacts on the building construction, the workforce, the environment, the occupants and vice versa. This study aims to use existing building construction elements and designs in North Cyprus to create a framework for developing and evaluating suitable roofing structures for adequate insulation in the North Cyprus residential buildings. This was achieved through research experiments on the construction of building elements, that is, roofing. Most SBS buildings in Cyprus have no roof structure or adequate insulation. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to prove that wrong roof systems contribute to SBS formation in buildings and the rate of SBS effects on the end users.