Sick Building Syndrome Research Articles

A field study of indoor air quality and occupant perception in experimental laboratories and workshops

Purpose Maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) in the built environment is essential to assure health, safety and productivity of occupants. The purpose of this paper is to report on the preliminary IAQ assessment of selected air-conditioned laboratories and naturally ventilated workshops in a tropical education institution. Design/methodology/approach The concentration levels of five major indoor air pollutants (IAPs) – carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, respirable particulates, formaldehyde (HCHO) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in each sampling area were measured using calibrated air sampling sensors and the tracer-gas analysis was used to determine the ventilation effectiveness. A questionnaire survey was carried out concurrently to study the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) among users of laboratories and workshops and the data collected were statistically analysed using χ2 test. Findings The air pollutant levels were found to be below the threshold limit values set in the local code of practice on IAQ, except for two of the air-conditioned laboratories. This is possibly due to insufficient ventilation, smaller floor area per occupant ratio, long-term exposure to chemical substances, and improper disposal of the used chemical substances. The total particulate levels were higher in naturally ventilated workshops because such spaces were assigned for mechanical works which involved grinding, welding and fabrication. Besides, it was identified that most of the air contaminant levels were not normally distributed (p<0.05) within the sampling areas and SBS like dry eyes, watery eyes, tiredness and dry throat were reported in both laboratories and workshops. The outcomes of this work suggest that an increase of ventilation rate was necessary to reduce the concentration of the IAPs in air-conditioned laboratories and improved housekeeping would help mitigate the prevalence of SBS symptoms. Research limitations/implications This research was carried out in selected laboratories and workshops in a Malaysian educational institution and only five major IAPs stipulated in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) code of practice were measured. Practical implications The results of this study will enable facility engineers and managers to understand the IAPs concentration levels and potential SBS problems in academic laboratories and workshops. The recommended strategies can be considered to improve IAQ conditions in such spaces. Originality/value Most of the previously conducted IAQ studies focused only on commonly occupied building spaces such as offices, classrooms and houses. Information of the quality of air and SBS conditions in experimental facilities in developing nations that is available is currently very limited. This case study provides detailed information on IAQ in laboratories and workshops in Malaysia with focuses on the concentration levels of particular harmful gases, the prevalence of SBS among users of these facilities and the appropriate mitigation strategies. The results presented are of value to both academic and industry communities.

Safety of Use of the Buildings in the Aspect of the Indoor Environmental Quality

Abstract Safety of use of the buildings refers i.a. to ensuring appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions and also health conditions. According to the EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings, there is a need to define the conditions for the classification of objects in terms of indoor microclimate requirements. Evaluating the quality of the interior environment in buildings and specifying the requirements of people staying in them, first of all the values of thermal microclimate parameters and air quality should be taken into account. Long-term influence of disadvantageous of environmental conditions may cause or exacerbate many symptoms associated with abnormal functioning of the organism and lead to the weakness or illness. This phenomenon is called sick building syndrome, and the symptoms of the syndrome such as eyes and respiratory tract irritation, malaise, dizziness and headache or fatigue are linked to time spent in the building. The article presents the results of research on the condition of the interior environment in educational buildings, identifies factors affecting the formation of environmental conditions in the rooms and shows the influence of the interiors environment in buildings on the human body. The relationships between the basic parameters of the interior microclimate and the state of feeling satisfaction with the environmental conditions that surrounds the human are tracked. It was found that in many cases commonly used gravitational ventilation is not able to ensure the proper conditions of the interior microclimate, and the concentrations of carbon dioxide recorded in the tested rooms exceeded the applicable standards.

Analysis of An Indoor Air Quality Antenna for Asthma Management in Children

The extensive of diseases related with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) usually referred to as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Building Related Illness (BRI) has generated concern for technological approach in monitoring and analysis of the quality of air in confine environments. In line with “prevention is better than cure” mantra, such monitoring system is necessary for timely awareness of quality of surrounding air so as to take preventive action not only at the individual level, but also aid prompt diagnosis by the medical personnel. Motivated by the need for an affordable, simple and efficient indoor air quality device for general use at homes, offices and other related confine environment, a sensor node with capability for wireless sensor networking is presented in this study. The proposed device incorporates: sensors to measure major air quality indices: odor, carbon monoxide, dust, humidity, and temperature, LED indicators for prompt visual status alert, memory device (SD card) for off-line data access, and wireless capability for remote data transfer in applications such as web and mobile-apps interfacing. The performance of the system is evaluated in a laboratory scale indoor environment. The results show effectiveness of the system in capturing the air-quality status and providing timely information for proactive action.

Comprehensive review of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol as an indoor air pollutant.

Objectives2‐Ethyl‐1‐hexanol (2EH), a fragrance ingredient and a raw material for the production of plasticizer di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, is responsible for sick building syndrome (SBS). This review aims to clarify the 2EH characteristics as an indoor air pollutant such as indoor air concentration, emission mechanism, toxicity, and clinical effects.MethodsScientific publications in English that has been made available on PubMed as of June 2018 and ad hoc publications in regional languages were reviewed.ResultsInhalation exposure to 2EH caused mucous membrane irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat in experimental animals. Studies in human volunteers revealed an increase in olfactory irritation and eye discomfort. There has been increasing evidence of 2EH being present in indoor air in buildings. The primary sources of 2EH emissions are not building materials themselves, but instead the hydrolysis of plasticizers and flooring adhesives. In particular, compounds like di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate present in polyvinyl chloride flooring materials are hydrolyzed upon contact with alkaline moisture‐containing concrete floors. That being said, it may be observed that indoor concentrations of 2EH increased every year during summer.ConclusionsUnlike other volatile organic compounds that cause SBS, 2EH can be retained in indoor air for long durations, increasing the likelihood of causing undesirable health effects in building occupants exposed to it. As a precautionary measure, it is important to use flooring materials that do not emit 2EH by hydrolysis, or to dry concrete before covering with flooring materials.

Allergic Asthma and Sick building syndrome

Allergic Asthma and Sick building syndrome

Autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants: what is it and why the controversy?

Autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) is a group of autoimmune diseases with possible adjuvant-associated causes, such as siliconosis, macrophagic myofasciitis syndrome, Gulf War syndrome, sick building syndrome, and postvaccination autoimmune phenomena. Over time, an international registry with over 500 patients has been established for this conglomeration of rare syndromes. In spite of this, the very existence of ASIA has been debated at times and the diagnostic criteria have come under criticism. The cause-effect relationship between adjuvants and autoimmune phenomenon is difficult to prove due to lack of precisely defined time range between exposure and disease and also due to numerous exposures to adjuvants a person may have in his or her lifetime. The current article attempts at reviewing the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and evidence for/against the existence of the disease.

Interior Materials Combination and Perceived Indoor Air Quality

The materials used in the buildings, either as surface structural materials or as furnishings, are mostly the sources of indoor air pollution. Interior surfaces are generally accepted as the main source of indoor TVOCs emissions. The poor indoor microclimate quality can cause the sick building syndrome, as well as negatively affects the people activities and wellbeing. In recent years the needs of indoor air quality and building performance improvement have been increasing. The indoor materials impact on perceived indoor air quality for various surface interior materials and its combination was studied within this paper. Traditional and progressive materials comparison reveals new fact regarding the TVOCs concentration. The task of the study was to investigate the possibility using individual material surfaces sorption ability. The chemical analysis and sensory assessments identifies health adverse of indoor air pollutants (TVOCs). Also we can use knowledge about the targeted use of sorption effect already in the building design phase. The results demonstrate the various sorption abilities of various indoor materials as well as various sorption ability of the same indoor material in various combinations.

PERFORMANCE OF A GREEN BUILDING'S INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ON BUILDING OCCUPANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is important to the health, comfort, and well-being of building occupants. Unsatisfactory IEQ is associated with a number of phenomena, most notably, sick building syndrome (SBS), building-related illnesses (BRIs), and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), which have major negative effects on productivity. However, green building investors (owners) are not only concerned about reducing the negative impact of their buildings on the environment, but also about the potentially negative impact green buildings can have on their employees' productivity. This research sets out to address, through a questionnaire survey in South Africa, what constitutes the determinants of green building occupants' satisfaction with the IEQ elements of a green building and the health implications of a building's IEQ on the building occupants. Data analysis (involving a one-sample t-test) reveals some interesting findings in regard to what constitutes the determinants of green building occupants' satisfaction with the IEQ elements and the health implications of the IEQ elements of a five-star green rated building in South Africa. Findings from the survey revealed that the occupants of the building were not satisfied with the green building's IEQ, most especially the ineffectiveness of blocking natural and artificial lighting. Also, it was revealed that the IEQ with particular reference to the noise level and ventilation of the space has some serious health implications for the building occupants. The occupants' evaluation revealed that the major health issues from which they suffer include fatigue, headache, common cold, coughing, and influenza, and these affect their productivity and performance. Since building occupants are a rich source of information about IEQ assessment and its effect on productivity, the study can be used to assess the performance of green buildings, identify areas needing improvement, and provide useful feedback to designers and operators about specific aspects of green building design features and operating strategies that need improvement. This study adds to the body of knowledge on green buildings' IEQ performance.

Relative Humidity, RH (%), a Problem or Not in Swedish Buildings

In 1972, the oil producing countries implemented an oil embargo on a number of states, including Sweden. During this period, oil was an important raw material for Sweden. The oil accounted for nearly 40% of Sweden’s total energy supply and was an extremely important source of heating for the Swedish building stock. Subsequently, restrictions from Swedish authorities have been introduced into how energy can be used. The purpose of these restrictions is to reduce energy consumption and a part of this is that new requirements have been introduced on how buildings should be designed. The changes have had negative consequences as people, who live in these types of buildings, claim that they suffer from health problems, which are referred to as “building related illness”. The purpose of this project is to examine how the structural changes regarding air exchange and windows carried out after the oil embargo in 1972, have affected the climate and environment in Swedish buildings. The aim is to investigate whether there are links between these changes and assertions about building-related illness. From an energy point of view, windows are a delicate building component and the project includes studying the effect of using an external roller shutter. Furthermore, the project aims to investigate how the environment and climate in Swedish buildings are experienced at the user level and how authorities assess the scope and effect of the measures they have implemented. The results show that unhealthily low levels of the relative humidity generally prevail in the Swedish housing stock and that the changes in the construction carried out after the oil embargo in 1972, regarding air exchange systems and window designs, reinforce the problem. With regard to various design alternatives, it is necessary in Sweden to consider the prevailing climate and environmental conditions and that the energy efficiency of the buildings is good.

Indoor Air Quality in the Hospital: The Influence of Heating, Ventilating and Conditioning Systems

Abstract Clean, fresh air is the most important requirement for good indoor air quality (IAQ) in all buildings, but it is especially important with regard to the environments within hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The literature indicates that buildings with heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems may have an increased risk of sick building syndrome (SBS) and building-related illness (BRI) if they are not well maintained. Microorganisms are brought into hospitals by people, air currents, water, construction materials and equipment. The main objective of this study was to assess the degree of fungal and bacterial contamination in the University Clinical Centre in Banja Luka, which is directly connected to the HVAC system. Airborne bacteria and fungi in the indoor hospital environment were assessed experimentally. Air samples were collected during the winter season. This paper presents the results related to the concentration of microorganisms expressed in colony forming units per cubic metre of air sampled (in CFU/m3) together with the microclimatic parameters temperature and relative humidity. The results of monitoring indicate the effectiveness of HVAC systems in reducing microbiological contamination.

The effect of air conditioners on occupants’ thermal adaptive behaviours and wellbeing: advances and challenges

To study the impact of air conditioners (AC) on occupants’ behaviours and comfort, two comparison surveys were conducted during hot summer weather before and after air conditioners were installed in student dormitories at Chongqing University in 2008 and 2016, respectively. The results showed that after the ACs were installed, occupants’ environmental satisfaction vote was notably higher irrespective of whether the equipment was used. The proportion of ACs used (PAU) in 2016 and the proportion of fans used (PFU) in 2008 were logistically fit with the outside temperatures, and these data displayed very similar trends. However, less variety in adaptive behaviours was evident after the ACs were installed. When ACs were used, lower proportions of windows were opened (13%) and higher proportions of occupants felt stuffy (54%), experienced draughts (38%), and reported sick building syndrome (SBS). This study provides scientific insight into the advances and problems caused by the popularization of ACs.

Acoustical Perceptions of Building Occupants on Indoor Environmental Quality in Naturally-Ventilated Building Façades

Accelerated growth of urban population and motor vehicles has resulted in constant exposure to urban traffic noise that is one of the significant environmental stressors in urban environments. The aim of this research as a preliminary study is to evaluate acoustical perceptions of building occupants on their dwelling satisfaction with outdoor traffic noise through naturally-ventilated glazed building facades in the Seoul metropolitan area. This area has the highest population density among the largest countries of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). First, quantitative data of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound levels (LAeq) at six sites in the Seoul metropolitan area were analyzed, showing that LAeq exceeded the thresholds of noise level standards, 65 dB(A) for day-time (06:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 55 dB(A) for night-time (10:00 PM to 06:00 AM) respectively. Second, a questionnaire survey was conducted to find the environmental impacts of urban noise transmission on building occupants’ comfort and their ventilation behaviors. It showed that approximately 87% of building occupants (n = 92) used mechanical ventilation systems rather than window ventilation methods. Eighty-two percent of participants have experienced sick building syndrome (SBS)-related symptoms such as skin irritations or coughs. Thirty-three percent of the respondents were deterred from opening windows for natural ventilation due to outdoor traffic noise transmission, and 49% of respondents complained mostly of poor task productivity. The survey outcomes propose the importance of acoustically-treated ventilation openings in naturally-ventilated glazed building facades for building occupants’ indoor environmental quality in high-noise urban areas.

The quality of the microclimate in educational buildings subjected to thermal modernization

Realization and exploitation of buildings involves in European Union about 40% of total energy consumption [1]. One of the elements of rationalization of energy consumption in buildings are the undertakings related with thermal modernization of buildings. The actions related with reducing the energy intensity of buildings are not always correlated with improvement of microclimate conditions in the rooms. Errors in the implementation of the energy efficiency program led to the phenomenon of sick building syndrome. The paper presents the results of the research conducted in a few educational buildings before and after thermal modernization. The research includes energy consumption for the heating of building and selected parameters of the interior microclimate. This analysis was carried out to evaluate the influence of energy saving activities on microclimate interior conditions. It was found that in many cases commonly used gravitational ventilation is not able to ensure the proper conditions of the interior microclimate, and the concentrations of carbon dioxide recorded in the tested rooms exceeded the applicable standards.

Biomimetic: a new strategy for a passive sustainable ventilation system design in hot and arid regions

The present research aimed to develop an innovative strategy based on biologically inspired technologies for the design of a passive ventilation and cooling system through the implementation of biomimetic principles for an existing typical urban residential configuration lot in South East of Algeria. Summer cooling, for the present case study, is based highly on mechanical means for cooling and ventilating, and dwellings suffer sick building syndrome, lack of natural ventilation, and high overall energy consumption. Humans desiring to improve their lives have always checked nature for solutions and inspirations. They were helped by scientific approaches to find, extract, and adapt some mechanisms and strategies from nature to engineer novel devices and resolve existing problems and challenges. The article reviews the various aspects of biomimetics addressing natural ventilation and develops a strategic methodology as a bio-problem solver. The main goal of this strategy is supporting the abstraction of natural systems that have been selected to enhance the performance of building so that its design is responsive to its internal and external environment, through transforming the main results of the biomimicry procedure to design concepts. A comparative study has been set up to demonstrate the viability of the new approach using CFD simulations and thermal performance analysis. It has been proved that the proposed system improves the living conditions and the occupant comfort and provides an effective ventilation strategy to refresh the air, removes unwanted smells from cooking, and guarantees occupant comfort. The results show clearly that the new system of ventilation improves flow rates in the building and therefore the ventilation behavior and the thermal comfort.

Building characteristics and sick building syndrome among primary school students

Background: The sick building syndrome (SBS) describes situations in which building occupants experience acute negative physical and mental effects linked to the time spent in a contaminated area without any identified illness. Objective: The study was carried out in order to assess the prevalence of SBS among primary school students in Qom, Iran, and the association between SBS symptoms and personal, psychosocial and environmental factors. Method: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 24 primary schools in different regions of Qom, Iran, from 15 September 2014 to 27 February 2015. Four hundred and twenty students, comprising an equal number of randomly selected males and females, aged 7-13 years, participated in the study. A standardized questionnaire was completed by 397 (94.5 %) students. Data was then analysed using SPSS software. Results: Twenty four percent of students, comprising 65.3% of female and 34.7% of male students, had SBS. The most frequent symptom of SBS was headache identified in 39 (10%) cases. A significant difference was observed between SBS symptoms and gender ( p = 0.001). Whilst SBS had a significant direct correlation with the age of the school building ( p = 0.001) there was a significant inverse correlation with ventilation (p=0.002) and the student satisfaction with the size and lighting of classrooms ( p = 0.02). Conclusions: Prevalence of SBS among students of primary schools in the city of Qom, Iran was 24%. Statistically significant associations were observed between SBS and gender, ventilation, age of school building and student satisfaction with the size and lighting of classrooms. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health , 2018; 47 (4) : 332-337

Identification of Legionella, Indoor Air Quality and Employee Sick Building Syndrome Complaints in Installation of Blood Transfusion- Dr. Soetomo Hospital

Indoor air pollution was one of the factors causing global health problems because most people do activities in the room contaminated by pollutant materials. AC system was one of the factors that influence the air quality of the room. Improper maintenance to central air conditioning that was potentially as a breeding place for pathogenic microorganisms such as Legionella bacteria and decrease indoor air quality causing health problems of workers that is sick building syndrome. The purpose of this research was to know the existence of Legionella pathogen bacteria, indoor air quality such as physical and air bacteria number and sick building syndrome complaints on the officer at Blood Transfusion Installation of Dr.Soetomo Hospital. This study was an observational study with cross sectional study design and the results are compared with Minister of Health Decree No.1204 / Menkes / SK / X / 2004 about environmental health requirements of hospitals and Permenkes RI No.83 of 2014 about Blood Transfusion Unit. The results of identification in the water distribution system for clean water and AC Central using BCYE culture method was not found Legionella bacteria. The result of the measurement of the number of airborne germs has fulfilled the health requirements according to Minister of health Decree No.1204 / Menkes / SK / X / 2004 Environmental Health Requirements of hospital but the result of physical quality (temperature and humidity) was more than standart RI Minister of health Decree No.1204 / Menkes / SK / X / 2004 and Rule of Health Minister No.83/2014 about Blood Transfusion Unit. The result of this study showed that 84% staffs get sick building syndrome complaint. The most sick building syndrome complaints were dry eye (66,7%) and nasal congestion (61,9%).

Sick building syndrome, a crossroad in modern occupational medicine assessment

Abstract Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a complex syndrome consisting of non-specific symptoms with an onset associated with subjects’ presence in some modern building and the disappearance of symptoms shortly after they leave it. The effects of SBS may be the result of a series of protective reactions of the human body triggered by various types of surrounding environment, further suggesting that the human response could be based on a three-phase biological model: sensory perception, low degree inflammatory reactions and environmental stress reactions. Besides stress created by the discomfort of people who develop symptoms, SBS is the cause of an extensive loss of productivity, sickness absenteeism, wasted time in complaints with all the legal punitive issues that arise from them. The subjects diagnosed with SBS are hard to follow-up over time due to workers often leaving their jobs and being lost from cohort databases. Achieving a reputation of a “sick building” may prove difficult to rehabilitate even after expensive repairs and upgrades. In extreme cases closure and even demolition can occur. SBS is an evolving concept and this review we will present part of this evolution and what are the major challenges for its definition.

Review of the potential health effects of light and environmental exposures in underground workplaces

Underground workplaces are an important element in modern urban planning. As a result, an increasing but unquantified proportion of the population is being regularly exposed to them. We narratively reviewed the literature on the range of possible environmental exposures, and the possible health effects, to identify future research directions. There is a large but mainly observational research literature on likely underground exposures, including effects of artificial lighting, shift working and light at night on circadian disruptions and associated health effects. There are five studies comparing underground and aboveground environments. Shift working, artificial lighting and poor sleep quality leading to circadian disruption is one physiologic pathway. Working underground may increase exposure to these risks, and may also be associated with vitamin D deficiency, sick building syndrome, excessive noise, radon exposure, and negative psychological effects. In order to plan appropriate interventions, we need to expand our knowledge of the health effects of underground environments. Larger and longer-term studies are required to measure a range of human factors, environmental exposures and confounders. Controlled trials with health economic analyses of new lighting technologies are also required.

A Review of Performance Specifications and Studies of Trickle Vents

The air quality of indoor spaces is the most significant parameter in providing a healthy living environment. Low indoor air quality (IAQ) leads to Sick Building Syndrome—one of the major reasons for labor loss in office buildings. The fundamental measure to ensure indoor air quality is ventilation, which includes two basic types: mechanical ventilation and natural ventilation. Natural ventilation is an exchange of stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air by means of a pressure difference due to wind and/or stack effect. Trickle Vents, known also as background ventilators, are natural ventilation devices which can be integrated into façades or window systems as an alternative to operable vents, specifically in high-rise buildings. The major design criteria of Trickle Vents are ventilation capacity, controllability, actuation, thermal insulation, air permeability, water tightness, climatic adaptation, security, and acoustic attenuation. Other important parameters in Trickle Vents design are positioning, equivalent area, and control strategy. This paper aims to review all these aspects, particularly with reference to building regulations and commercial products. Furthermore, simulation, experimental, monitoring, and survey studies of Trickle Vents are also discussed. This literature review is presented from the perspective of performance parameters, control strategies, positioning, etc., with an aim to provide a comprehensive overview of such technology.

Internet of Things Application in Monitoring Sick Building Syndrome

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a health condition whereby a patient is presented with either vague temporary symptoms such as fatigue, aches and sensitivity to odour or more significant temporary symptoms such as itchy eyes, skin rashes and nasal allergy when they are in a building. Numerous factors have been associated with SBS, but the lack of an accurate diagnosis for these symptoms make treatment more difficult, as risk of treating the patient with wrong diagnosis is relative when the cause root is not known. Thus, taking a preventive approach is a more viable solution to the problem. In this paper, a simple, mobile and cost efficient Internet of Things (IoT) based SBS system is proposed. The system is built using Raspberry Pi minicomputer that would then be integrated with an IoT middleware. The middleware would enable the user to monitor parameters that are to be tested; which are temperature, humidity, light, sound and dust. Three IoT middleware are used to evaluate which one works best for the SBS system proposed. The combination of recorded sensor data would then be used to determine whether or not the building is causing SBS to the occupant. The studies show that FavorIoT platform is the most suitable IoT platform to be used with the SBS system and the system has successfully identified whether or not a building is causing SBS.