Building-related Symptoms Research Articles

How do occupants experience the onset and triggering of building-related symptoms in damp Australian housing? An inductive-deductive content analysis

In recent years, occupants’ time spent in dwellings has increased concurrently with an increase in the duration and intensity of extreme weather events and the worsening of housing conditions. Indoor dampness and or mould (D/M) are risk factors for building-related symptoms (BRS), yet little is known about how symptoms start, thus hindering where to focus indoor air quality measurements and improvements in occupant safety. This study describes perceived symptom initiators, triggers and coinciding factors that explain what and how symptoms occurred from the perspectives of occupants living with indoor D/M. This study uses an inductive/deductive qualitative analysis, with purposive sampling (n = 154) from data collected via an online survey. Deductive content analysis utilises a framework driven by the Determinants of Health (DoH). Themes that emerged from the inductive analysis include: 1) when occupants or others interact with D/M; 2) when indoor D/M conditions change; and 3) a home full of D/M problems. From the deductive analysis, perceived exposure relating to D/M conditions differed between the initial onset of symptoms and the later triggering of symptoms. Additional coinciding factors relating to climate, socioeconomic, policy and individual factors along with a lack of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, emerged. This study highlights the need to raise occupant awareness, enhance housing and occupancy regulations, and introduce safe work practices to address the lack of health awareness and health significance regarding indoor D/M housing conditions. It also outlines the need for targeted research measuring bioaerosol exposure related to actions, proximity-based exposure, and wet and repeatedly wet conditions.

Onset characteristics and breadth of occupants’ long-lasting building-related symptoms attributed to living in damp housing conditions in Australia: Qualitative insights

Few studies explore persistent building-related symptoms in a residential context. Additionally, a growing body of literature suggests symptoms related to indoor building dampness and mould (D/M) may present as a broader set of symptoms than previously thought. In this study, we performed deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis, using a Long COVID-19 symptom category framework, to analyse first person responses to open-ended symptom questions from an online survey. This study describes 154 residential occupants’ self-reported symptomatic experiences, at the onset of symptoms perceived to be related to living with indoor D/M. The majority of occupants experienced 3 or more D/M indicators and reported multiple concurrent symptoms that came on gradually and persisted for 1 year or more, significantly impacting quality of life. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, led by brain fog, headaches, sleep issues and memory loss, were the most prevalent symptom category, however new categories emerged for hypersensitivities, increased occurrence of infections and asthma-related symptoms. Occupants with short-term (1–30 days) and long-term (2 years or more) experience of living with D/M conditions reported long-lasting symptoms. In conclusion, in providing deeper insights into the symptomatic experiences of occupants, this study highlights the need for a framework that encompasses the breadth of symptoms and their system categories. It also provides a nuanced understanding of the characteristics of symptom onset and prevalence.

The association between clustering based on composition of volatile organic compound in indoor air and building-related symptoms

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been suspected to cause building-related symptoms (BRSs). Although some studies investigated the association between BRSs and VOCs in indoor air, those results were inconsistent. This study investigated the contamination status of VOCs in the indoor air of 154 houses in Japan. Additionally, these samples were grouped by hierarchical clustering analysis based on the VOC composition, and the relationship between a VOC cluster and the BRSs was investigated. The median concentration of the sum of VOCs (ΣVOCs) was 140 μg m−3 (range: 18–3500 μg m−3). The levels of acetaldehyde in four samples and p-dichlorobenzene in one sample exceeded the guideline value. As a result of the hierarchical clustering analysis, the samples in this study were divided into six characteristic clusters based on the VOC composition. The ΣVOCs in cluster 1 were significantly lower than those in other clusters. In cluster 2, acyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons were dominant. Cluster 3 had a relatively high proportion of limonene. In cluster 4, the concentrations and composition ratios of α-pinene were higher than those of other clusters. In cluster 5, p-dichlorobenzene accounted for 42 %–72 % of the total VOCs. Cluster 6 had a relatively high proportion of decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane. This clustering likely depended on the construction of houses and lifestyles. As a result of logistic regression analysis, cluster 5 was associated with the cough symptoms of the BRSs. The results of the present study suggest that investigating the association between VOCs and BRSs is necessary to consider not only total concentrations such as TVOC and ΣVOCs but also VOC composition.

Sick building syndrome and its associated factors among adult people living in Hodan district Moqadishu Somalia

Background: Sick building syndrome (SBS) consists of a group of mucosal, skin, and general symptoms temporally that is related to residential buildings of unclear causes. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the prevalence and contributing factors of SBS in adult people living in Hodan district, Mogadishu Somalia.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from September to October 2022 using a convenient sampling to include 261 individuals. The data was collected through structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. SBS was assessed using 15 building-related symptoms and four socio-demographic characteristics. Five SBS conformation criteria were used. Descriptive statistics were presented, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the dependent and independent variables.Results: The prevalence of SBS was 41% from the total of 261 participants. Based on the findings, SBS had a significant association with being female [AOR = 3.044, 95% CI = (1.813, 5.110)], lack of functional windows [AOR = 3.543, 95% CI = (1.293, 9.710)], fungal growth in the buildings [AOR = 3.433, 95% CI = (1.223, 9.638)], recent use of pesticides, paints, and solvents [AOR = 2.541, 95% CI = (1.018, 6.343)], cooking inside building [AOR = 4.709, 95% CI = (1.469, 15.095)], outdoor air pollutant [AOR = 6.364, 95% CI = (2.387, 16.966)], use of charcoal for cooking [AOR = 1.846, 95% CI = (1.013, 3.365)], incensing habits of occupants [AOR = 4.375, 95% CI = (2.303, 8.308)] fan use [AOR = 2.067, 95% CI = (1.099, 3.886)] and dust in the living rooms [AOR = 5.151, 95% CI = (2.380, 11.152).Conclusion: SBS had a significant association with occupants’ sex, lack of functional windows, fungal growth in the buildings, recent use of pesticides, paints, and solvents, cooking inside the building, outdoor air pollutants, use of charcoal for cooking, incensing habits of occupants, and dust in the living rooms. High prevalence and poor understanding of sick building syndrome could threaten the health status of the occupants. Measures such as mass health education on identifiable risk factors should be taken to cope with these problems.

Associations between symptoms, modern health worries, and somatosensory amplification in patients with building-related symptoms

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to investigate the associations between somatosensory amplification, modern health worries (MHWs), and symptoms among patients with building-related symptoms (BRS). MethodsPatients with self-reported and medically confirmed BRS (n = 83) were included in this cross-sectional study. The Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) was used to quantify the tendency to amplify somatic sensations and perceive them as unpleasant and dangerous. Concerns about harmful effects of modern technologies were assessed with the Modern Health Worries Scale (MHWS). Symptoms commonly found in different forms of environmental intolerance were assessed with the Environmental Hypersensitivity Symptom Inventory (EHSI). ResultsPatients with BRS were characterized by more frequent and more severe environmental hypersensitivity symptoms compared to a reference population. Females and those with co-morbid self-reported chemical intolerance reported even more symptoms. MHWS and SSAS scores showed weak to moderate associations with symptoms, even after adjusting for socio-economic variables. However, neither the mean MHWS score or the SSAS score of our sample differed from normative scores. ConclusionPatients with BRS are not characterized by elevated levels of MHWs and somatosensory amplification, thus other, psychosocial and/or environmental, factors may have contributed to the development of the condition. However, the associations between severity of symptoms and MHWs and somatosensory amplification suggest that psychosocial characteristics may substantially influence symptom experience in this group.

Moisture damage and fungal contamination in buildings are a massive health threat - a surgeon's perspective.

Indoor air toxicity is of major public health concern due to the increase in humidity-induced indoor mould exposure and associated health changes. The objective is to present evidence for the causality of health threats and indoor mould exposure. PubMed search on the following keywords: dampness, mould, indoor air quality, public health, dampness, and mould hypersensitivity syndrome, sick building syndrome, and building-related illness as well as information from the health authorities of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, the Center of Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organisation (WHO), and guidelines of professional societies. The guidelines of professional societies published in 2017 are decisive for the assessment of the impact of mould pollution caused by moisture damage on human health and for official regulations in Germany. Until 2017, a causal connection between moisture damage and mould exposure could usually only be established for pulmonary diseases. The health risk of fungal components is apparent as documented in the fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL) of the WHO. Since 2017, studies, especially in Scandinavia, have proved causality between moisture and mould exposure not only for pulmonary diseases but also for extrapulmonary diseases and symptoms. This was made possible by new test methods for determining the toxicity of fungal components in indoor air. Environmental medical syndromes, e.g., dampness and mould hypersensitivity syndrome (DMHS), sick building syndrome (SBS), building-related symptoms (BRS), and building-related illness (BRI), and fungal pathogens, e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus, pose a major threat to public health. There is evidence for the causality of moisture-induced indoor moulds and severe health threats in these buildings. According to these findings, it is no longer justifiable to ignore or trivialize the mould contamination induced by moisture damage and its effects on pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases. The health and economic implications of these attitudes are clear.

Stress and Sleep in Relation to Severity of Building Related Symptoms.

This study investigates different aspects of stress and sleep in medically examined individuals with varying severity of building-related symptoms (BRS). Three questionnaires were used to assess acute and long-term stress and sleep (Perceived Stress Scale; Shirom Melamed Burnout Questionnaire, and Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire). Individuals with BRS, regardless of severity, did not differ in level of perceived stress (indicator of short-term stress). The indicators of long-term stress differed between the groups where an increased severity was associated with higher levels of burnout and sleep problems. The study suggests an association between symptom severity and measures of long-term stress and sleep quality. This has implications for the treatment of persons affected by BRS, because not only the environment needs to be treated, but also the concurrent signs of distress, such as burnout or sleep problems.

Determining ventilation strategies to relieve health symptoms among school occupants

PurposePoor indoor air quality (IAQ) contributing to occupants’ health symptoms is a universal, typically ventilation-related, problem in schools. In cold climates, low-cost strategies to improve IAQ in a naturally ventilated school are rare since conventional methods, such as window opening, are often inappropriate. This paper aims to present an investigation of strategies to relieve health symptoms among school occupants in naturally ventilated school in Finland.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is adopted to thoroughly investigate the process of generating the alternatives of ventilation redesign in a naturally ventilated school where there have been complaints of health symptoms. First, the potential sources of the occupants’ symptoms are identified. Then, the strategies aiming to reduce the symptoms are compared and evaluated.FindingsIn a naturally ventilated school, health symptoms that are significantly caused by insufficient ventilation can be potentially reduced by implementing a supply and exhaust ventilation system. Alternatively, it is possible to retain the natural ventilation with reduced number of occupants. The selected strategy would depend considerably on the desired number of users, the budget and the possibilities to combine the redesign of ventilation with other refurbishment actions. Furthermore, the risk of poorer indoor air caused by the refurbishment actions must also be addressed and considered.Practical implicationsThis study may assist municipal authorities and school directors in decisions concerning improvement of classroom IAQ and elimination of building-related symptoms. This research provides economic aspects of alternative strategies and points out the risks related to major refurbishment actions.Originality/valueSince this study presents a set of features related to indoor air that contribute to occupants’ health as well as matters to be considered when aiming to decrease occupants’ symptoms, it may be of assistance to municipal authorities and practitioners in providing a healthier indoor environment for pupils and teachers.

Is indoor environment a risk factor of building-related symptoms?

The indoor environment, particularly indoor air quality (IAQ), is significantly associated with building-related symptoms (BRSs) in humans. In our previous studies, we demonstrated a significant relationship between BRSs and indoor chemical concentrations. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) guideline recommends an air quality target of 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a provisional target of 400 μg/m3 for total VOCs (TVOC). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between TVOC levels and the risk of BRSs using the Japanese provisional target TVOC level of 400 μg/m3. The relationship between odor intensity and BRSs while the TVOC levels were under 400 μg/m3 was also examined. The study was conducted in a laboratory house (LH) on the campus of Chiba University from 2017-2019. The study included 149 participants who spent 60 minutes in the LH. The participants were asked to evaluate the IAQ of the LH. A significant relationship between the risk of BRSs and the provisional target TVOC level was observed (odds ratio: 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-7.35). Furthermore, a significant relationship between odor intensity and risk of BRSs in spaces with TVOC levels less than 400 μg/m3 was detected (odds ratio: 6.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.21-30.44). In conclusion, the risk of BRSs is significantly lower in spaces with low TVOC levels and low odor intensity. Reducing the concentration of airborne chemicals and odor intensity may improve IAQ and prevent BRSs.

Impact of Air Conditioners on Sick Building Syndrome, Sickness Absenteeism, and Lung Functions.

Modernization has led to greater usage of Air Conditioners (ACs) in our daily lives. It is observed that the occupants of office buildings with ACs consistently report on average more symptoms than do occupants of office buildings with natural ventilation referred to as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The appearance of symptoms reduces work efficiency and increases absenteeism due to sickness (sickness absenteeism). Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the impact of usage of ACs on SBS and to find out the association of ACs with sickness absenteeism and lung function tests. This study was conducted on 200 healthy non-smoker adults in the age group of 18 to 45 years who were using ACs for at least 6 to 8 h/day for more than 2 years (group I). And 200 healthy adults, age and gender-matched, with the same work pattern, not using ACs at all served as controls (group II). The basic information on the usage of ACs and the prevalence of discomfort related to neural symptoms, respiratory symptoms, and skin and mucous membrane related to SBS was obtained through a questionnaire. The building-related symptoms in group I males were more compared to group II males and significantly higher in group I males compared to females. We observed that the appearance of symptoms of SBS led to sickness absenteeism among group I participants. Lung function tests especially FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and MVV were significantly reduced among group I males and females compared to group II males and females. ACs have a profound effect on the quality of the air we breathe and on human health than just lowering the temperature. There is a higher prevalence of SBS-Respiratory and allergic symptoms in AC users.

Impact of Exposure to Indoor Air Chemicals on Health and the Progression of Building-Related Symptoms: A Case Report

The aetiology of building-related symptoms (BRSs) is not well supported by sufficient scientific evidence, and it remains unclear whether BRSs are mediated by psychosocial and personal factors or a genuine physical susceptibility to low-dose chemical exposure. In April 2014, a 40-year-old man consulted the Environmental Medical Clinic at Chiba University complaining of recurring BRSs. Indoor air samples were collected from the patient’s house at 11 time points and subjected to chemical analyses. The patient simultaneously completed a questionnaire about his symptoms at the time of the measurements. Statistical examination of the indoor environmental factors and patient survey revealed that the patient’s symptoms were highly correlated with the indoor air quality. Additionally, ventilation may have mitigated his BRSs, whereas aerial odour did not trigger symptoms. These findings suggest that exposure to specific airborne chemicals in an indoor environment can cause BRSs, and ventilation may be one of the treatment options to mitigate symptoms. Additional investigations on the adverse impacts of airborne environmental chemicals on human health are necessary to develop effective treatments and establish preventive measures for BRSs, and further improvement of ventilation systems is required to ensure clean indoor air.

A longitudinal study on the effects of hygro-thermal conditions and indoor air pollutants on building-related symptoms in office buildings.

We conducted a longitudinal epidemiological study for over 1year in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, beginning June 2015, to examine the association between indoor environmental factors and building-related symptoms (BRSs) in office workers. Data were obtained from 483 subjects (225 females and 258 males) in 24 office rooms in 11 office buildings. Environmental monitoring was conducted for hygro-thermal conditions and carbon dioxide and sampling was performed for indoor air pollutants. Questionnaires were concurrently administered to collect information on participants' perceptions of their comfort and health and the conditions of the work environments. Multivariable analyses revealed that upper respiratory symptoms were significantly correlated with a decrease in both relative [odds ratio (OR): 0.77; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.62-0.95; p=0.014] and absolute humidity (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81-0.97; p=0.008). Statistically, significant evidence was found that average relative humidity of <38% (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.36-5.27; p=0.004) showed the most significant association with increased risk of upper respiratory symptoms. Air concentrations of carbon dioxide showed no significant correlation with BRSs at mean concentrations <1000 ppm in most buildings surveyed. Most indoor air pollutant concentrations were relatively low or lower than the values set by indoor air quality guidelines and the values of thresholds for sensory irritation. Air concentrations of indoor air pollutants showed no significant correlation with BRSs. Our data emphasize the importance of appropriate humidity control during low humidity in winter.

Changes in Reported Symptoms Attributed to Office Environments in Sweden between 1995 and 2020.

Non-specific building-related symptoms (NBRSs) describe various symptoms in those affected. Questionnaires are the first step in investigating suspected NBRSs in office environments and have been used for over two decades. However, changes in reporting of symptoms among office workers over time are currently unknown. The overall aim was thus to investigate if reported symptoms and perceived causality to the office environment have changed during 25 years of using the MM 040 NA Office questionnaire. A cross-sectional study of 26,477 questionnaires from 1995–2020 was conducted, where 12 symptoms and perceived causality to office environment were examined using logistic regression analyses of 5-year groups adjusted for sex and atopy. Reporting trends in the year groups varied slightly among symptoms, but eight symptoms were statistically significant in the 2015–2020 group compared to the 1995–1999 group. Seven symptoms had increased: fatigue, heavy-feeling head, headache, difficulties concentrating, itchy/irritated eyes, congested/runny nose, and dry/red hands. One symptom decreased: hoarseness/dry throat. Perceived causality of symptoms to the office environment decreased to a statistically significant degree in 2015–2020 for 11 symptoms, and there was an overall trend of decreasing perceived causality throughout the year groups for most symptoms. The observed time trends suggest a need for up-to-date reference data, to keep up with changes in symptom reporting in office environments over time.

Odor perception and symptoms during acrolein exposure in individuals with and without building-related symptoms

Building-related symptoms (BRS) is a significant work-related and public health problem, characterized by non-specific symptoms occurring in a particular building. The cause of BRS is unknown, but certain reactive compounds are suggested risk factors. The aim of this controlled exposure study was to investigate whether BRS cases report more odor annoyance and symptoms and show altered autonomous nervous system (ANS) response during exposure to the reactive aldehyde, acrolein in comparison with referents. Individuals with BRS (n = 18) and referents (n = 14) took part in two exposure sessions (80 min). One session contained heptane alone, and the other heptane and acrolein. Perceived odor annoyance; eye, nose, and throat symptoms; and ANS response were measured continuously. BRS cases did not experience more odor annoyance; eye, nose, and throat symptoms; or altered ANS response in comparison with referents during the exposures. Supplementary analyses revealed that BRS cases that also reported chemical intolerance perceived more symptoms than referents during acrolein exposure. Acrolein exposure at a concentration below previously reported sensory irritation detection thresholds is perceived as more irritating by a subgroup of BRS individuals compared with referents. The results of this study indicate that a subset of individuals with building related symptoms (BRS) has a lowered sensory irritation threshold towards acrolein exposure. Future guidelines on chemical exposures to acrolein should take time and individual sensitivity into account.

Symptoms and oxylipins in plasma before and after exposure to rooms in which individuals have both experienced and not experienced building-related symptoms – an exploratory study

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate if there are differences in symptom ratings and plasma concentrations of oxylipins as a measure of acute inflammation between individuals with building-related symptoms (BRS) and referents during exposure to rooms where people experienced BRS and rooms where they did not experience BRS. Medically examined individuals with BRS and healthy, age and sex matched referents working in the same building were exposed for 60 min. Ratings of symptoms and collection of blood to measure oxylipins in plasma were performed before and after each exposure. Individuals with BRS reported more symptoms (mostly mucosal) than the referents in the problem rooms and there was a tendency towards a difference between the groups in concentration of metabolites from the cyclooxygenase pathway (COX). The mean reported intensity of symptoms among all participants was also found to be positively correlated with both COX and lipoxygenase (LOX-15) oxylipins in problem rooms.

The Toxicity of Wiped Dust and Airborne Microbes in Individual Classrooms Increase the Risk of Teachers' Work-Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of building-related symptoms (BRS) remain open. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between teachers’ individual work-related symptoms and intrinsic in vitro toxicity in classrooms. This is a further analysis of a previously published dataset. Methods: Teachers from 15 Finnish schools in Helsinki responded to the symptom survey. The boar sperm motility inhibition assay, a sensitive indicator of mitochondrial dysfunction, was used to measure the toxicity of wiped dust and cultured microbial fallout samples collected from the teachers’ classrooms. Results: 231 teachers whose classroom toxicity data had been collected responded to the questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, smoking, and atopy showed that classroom dust intrinsic toxicity was statistically significantly associated with the following 12 symptoms reported by teachers (adjusted ORs in parentheses): nose stuffiness (4.1), runny nose (6.9), hoarseness (6.4), globus sensation (9.0), throat mucus (7.6), throat itching (4.4), shortness of breath (12.2), dry cough (4.7), wet eyes (12.7), hypersensitivity to sound (7.9), difficulty falling asleep (7.6), and increased need for sleep (7.7). Toxicity of cultured microbes was found to be associated with nine symptoms (adjusted ORs in parentheses): headache (2.3), nose stuffiness (2.2), nose dryness (2.2), mouth dryness (2.8), hoarseness (2.2), sore throat (2.8), throat mucus (2.3), eye discharge (10.2), and increased need for sleep (3.5). Conclusions: The toxicity of classroom dust and airborne microbes in boar sperm motility inhibition assay significantly increased teachers’ risk of work-related respiratory and ocular symptoms. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms of BRS are discussed.

Building characteristics associated with self-reported dry eyes and headaches of outpatient workers in hospital buildings

Building-related health symptoms are multifactorial, hence a comprehensive study is needed to identify associations of such symptoms with building aspects. Previous studies have identified certain building characteristics as risk factors for both dry eyes and headaches, which are among the most prevalent symptoms suffered by office workers. This study investigated associations of dry eyes and headaches with building characteristics in outpatient areas because these conditions may vary between office and hospital buildings. A survey was performed in six hospital buildings, which included administering a questionnaire to 556 outpatient workers and an inspection of the building locations, services and 127 outpatient rooms. Multivariate regression models were produced for dry eyes and headaches. Both models were adjusted for personal and work-related aspects. The prevalence of self-reported dry eyes and headaches in outpatient areas was related to building-related aspects that affect the indoor air quality and visual quality, and to room types. In general, this study is consistent with previous office studies. However, a specific finding of this study is the association of the most frequently used room types and the presence of a window to the corridor with dry eyes and headaches.

Teachers' work-related non-literature-known building-related symptoms are also connected to indoor toxicity: A cross-sectional study.

A previous study showed that classical building-related symptoms (BRS) were related to indoor dust and microbial toxicity via boar sperm motility assay, a sensitive method for measuring mitochondrial toxicity. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed whether teachers' most common work-related non-literature-known BRS (nBRS) were also associated with dust or microbial toxicity. Teachers from 15 schools in Finland completed a questionnaire evaluating 20 nBRS including general, eye, respiratory, hearing, sleep, and mental symptoms. Boar sperm motility assay was used to measure the toxicity of extracts from wiped dust and microbial fallout samples collected from teachers' classrooms. 231 teachers answered a questionnaire and their classroom toxicity data were recorded. A negative binomial mixed model showed that teachers' work-related nBRS were 2.9-fold (95% CI: 1.2-7.3) higher in classrooms with highly toxic dust samples compared to classrooms with non-toxic dust samples (p=0.024). The RR of work-related nBRS was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1-2.9) for toxic microbial samples (p=0.022). Teachers' BRS appeared to be broader than reported in the literature, and the work-related nBRS were associated with toxic dusts and microbes in classrooms.

Skin sensitivity to capsaicin, perceived stress and burn out among patients with building-related symptoms

ObjectiveThe mechanisms behind building-related symptoms have remained unknown despite many years of research. It is known that environmental and psychosocial factors are of importance. Some receptors in the Transient Receptor Potential family elicit the same symptoms when stimulated, as reported by those suffering from building-related symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare capsaicin sensitivity between people with and without skin symptoms. A second aim was to investigate perceived stress among individuals with different levels of capsaicin sensitivity.MethodsPeople referred to an occupational health care unit and judged to have building-related symptoms by a physician answered a questionnaire regarding their symptoms. Solutions with different capsaicin concentrations were applied to participants’ nasolabial folds. Self-reported stress and burnout were assessed using two questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ).ResultsWe found that people who reported facial erythema or itching, stinging, tight or burning facial skin were more sensitive than those without symptoms and similarities with Sensitive Skin are discussed. We also found that participants who reacted to the lowest capsaicin concentrations scored significantly higher on scales for stress and burnout.ConclusionsWe found associations between sensitivity to capsaicin and skin symptoms among people with building-related symptoms, as well as associations between capsaicin sensitivity and perceived stress/burnout.

Assessment of Thermal Comfort and Building-Related Symptoms in Air-Conditioned Offices in Tropical Regions: A Case Study in Singapore and Thailand

Indoor thermal environment is important for maintaining comfort and health. In a tropical region, it becomes more critical when the air-conditioning system consumes excessive energy for a whole year. This study aims to clarify the impact of thermal environment on human comfort and building-related symptoms in air-conditioned offices. A field study was conducted in office spaces in Singapore and Thailand from 2017 to 2019 by installing data loggers to measure thermal variables together with a questionnaire survey. As a result, the psychometric charts of ASHRAE 55 show that most of the measured thermal environments were fitted to the 1.0 clo comfort zone, which was not recommended for people in this region. Overcooling determined the cause of high discomfort when people felt cold and preferred a warmer temperature. Based on Griffith’s method, average comfort temperatures were 24.8 °C (Singapore) and 24.0 °C (Thailand). The probit analysis illustrated that the comfort temperature range for a dissatisfaction of 20% was 23.6–26.4 °C (Singapore) and 22.9–25.6 °C (Thailand). These comfort temperature ranges which were higher than the measured values reflected the clothing adaptation and the personal complaints. Symptoms were reported in the coldest temperature group (21–22 °C), with the highest odds ratio of symptom occurrence. The thermal sensation vote defined that the higher rate of symptoms belonged to the colder-than-neutral side, whereas the thermal comfort vote could not well predict the symptom occurrence. The intention of enhancing comfort and promoting better health conditions in the offices of these regions was discussed, while considering warmer indoor temperatures.