Prevalence Of Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms Research Articles

Home environment exposure and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms among adults in southern China: Health associations in 2010 and 2019

We studied time trends in home environment and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in a repeat study in five cities in southern China. Moreover, we studied associations between home environment exposure and SBS symptoms. Parents from randomly selected day care centers were invited. One parent per family answered a questionnaire on the home environment and their own SBS symptoms. Data collection was performed in two surveys in 2010 and 2019 (27,292 participants in 2010 and 32,073 in 2019). We used two-level logistic regression to analyze health associations. Asthma decreased from 1.7% to 1.5% (P < 0.05) but allergic rhinitis increased from 6.5% to 16.4% (P < 0.001). All SBS symptoms decreased from 2010 to 2019 (all P < 0.001). Most aspects of the home environment improved from 2010 to 2019 but there were less cleaning, more cats, dogs, and urbanization in 2019. Redecoration, new furniture, and pests were associated with most types of SBS symptoms, similarly in 2010 and 2019. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was associated with SBS symptoms in 2019 only. In conclusion, prevalence of SBS symptoms among young parents in southern China decreased from 2010 to 2019 but allergic rhinitis increased. Cockroaches, rats, mice, mosquitoes or flies can be consistent biological risk factors for SBS symptoms. Redecoration, buying new furniture and traffic air pollution are other risk factors for SBS symptoms. Daily cleaning, frequently putting bedding to sunshine, and having a fan in the bathroom can be protective factors. ETS is an emerging risk factor for SBS symptoms.

The Implications of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) on Students’ Productivity in Hostel Buildings

In recent years, sick building syndrome (SBS) has emerged as a major issue across Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between the SBS and its implication towards students' well-being and productivity in four (4) hostel buildings in Taiping, Perak. Four hundred (n = 400) questionnaires were distributed on purpose to the students as part of a quantitative research design. The most significant effect of Sick Building Syndrome on pupils is a disruption of their ability to concentrate in the classroom. Symptoms such as fatigue and drowsiness, dizziness, sore throat, and dryness are the most common ones that students experience when residing in hostels. Totally, 61% reported being unable to concentrate on their studies, 38% are unhealthy and inactive in the hostel, and 19% do not get enough sleep. This research is important for students, researchers, educational institutions, and society as it addresses the prevalence of SBS symptoms in building environments. Its findings can contribute to creating healthier and more productive living conditions for students.

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

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

Influence of heating systems on indoor air quality and sick building syndrome (a case study in Qom, Iran)

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is an outcome of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) that can affect human health and performance. Heating system (HS) types are a factor of indoor air emission. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the HS on IAQ and SBS in residential buildings. The air pollutant levels were monitored in the heating-season and non-heating-season. The SBS questionnaire was completed for each non-smoking people (22-50 years). People with respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis were excluded. Results implied that pollutants concentrations and SBS symptoms were strongly influenced by HS type (P- value < 0.05). Tiredness, dry-throat, and dry-eyes were the commonest reported SBS symptoms. The open-fireplace users had more complain about dry throat (33%) and tiredness (33%) compared to other symptoms. The maximum prevalence of SBS symptoms observed for the use of the open-fireplace, gas-heater, and water circulating system was 40, 27, and 10%, respectively. In 33% of the study population, these symptoms are alleviated when individuals left the buildings. Nausea was the only reported symptom in the homes with the water circulating system. The findings of the present study provide helpful data that can be considered to develop a strategy for increasing public health.

Risk Factors and Prevalent of Sick Building Syndrome among Back-office Workers in a Thai University Hospital

Objective: To investigate risk factors and prevalent of sick building syndrome (SBS) among backoffice workers in a Thai university hospital.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 back-office workers who always had been working in their office rooms not less than 3 months. Two anonymous self-administrated questionnaires collected data. Ten parameters of Indoor air quality were measured by air sampling. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with SBS. Result: The prevalence of SBS symptoms was 80% sample, followed by 68.5% with less specific symptoms and 41.8% suffering from poor concentration, with 40.6% experiencing similar prevalence in both groups of irritated, dry or watering eyes, and irritated, runny or blocked nose dry, and 26.7% sore throat. The result of the model shows that neuroticism, visual display terminal used, and allergy history were risk factors related to SBS (p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Neuroticism, allergy history, and visual display terminal used were risk factors of SBS. These findings suggest that hospital administrators should be aware of neuroticism worker, allergic history, and visual display terminals used to prevent SBS symptoms among back-office worker who may leave their jobs due to aggravated symptoms and decreased productivity

Moving to a green building: Indoor environment quality, thermal comfort and health

A global movement towards the creation of “green” buildings is currently underway. Although driven primarily by an external environmental agenda such as energy or carbon, there is growing recognition that greener buildings could affect the Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ). However, localised green building codes, especially in the developing world, often do not systematically recognise IEQ or health as crucial issues, which therefore remain understudied. Since the developing world alone is expected to nearly double current global built floor space by 2050, it is crucial that green buildings perform holistically to be effective. Here, we follow 120 employees of a single organisation as they transition from four conventional office buildings to the first green building (GB), designed to the local Jordanian Green Building Guide. We ask if the move has a positive effect on occupant perception of IEQ, thermal comfort and prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), using a repeated-measures protocol. Statistically significant differences in thermal conditions, positively biased towards the GB, were observed across the move, and this enhanced occupant thermal comfort. Surprisingly, no significant improvement in occupant perception of air quality, visual and acoustic comfort was detected after moving to the GB, while odour, mental concentration, and glare were perceived to be poor in the GB and associated with an increase in the prevalence of SBS symptoms. Hence, our results support the growing concern that green buildings may create unintended consequences in terms of occupant comfort and health in the pursuit of a better thermal environment and energy efficiency.

Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome in a university setting: a case study in Greece

ABSTRACT The perceived Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), the prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms and its contributing risk factors were assessed in a university during the period of the economic crisis in Greece. Data was collected from 613 employees via questionnaires. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was performed. The most prevalent perceived IAQ complaints were ‘Dust and dirt’ (63.2%), ‘Room temperature too low’ (24.9%) and ‘Varying room temperature’ (24.4%). The most frequently reported SBS symptom was ‘Fatigue’ (34.1%). The prevalence of General, Mucosal and Dermal symptoms was 40.8%, 19.8% and 8.1%, respectively. Several contributing risk factors were identified, such as IAQ Discomfort Scale, atopy, sleep problems, female, exposure to biological and chemical agents, PC-use, Psychosocial Work Scale and job satisfaction. Poor perceived IAQ and high prevalence of SBS symptoms were reported from the university staff in a temperate climate country. SBS seemed to be multifactorial.

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&lt;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.

Sick Building Syndrome Among Junior High School Students in Japan in Relation to the Home and School Environment.

Purpose:There is an increasing concern about sick building syndrome (SBS), especially in Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between SBS and the home, school environment and personal factors among Japanese junior high school students.Methods:We investigated students in four junior high schools in Hyogo in Kansai area, Japan. A questionnaire study was performed among students (n=1056), 12-15 years old. Temperature and relative air humidity was measured in the classrooms and dust was collected from the classroom floors and air and was analysed for cat and dog allergens. Associations were analysed by multi-level logistic regression.Results:Mucosal symptoms (45.4%), general symptoms (38.9%) and skin symptoms (22.6%) were common. Totally 8.8% reported cat allergy, 6.1% dog allergy, 6.0% mold allergy and 25.7% pollen allergy. Atopy, window pane condensation, floor dampness and odor at home and high relative air humidity in the classrooms were associated with SBS.Conclusion:The prevalence of SBS symptoms was high and associated with both home and school environment. Window pane condensation and floor dampness at home can increase the risk for SBS symptoms in students. Moreover high relative air humidity at school may increase the risk for SBS.

Sick building syndrome, perceived odors, sensation of air dryness and indoor environment in Urumqi, China

In order to evaluate the perceived home indoor air quality, as well as sick building syndrome (SBS) in areas with typical arid continental climate such as Urumqi, northwest of China, a cross-sectional study including 4,260 parents of children (1–8 years) was performed by a questionnaire survey in winter season in 2011. The sensation of air dryness (weekly/sometimes) in the last 3 months had the highest proportion of reports by more than half of the parents (57.4 %), followed by perceived stuffy odor (40.6 %), unpleasant odor (27.0 %), tobacco smoke odor (25.5 %), sensation of humid air (17.9 %), pungent odor (11.7 %) and moldy odor (9.5 %), respectively. The prevalence of SBS symptoms in the same time period was 40.4 % for general symptom, 47.7 % for mucosal symptom and 9.5 % for skin symptom, respectively. There were significant associations between perceived odors/sensation of air dryness and SBS symptoms (ORs range 1.39–1.42). Additionally, the OR values increased with an increase of the OH score (P < 0.05). Dampness, the presence of cockroaches and mosquitoes/flies, prenatal exposure to decoration and close to traffic were all risk factors of SBS symptoms. However, frequently putting bedding to sunshine was potentially a protective factor. In conclusion, adults’ perceptions of odors and sensation of air dryness are related to SBS symptoms and home environmental factors in Urumqi, China.

Prevalence and risk factors of sick building syndrome among office workers

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a group of symptoms relatively common among office workers; such symptoms could have an impact on the workers' productivity. The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of SBS symptoms among office workers in the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, and to determine the possible risk factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine including 826 workers. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic and occupational histories, work environment, and symptoms related to SBS. Fatigue and headache were the most prevalent symptoms (76.9 and 74.7%, respectively). Using univariate analysis, poor lighting, poor ventilation, lack of sunlight, absence of air currents, high noise, temperature, humidity, environmental tobacco smoke, use of photocopiers, and inadequate office cleaning were associated statistically with SBS symptoms (P<0.05). High work load and poor job satisfaction were also associated significantly with SBS symptoms (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that poor ventilation, poor lighting, environmental tobacco smoke, high temperature, poor job satisfaction, and inadequate office cleaning were the risk factors of SBS. SBS was highly prevalent among office workers and was influenced by physical and psychosocial working conditions. Good ventilation, reducing room temperature, effective cleaning routines, providing proper lighting, restricting smoking in the workplace, and improving psychosocial working conditions are important ways to reduce SBS symptoms.

Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome in Three Selected Buildings

The respondents presenting with indoor environmentally associated symptoms such as sick building syndrome (SBS) are apt to have been exposed to inadequate indoor air quality (IAQ). The main objective of this study is to determine the association between IAQ parameters and symptoms of SBS in three selected buildings. The criteria of buildings selection is based on long history of occupancy and age of building. The structured questionnaire was distributed to respondents and IAQ parameters were technically measured in the selected buildings. The survey shows that the prevalence of SBS symptoms was similar in the selected buildings. Besides, no association was found between building type and SBS occurrence. IAQ parameters measurement indicated that most of the IAQ parameters were complied with the Malaysia standard of IAQ, excluded air velocity. Significant differences (p < 0.001) between the selected buildings were observed among velocity, CO2 concentration, temperature and relative humidity. However, the CO concentration (p = 0.18) and fungal counts (p = 0.83) were not significant differences between building. The findings suggested that the important predictors of sick building syndromes are ventilation and accumulation of possible contaminants within the indoor environment.

一般的オフィス空間における執務者の知覚空気質及びPerformanceの評価方法に関する検討

Perceived air quality, sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and productivity were studied in an office that was renovated one year before the experiment. 31 female subjects were exposed to the two conditions in the same office with an outdoor airflow of 280 m3/h and 45 m3/h while all other environmental parameters were kept unchanged. They assessed perceived air quality and SBS symptoms while performing simulated office work. In the room with the low ventilation rate, concentration of the formaldehyde and the volatile organic compounds showed much higher. There was more increased prevalence of SBS symptoms for subjects dissatisfied air quality upon entering the office with chemicals more polluted. In the proofreading task, subjects worked with decreased productivity in the more chemicals polluted room.

Objective assessment of ocular and respiratory alterations in employees in a sick building.

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a constellation of diffuse, "irritative" symptoms predominantly involving the eyes and the respiratory tract. To date, the effects of working in a "sick building" have not been adequately assessed using objective measures. We undertook the present study to determine whether objective alterations could be found in the eyes and respiratory' tracts of employees working in an office building in which a high rate of SBS had been reported in the preceding year. We studied 163 office workers: 87 workers from a modern, air-conditioned building (the sick building), and 76 employees employed in three traditional-style office buildings (the comparison buildings). After being surveyed for SBS symptoms, all subjects underwent a series of objective tests, including spirometry, a methacholine test, prick tests for aeroallergens, and submitted tear samples. In addition, Schirmer's test and the break-up time test were used to explore for potential ocular effects of sick building exposure. Employees in the sick building complained more frequently of ocular symptoms, upper-airway disturbances, and general and respiratory' symptoms than did employees in the comparison buildings; prick tests were positive in 20% and 17.4%, respectively. Groups did not differ significantly on spirometry measures. Bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine (PD15 = 16.348 mumol) was present in 20.5% of the sick building workers and in 16.2% of comparison buildings workers. Methacholine dose-response slope values were similar. Stability of tear film was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in the employees in the sick building compared with employees in the comparison buildings. Our results indicate that (1) atopy does not seem to influence the prevalence of SBS symptoms, and (2) the lower respiratory tract seems unaffected by exposure to a "sick building," but (3) alterations in tear film stability do exist after such exposure.

Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms among the Staff in Schools and Kindergartens: are the Levels of Volatile Organic Compounds and Carbon Dioxide Responsible?

From a large questionnaire-based survey investigating the indoor air quality (IAQ) in 48 schools and 74 kindergartens, 21 schools were selected for mea surements of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) based on the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms reported by the staff. The 10 schools with the lowest prevalence of SBS symptoms 'healthy') were compared to 11 schools with the highest prevalence ('sick'; median value showing twice as many SBS symptoms reported). The concen trations of total VOCs (TVOC) in schools and kindergartens were low and within suggested guidelines. The levels of CO2 were higher than suggested guidelines in several cases. However, neither TVOC nor CO2 concentrations were associated with SBS symptoms. Thus, TVOC and CO2 concentrations do not seem to be useful as SBS risk indicators.

Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms among the Staff in Schools and Kindergartens: are the Levels of Volatile Organic Compounds and Carbon Dioxide Responsible?

From a large questionnaire-based survey investigating the indoor air quality (IAQ) in 48 schools and 74 kindergartens, 21 schools were selected for measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) based on the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms reported by the staff. The 10 schools with the lowest prevalence of SBS symptoms ‘healthy’) were compared to 11 schools with the highest prevalence (‘sick’; median value showing twice as many SBS symptoms reported). The concentrations of total VOCs (TVOC) in schools and kindergartens were low and within suggested guidelines. The levels of CO2 were higher than suggested guidelines in several cases. However, neither TVOC nor CO2 concentrations were associated with SBS symptoms. Thus, TVOC and CO2 concentrations do not seem to be useful as SBS risk indicators.

The Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in office workers. A case-referent study of personal, psychosocial and building-related risk indicators.

The Office Illness Project in Northern Sweden, comprising both a screening questionnaire study of 4943 office workers and a case-referent study of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in 464 subjects was recently completed. Previously published results from the survey showed that female gender asthma/rhinitis, high psychosocial work load, paper and visual display terminal (VDT) work were related to an increased prevalence of SBS symptoms. The case-referent study presented in this paper used data from the questionnaire supplemented with information from a clinical examination, a survey of psychosocial factors at work building data from inspection and measurements taken at the work sites. Personal factors such as atopy and photosensitive skin, psychosocial conditions and physical exposure factors influencing indoor air quality (IAQ), such as outdoor air flow rates and the presence of photocopiers were related to an increased prevalence of the reported SBS symptoms. The results were established using multivariate analysis. The rate response relationship between actually measured ventilation rates and the prevalence of perceived SBS symptoms presents strong evidence for the association between IAQ factors and health.

Indoor Air Humidity And Sensation Of Dryness As Risk Indicators Of Sbs

Questionnaire reports on symptoms and sensations from 4943 office workers, measurements of indoor climate from 540 office rooms in 160 buildings, and measurements of TVOC in 85 rooms were used in an analysas of the role of indoor air humidity and the sensation of dryness as risk indicators of SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) symptoms. The sensation of dryness was strongly associated with the prevalence of SBS symptom reports. There were no associations between measured indoor air humidity and the prevalence of SBS symptoms or the sensation of dryness. A number of significant associations were demonstrated between the sensation of dryness and technical, air quality, psychosocial and personal variables. The frequency of reports of perceived “dry air” is an important indicator of the “sickness” of a building; indoor air humidity is not an indicator.

Sick Building Syndrome: Cleanliness is Next to Healthiness

There is evidence that sick building syndrome (SBS) is caused, in part, by indoor surface pollution (ISP): contaminants such as dust, fibres and micro-organisms, deposited on or in surfaces in buildings. A study is described which clarifies the relative importance of a number of possible causes of SBS in a single building. The building, which had a high initial prevalence of SBS symptoms, was used in a doubleblind controlled intervention study with weekly symptom questionnaires. The four interventions were: ventilation system cleaning, air filtration, hot-water extraction cleaning of chairs and carpets, plus high grade filter vacuuming and dusting, and dust mite treatment (application of liquid nitrogen). Only the last two interventions brought about a reduction in symptoms. It is concluded that cleaning which effectively reduces ISP can reduce SBS symptoms. This may be related to the presence of dust mites in furnishings. Improved cleaning may entail better cleaning specifications and/or consideration of requirements for cleaning when selecting and positioning office furniture. If ISP and the temporary local pollution levels created by it are a problem, then monitoring of ambient conditions (by instruments or by human assessors) will not adequately represent the conditions to which occupants are exposed

A Prevalence Study Of The Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) And Facial Skin Symptoms In Office Workers

The prevalence of symptoms compatible with the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) was measured in a questionnaire study among 4 943 office workers. An assessment of the relation between SBS symptoms and personal, physical and psychosocial exposure factors was made. In contrast to males, the majority of females were lower-grade staff Females reported annoyance from physical climate factors more often, both at work and at home. Males reported a better psychosocial situation than females. Female gender, asthmalrhinitis, paper and VDT work were related to an increased prevalence of SBS symptoms. The prevalence of facial skin symptoms increased markedly with the amount of VDT work. Psychosocial workload intensifid this relation. Inequalities in physical climate and psychosocial conditions associated with different positions held in the offices can be of importance for the increased occurrence of symptoms among females.