SBS Symptoms Research Articles

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

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

Lighting and thermal factors on human comfort, work performance, and sick building syndrome in the underground building environment

The development of underground space can help cities solve problems such as the unmet demand for land and space. However, there are still many problems to be solved. The comfort of lighting and thermal environment, high work performance, and low prevalence of SBS symptoms play irreplaceable roles in creating a good indoor environment. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in the comfort of lighting and thermal environment, work performance, and SBS symptoms among people living in underground spaces for long and short periods, and to provide optimal temperature and illuminance ranges for balancing these three aspects. A summer survey was conducted in subway stations, including measurements of environmental and physiological parameters, and psychological responses. A total of 952 questionnaires were collected for data analysis. The results show that the comfort of lighting and thermal environment for short-stay occupants is more sensitive to changes in indoor air temperature and illuminance. Reduction of indoor air temperature can improve occupants’ work performance and can reduce SBS symptoms. The optimal temperatures for long-stay and short-stay occupants are 25.6–26.3 °C and 24.5–24.8 °C (or 24.5–25.1 °C), respectively. The optimal illuminance ranges for long-stay and short-stay occupants are > 300.0 lx and > 494.0 lx, respectively. The results of this research contribute to the creation of healthy, comfortable, and beneficial indoor environments in shared underground building spaces.

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS OF SICK-BUILDING SYNDROMEAMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER IN AL-AHSA,SAUDI ARABIA

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the Epidemiology and risk factors of Sick-building Syndrome among health care workers at primary health care center in Al- Ahsa, Saudi Arabia Methods: cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate different parameters for sick building syndrome and intrinsic, extrinsic factors involved in it. SBS symptoms and perceptions of various environmental aspects from a sample of 281 participants. The participants were asked to rate their symptoms and evaluate the environmental conditions based on specific factors such as air quality, temperature comfort level, air movement, light, vibration, overall comfort, and noise. Results: 18.1%of individuals reported experiencing symptoms associated with SBS. The results revealed a significant association between air quality and the presence of SBS symptoms (p = 0.001), with SBS symptoms being more prevalent in perceived stuffy air conditions. However, no significant associations were found between SBS symptoms and other environmental aspects, including temperature comfort level, air movement, light, vibration, and overall comfort. Notably, noise in winter showed a statistically significant association with SBS symptoms (p = 0.021), with 23.5% of participants reporting dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The findings suggest that air quality, particularly the perception of stuffy air, is significantly associated with the occurrence of SBS symptoms. These results align with previous research highlighting the importance of proper ventilation and reducing pollutant sources to mitigate SBS symptoms. With prevalence of SBS OF 18.1% among participants. Additionally, the study emphasizes the impact of noise pollution on SBS symptoms during the winter season. Further research is needed to explore the complex interactions between individual susceptibility, specific pollutant exposures, and building characteristics in the development of SBS symptoms.

Indoor PM2.5, home environmental factors and lifestyles are related to sick building syndrome among residents in Nanjing, China

The cause of Sick Building Syndrome has attracted worldwide attention. Studies on the correlation between indoor air pollution and SBS symptoms are still limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of sick building syndrome symptoms and its associated factors among residents in Nanjing, China. 1281 residents participated in a questionnaire survey, and information on their dwelling building characteristics, home environmental factors, lifestyles and sick building symptoms was obtained. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were modeled by the multizone airflow and contaminant transport program. The prevalence of general, mucosal and dermal symptoms were 14.4%, 9.5% and 5.1%, respectively. Females, residents with respiratory disease history and from lower income families, reported more sick building syndrome symptoms. Painting peeling, indoor PM2.5 concentration and environmental smoking exposure were significantly associated with general symptoms. Residents’ satisfaction with the indoor environment was a significant predictor of sick building syndrome symptoms. Ventilation by opening windows for more than 6 h per day was found to be a protective factor for mucosal and dermal symptoms. Besides this, residential building characteristics such as building construction year, floor area were also associated with dermal symptoms. The study indicates that improving indoor environmental quality and keeping good lifestyle habits are important to prevent residents suffering from sick building syndrome symptoms.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in household dust: The association between PAHs, Cancer Risk and Sick Building Syndrome

In this study, indoor dust samples were collected from 40 houses in Shiraz; Iran, and analyzed to determine 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study participants completed the questionnaires consisting of a series of questions for collecting information about symptoms of sick building syndrome and parameters affecting PAHs concentrations (including traffic congestion in the area, floor level, house renovation, building age, etc.). The total PAHs concentrations in the settled dust samples ranged from 31 to 453 ngg−1 so that, phenanthrene, naphthalene and fluoranthene were the predominant congeners. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated the predominance of vehicular (especially diesel vehicle emissions) and cooking emissions, as the two major sources of PAHs, in indoor dust. The results of statistical analysis showed a significant association between the total PAHs concentrations and SBS symptoms (headache, skin dryness, itching, and inflammation). In addition, based on health risk assessment, the mean ILCR (Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk) value was reported to be 3.85 × 10−5 for adults and 4.36 × 10−5 for children, indicating potential cancer risk as a result of exposure to household dust containing PAHs. The findings of this study can provide useful information to improve the quality of the indoor environment of houses.

Exposures, Symptoms and Risk Perception among Office Workers in Relation to Nanoparticles in the Work Environment.

Submicroscopic nanoparticles (NPs) in air have received much attention due to their possible effects on health and wellbeing. Adverse health impacts of air pollution may not only be associated with level of exposure, but also mediated by the perception of the pollution and by beliefs of the exposure being hazardous. The aim of this study was to test a model that describes interrelations between NP pollution, perceived air quality, health risk perception, stress, and sick building syndrome. In the NanoOffice study, the level of NPs was measured and a survey on health risk perception was conducted among 260 employees in twelve office buildings in northern Sweden. Path analyses were performed to test the validity of the model. The data refute the model proposing that the NP exposure level significantly influences stress, chronic diseases, or SBS symptoms. Instead, the perceived exposure influences the perceived risk of NP, and the effect of perceived exposure on SBS and chronic disease is mediated by stress. There was little concern about nanoparticles, despite relatively high levels in some facilities. Perceived pollution and health risk perception may explain a large part of the environmentally induced symptoms and diseases, particularly in relatively low levels of pollution. The research results raise important questions on the physiologically or psychologically mediated health effects of air pollution.

Improving the IAQ for Learning Efficiency with Indoor Plants in University Classrooms in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of improving indoor air quality with indoor plants. As a methodology, two target classrooms with the same size (120.64 m2) and 32 students per room were selected. Then, 48 areca palm pots (average leaf area of 300 cm2/pot) were placed, and the plant density was 14.68% of the floor area. Subjective assessment for general questions, learning motivation, perceived air quality, and SBS symptoms was conducted at 5 min after the class started and 5 min before the class ended. The results showed that the CO2 concentration by respiration of the students (average of 1873 ppm) exceeded the regulatory standard (1000 ppm), but the students did not recognize the indoor CO2 concentration. The increase in CO2 concentration in the classroom was lower in the case with plant placement (624 ppm) compared with the case without plant placement (about 1205 ppm). It was statistically proven that the CO2 concentration by respiration could be reduced by 50% if the indoor plant leaf area density were maintained at about 14.68% of the floor area. In the case with plant placement, the students perceived the indoor air quality to be 40% fresher and showed a 140% higher acceptability. Moreover, the complaining of SBS symptoms was improved by 108%, and the students’ perception that it was better to focus on learning increased by about 120%. As the awareness of sustainability increases, indoor plants will be more actively placed in the United Arab Emirates. Indoor plants not only provide a visual green effect to improve human comfort but also purify indoor air pollutants.

Lifestyle behaviors and home and school environment in association with sick building syndrome among elementary school children: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSick building syndrome (SBS) refers to the combination of symptoms experienced by occupants of specific building characteristics. This study investigated the associations of children’s lifestyle behaviors, allergies, home, and school environment with SBS symptoms.MethodsA total of 4408 elementary school children living in Sapporo City, Japan participated in this study. SBS was determined on parental answers to MM080 standardized school questionnaires on symptoms that were weekly experienced by these children, and if the symptom is attributed to their home or school environment. The Japanese version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was used to assess wheeze, rhino-conjunctivitis, and eczema. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between SBS symptoms and variables by controlling the potential confounders (gender, grade, school, and parental history of allergies). A stepwise backward elimination was conducted to assess independent variables related to SBS.ResultsParticipants revealed mucosal (6.9%), skin (2.0%), and general (0.8%) symptoms. The presence of one or more allergy was associated with increased mucosal and skin symptoms. Children who skipped breakfast, displayed faddiness (like/dislike of food), had constipation, have insufficient sleep, did not feel refreshed after sleep, and lacked deep sleep showed significantly high odds ratios with SBS symptoms. The stepwise analysis showed faddiness for mucosal symptoms and not feeling refreshed after sleep for mucosal and skin symptoms, whereas constipation and lacking deep sleep for general symptoms were independent variables in increasing the symptoms. We found no significant relationship between SBS in children and schools. Considering children’s home, old building, no ventilation, wall-to-wall carpet, and heavy nearby traffic were associated with elevated mucosal symptom, while living in a multifamily home increased general symptoms. Home dampness was an independent variable in increasing all SBS symptoms.ConclusionsAllergies and lifestyle behaviors were associated with increased SBS in children, including skipping breakfast, displaying faddiness, constipation, insufficient sleep, not feeling refreshed after sleep, and the lack of deep sleep. Further, dampness at home was associated with increase in all SBS symptoms. Lifestyle (e.g., eating and sleeping habits) and home (i.e., dampness) improvements might alleviate SBS symptoms in children.

Prevalence of sick building syndrome symptoms and its associated factors among bank employees in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of sick building syndrome symptoms and its associated factors among bank employees. Data were collected through a self-administered MM040NA questionnaire among 234 employees of commercial banks in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. The prevalence of general, ocular, respiratory, and dermal sick building syndrome symptoms was 47.6%, 11.9%, 11.9%, and 8.1%, respectively. The perceived indoor physical environment was a significant predictor of sick building syndrome symptoms. Besides this, age, disturbance from temperature and work pressure were significantly associated with general symptoms. Ocular symptoms were significantly associated with disturbance from noise at their workplaces and support from fellow workers. Respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with the time spent working with a photocopy machine. Proper maintenance of room temperature, noise control, good ventilation system, and promotion of supportive psychosocial working environment at banks is important to prevent and control the suffering of employees from SBS symptoms.

Sick building syndrome: Assessment of school building air quality

Sick Building Syndrome is a term used to describe a situation in which occupants of a building have a symptoms and discomfort. Sick Building Syndrome The symptoms of SBS are shown in complaints that occur in occupants of the building as well as eye irritation, nonspecific symptoms, upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, and skin irritation. SBS was also met on building buildings in schools which caused disruption of teaching and learning activities The method of this study used a literature review which conducted on journals published in the last 10 years with the aim of producing references that are more focused on the development of the latest problems and solutions. The result of this review show that SBS occur because an environment factor, thermal factor, and psychosocial. Overall, this review provides an appropriate reference for further research by the specific factors about SBS and further symptoms related to SBS affect student learning outcomes.

IoT network-based ANN for ventilation pattern prediction and actuation to optimize IAQ in educational spaces

Nowadays, in a user centered design approach, one of the main parameters for assessing the well-being of building spaces is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which can assure a crucial level of comfort and optimal conditions to preserve users’ productivity and cognitive performance. Research works in this direction mention that with 1000 ppm of CO2 concentration, a reduction of the users’ cognitive performance about 11-23% is reported and, for a concentration of 2500 ppm, the decrease reaches 44-94% compared to the performance at 600 ppm. Consequently, a correct buildings ventilation is crucial. The use of mechanical systems seems possibly to avoid the problem but indeed the existing buildings often have outdated and not flexible systems to face changing needs. Thereby, the ventilation rates are not related to people density and the static setup of HVAC systems might be an issue to maintain an acceptable level of CO2 concentration. Moreover, in school buildings, mechanical ventilation is not diffusely adopted and insufficient rates of fresh air supplied to the classrooms are connected with inappropriate IAQ, occurrence of SBS symptoms among pupils. Current technology provides easy measurement of CO2 through dedicated sensors networks. The present research uses the pilot educational building eLUX, located in the Smart Campus of the University of Brescia, to investigate the possibility to integrate IAQ data generated by IoT sensors to improve the estimation of occupancy rate in the educational spaces. The aim is to underline the relevance of the parameter to regulate properly the HVAC systems and to define opening/closing patterns for automated windows to enhance IAQ. The data collected during the monitoring phase are useful to train an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that through an IoT communication protocol could actuate the ventilation rate control.

Sick building syndrome and associated risk factors among the population of Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundSick building syndrome (SBS) consists of a group of mucosal, skin, and general symptoms temporally related to residential and office buildings of unclear causes. These symptoms are common in the general population. However, SBS symptoms and their contributing factors are poorly understood, and the community associates it with bad sprits. This community-based cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of SBS in Gondar town.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2017. A total of 3405 study subjects were included using multistage and systematic random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire and observational checklists were used to collect data. SBS was assessed by 24 building-related symptoms and confirmed by five SBS confirmation criteria. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with SBS on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05. The Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to check model fitness, and variance inflation factor (VIF) was also used to test interactions between variables.ResultsThe prevalence of SBS in Gondar town was 21.7% (95% CI = 20.3–23.0%). Of this, the mucosal symptoms account for 64%, the general symptoms account for 54%, and the skin symptoms account for 10%. From study participants who reported SBS symptoms, 44% had more than one symptom. Headache (15.7%), asthma (8.3%), rhinitis (8.0%), and dizziness (7.5%) were the commonest reported symptoms. SBS was significantly associated with fungal growth in the building [AOR = 1.25, 95% CI = (1.05, 1.49)], unclean building [AOR = 1.26, 95% CI = (1.03, 1.55)], houses with no functional windows [AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = (1.12, 1.63)], houses with no fan [AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = (1.22, 2.96)], utilization of charcoal as a cooking energy source [AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = (1.02, 1.91)], cooking inside the living quarters [AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = (1.09, 1.58)], and incensing and joss stick use [AOR = 1.48, 95% CI = (1.23, 1.77)].ConclusionThe prevalence of SBS in Gondar town was high, and significant proportion of the population had more than one SBS symptom. Headache, asthma, rhinitis, and dizziness were the commonest reported SBS symptoms. Fungal growth, cleanliness of the building, availability of functional windows, availability of fan in the living quarters, using charcoal as a cooking energy source, cooking inside the quarters, and incensing habit or joss stick use were identified as factors associated with SBS. Improving the sanitation of the living environment and housekeeping practices of the occupants is useful to minimize the prevalence of SBS.

A Comparative Study on Sick Building Syndrome by Apartment Unit Plan with and without Cross Ventilation

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of different types of apartment unit plan on symptoms related to SBS. The apartment floor plans covered in this study are divided between two types: plans with and without cross ventilation. The major methodology for the study was a survey that used an array of question items selected from preceding research related to SBS and preliminary study. The survey was conducted in August and September 2012 (summer), a season reported to show a higher rate of occurrence of SBS, and surveyed a total of 120 households, 60 households for each apartment plan type. The conclusion drawn from the findings of the survey is as follows. First, SBS symptoms were reported to occur from one and a half to two times more frequently among occupants of apartments without a cross ventilation floor plan than among those with a floor plan allowing cross ventilation. Second, narrow and enclosed spaces with built-in closets, such as entryways or bathrooms, were found to be more commonly associated with SBS symptoms. Even the living room was cited as among the areas associated with SBS symptoms by occupants of apartments with a floor plan lacking cross ventilation. Third, a majority of occupants were found to use ″bake-out″ to reduce the effects of SBS, but their satisfaction with this measure was low. As for ″natural ventilation,″ the level of satisfaction was reported to be higher among the occupants of cross ventilation plan apartments, but relatively lower among their counterparts.

Odors and Sensations of Humidity and Dryness in Relation to Sick Building Syndrome and Home Environment in Chongqing, China

The prevalence of perceptions of odors and sensations of air humidity and sick building syndrome symptoms in domestic environments were studied using responses to a questionnaire on the home environment. Parents of 4530 1–8 year old children from randomly selected kindergartens in Chongqing, China participated. Stuffy odor, unpleasant odor, pungent odor, mold odor, tobacco smoke odor, humid air and dry air in the last three month (weekly or sometimes) was reported by 31.4%, 26.5%, 16.1%, 10.6%, 33.0%, 32.1% and 37.2% of the parents, respectively. The prevalence of parents’ SBS symptoms (weekly or sometimes) were: 78.7% for general symptoms, 74.3% for mucosal symptoms and 47.5% for skin symptoms. Multi-nominal regression analyses for associations between odors/sensations of air humidity and SBS symptoms showed that the odds ratio for “weekly” SBS symptoms were consistently higher than for “sometimes” SBS symptoms. Living near a main road or highway, redecoration, and new furniture were risk factors for perceptions of odors and sensations of humid air and dry air. Dampness related problems (mold spots, damp stains, water damage and condensation) were all risk factors for perceptions of odors and sensations of humid air and dry air, as was the presence of cockroaches, rats, and mosquitoes/flies, use of mosquito-repellent incense and incense. Protective factors included cleaning the child’s bedroom every day and frequently exposing bedding to sunshine. In conclusion, adults’ perceptions of odors and sensations of humid air and dry air are related to factors of the home environment and SBS symptoms are related to odor perceptions.

Effects of thermal discomfort in an office on perceived air quality, SBS symptoms, physiological responses, and human performance

The effects of thermal discomfort on health and human performance were investigated in an office, in an attempt to elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved. Twelve subjects (six men and six women) performed neurobehavioral tests and tasks typical of office work while thermally neutral (at 22°C) and while warm (at 30°C). Multiple physiological measurements and subjective assessment were made. The results show that when the subjects felt warm, they assessed the air quality to be worse, reported increased intensity of many sick building syndrome symptoms, expressed more negative mood, and were less willing to exert effort. Task performance decreased when the subjects felt warm. Their heart rate, respiratory ventilation, and end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased significantly, and their arterial oxygen saturation decreased. Tear film quality was found to be significantly reduced at the higher temperature when they felt warm. No effects were observed on salivary biomarkers (alpha-amylase and cortisol). The present results imply that the negative effects on health and performance that occur when people feel thermally warm at raised temperatures are caused by physiological mechanisms. This study indicates to what extent elevated temperatures and thermal discomfort because of warmth result in negative effects on health and performance and shows that these could be caused by physiological responses to warmth, not by the distraction of subjective discomfort. This implies that they will occur independently of discomfort, i.e. even if subjects have become adaptively habituated to subjective discomfort. The findings make it possible to estimate the negative economic consequences of reducing energy use in buildings in cases where this results in elevated indoor temperatures. They show clearly that thermal discomfort because of raised temperatures should be avoided in workplaces.

The Prevalence Rates of Reported SBS Symptom and Gender: A Case Study in a Middle School

PP-29-148 Background/Aims: To describe the gender difference on the reported SBS symptom in a middle school case study. Methods: All students in Grade 1 and Grade 2 were selected in middle school A, Beijing. The SBS symptoms in past 1 year and in past 1 week were reported by the self-filling questionnaire. Finally, 385 students finished. Of them, 50.9% were boys and 49.1% were girls. A total of 165 students in Grade 1 finished reporting on 6 main SBS symptoms at exactly same point in 3 successive days in spring, summer, and winter. Database was established with Epidata 3.0. Logistic regression and fitted hybrid linear model provided by SPSS/PC13.0 were used. Results: Reported prevalence rates of SBS symptom both in past 1 year and past 1 week were closely related to the gender. After controlling other factors, reported prevalence rates of fatigue, eye itch or dry, overall SBS symptoms for girls in the last year were 1.851 times (OR = 1.851, P = 0.007), 1.672 times (OR = 1.672, P = 0.055), 1.600 times (OR = 1.600, P = 0.070) of those for boys, respectively; and the reported prevalence rates of fatigue, headache for girl in the last week were 1.871 times (OR = 1.871, P = 0.007), 1.685 times (OR = 1.685, P = 0.089)of those for boys, respectively. These results were similar to investigations on foreign adults' SBS symptoms. Fitted hybrid linear model analysis on repeated measure in different seasons indicated that gender was one of the impact factors related to the reported strength of SBS symptoms. After controlling other factors, the reported strength of eye itch or dry, concentration difficult, throat sore or dry, stuffy nose, overall SBS symptoms for boys were higher than those for girls, which were not seen any report before. Conclusion: Gender was related to SBS symptoms. Girls more likely suffered higher reported rates on SBS symptoms, while boys more likely suffered higher reported strength on SBS symptoms. All these indicated that girls had higher reported rates with lower strength threshold, while boys had lower reported rates with higher strength threshold.

Survey on the Prevalence Rates of SBS Symptoms in a Middle School, Beijing

PP-29-149 Background/Aims: To understand the reported prevalence rates of SBS symptom of students at the school time, and provide the clue for the improvement of indoor environmental quality of the classroom and the studying efficiency. Methods: We used self-fill questionnaire to inquiry 385 junior high school students in Grade 1 and Grade 2 on their prevalence of SBS symptoms in the last week and the last year. The survey was conducted on 28 May 2007. We input and manipulated the raw data with Epidata 3.0 software and calculated the prevalence rates for each SBS symptom. Results: The students who reported the SBS-like symptom in the last year and in the last week account for 70.39% and 58.70% of the total students finished the survey. The most reported symptoms are fatigue (50.13%), concentration difficulty (29.62%), nose stuffed (28.90%), headache (25.45%), and eye dry or itching (25.20%) in the last year. Meanwhile the most reported symptoms are fatigue (47.79%), concentration difficulty (26.50%), eye dry or itching (17.40%), headache (15.84%), and dizziness (15.33%) in the last week. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of SBS symptoms reported in junior students was very high and most reported symptoms were fatigue, concentration difficulty, eye dry or itching, and headache.

EVALUATION OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS IN OFFICES LOCATED IN BUILDINGS WITH LARGE GLAZED AREAS

The field study was carried out during the heating season in two Lithuanian office buildings with large glazed areas. The methodology was prepared for evaluating indoor microclimate parameters while using objective and subjective evaluation. The results show that the average temperature in all tested offices was in the range of optimal zones, but in some offices the average temperature was not in compliance with the recommended temperature for offices. During the subjective evaluation, respondents working in these offices identified complains because of too high temperatures, stuffy air and irritation in eyes. The average relative humidity measured in all tested offices was not in compliance with the optimal requirements. Such SBS symptoms as irritation in eyes, cough and dry skin of the hands were identified as the most frequent symptoms in the second tested building. Main indoor microclimate problems arising in buildings with large glazed areas were related to overheating indoor spaces because of the direct sun and improper ventilation. Santrauka Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos patalpų mikroklimato sąlygos pastatuose esančiuose biuruose, turinčiuose didelius įstiklintus plotus. Didelių skaidrių atitvarų plotų įrengimas pastatuose ne tik didina energijos sąnaudas pastatams šildyti, vėsinti ir orui kondicionuoti, bet ir sukuria mikroklimato sąlygas, kuriose dirbantys žmonės dažnai patiria šiluminį diskomfortą, nors aplinkos parametrai atitinka normų reikalavimus. Natūriniams patalpų mikroklimato tyrimams sukurta patalpų mikroklimato tyrimo metodika, kuri sieja objektyvius ir subjektyvius tyrimo metodus patalpų sąlygoms optimaliai įvertinti. Patalpų mikroklimato sąlygos tiksliausiai įvertinamos pagal patalpų mikroklimato parametrų matavimo, papildyto subjektyvaus mikroklimato sąlygų įvertinimu, apibendrintos analizės rezultatus.

Psychosocial factors and gender as predictors of symptoms associated with sick building syndrome

AbstractSick building syndrome (SBS) refers to a cluster of symptoms that typically worsen when employees are at work and diminish when they leave. A higher prevalence of symptoms is frequently observed among female employees. Although its aetiology is debated, evidence suggests that psychosocial factors might be at least as important as features of the working environment in predicting SBS symptoms. Utilizing a sample of 346 office‐based employees (55 per cent female) located in five buildings with no known environmental problems, this study examined job control, job satisfaction, work‐related mood and negative affectivity as predictors of self‐reported symptoms typical of SBS. The role played by gender in symptom‐reporting was also investigated. Findings revealed that employees who experienced more symptoms reported significantly less job control and job satisfaction and more work‐related depression and anxiety. A positive relationship was also observed between symptom‐reporting and negative affectivity. In contrast to previous research, no gender differences were observed in the prevalence of self‐reported symptoms, but men and women differed in the predictors of symptoms and the proportion of variance explained. The findings suggest that demographic and psychosocial factors, as well as features of the objective physical environment, should be considered in future investigations of SBS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

A novel approach to evaluation of adsorbents for sampling indoor volatile organic compounds associated with symptom reports

This article addresses problems that complicate attempts to compare methods when several factors may be associated with an effect, but it is not known which factors are relevant. Chemicals that may contribute to 'sick building syndrome' (SBS), and thus should be sampled in investigations of SBS, are not currently known. A study was undertaken to compare the utility of three adsorbents (Carbopack B, Chromosorb 106 and Tenax TA) for detecting differences in personal chemical exposure to volatile organic compounds in indoor air, between persons with and without SBS symptoms (cases and controls). On the basis of office workers' responses to a questionnaire, 15 cases and 15 controls were chosen. They simultaneously carried diffusive samplers with adsorbents during a week at work, and the acquired samples were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The adsorbents were then compared in terms of their ability to separate cases and controls in partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models. This method of comparison takes into account detected differences in chemical exposure between cases and controls measured with the different adsorbents. Tenax TA gave the best PLS-DA models for separating cases and controls, but a combination of measurements with Tenax TA and Carbopack B gave better PLS-DA models than models based on measurements from either adsorbent alone. Adding measurements from Chromosorb 106 did not improve the results.