Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms Research Articles

Outdoor air pollution in relation to sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms among residents in Shanghai, China

In order to investigate the relationship between outdoor air pollution and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, the CCHH (China, Children, Home, Health) group in Shanghai conducted a cross-sectional survey on the current incidence of SBS symptoms among residents in five districts of Shanghai during April 2011–April 2012. It also collected the related outdoor air pollutants data from Shanghai environmental monitoring center (SEMC), including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm (PM10). The logistic regression models were used in this paper to study the associations between air pollutants and SBS symptoms. Results were found that the daily mean concentrations of NO2 and SO2 met standard requirement, but that of PM10 exceeded the limit values of the standard in China during this survey. The significant differences were found between the pollutants concentration in urban and suburban area. In addition, the incidences of three categories of SBS symptoms among residents were 79.1% for general symptoms (GS), 65.2% for mucous membrane symptoms (MS) and 35.7% for skin symptoms (SS), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis by two case studies illustrated that three outdoor air pollutants, both their concentration quartiles and equal increment, were all associated to and taken as the risk factors for SBS symptoms, for GS ORNO2 = 1.62 (1.18–2.22), MS OR NO2 = 1.58 (1.21–2.06) and SS OR PM10 = 1.21 (1.09–1.35). Furthermore, the new pollutants expressed as the mixtures of their combination were also significantly associated with part of the SBS symptoms. The synthetic air quality indexes of all surveyed residents were calculated as III-level, which represented mild pollution. Therefore, it would be an effective way to decrease the incidence of SBS symptoms in residence to reduce the outdoor air pollution and control the penetration from outdoor to indoor environment.

Indoor environmental quality and Sick Building Syndrome in office buildings

In the last decades public health problems caused by indoor air pollution, such as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), have been drawing strong public concerns. This study aims at investigating the indoor environment quality (IEQ) and people’s complaints in office buildings in Egypt. Indoor environment parameters including air temperature, relative humidity, air speed, TVOC, formaldehyde, Benzene, and Toluene were measured at two office buildings, which located in Giza, and Port Said. The study was done during March 2017-May 2017. Occupants’ perception on indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and SBS symptoms were surveyed by questionnaire.High TVOCs concentration, should be of health effect concern. It was indicated that indoor air quality (IAQ) may lead to SBS symptoms in office building in Egypt.

A study on pupils' learning performance and thermal comfort of primary schools in China

Indoor environment in classroom is vital to pupils' perception, health and performance, especially thermal comfort. In this study, during the experimental process, thermal comfort parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity) were controlled under different conditions, and the relationship between temperature and learning performance was investigated. Moreover, carbon dioxide concentration, acoustics, and illumination were maintained at the same level. Six groups were recruited to participate in the entire experiment under six temperature conditions. During each experiment, the participants voted on their perceptions of thermal sensation, thermal comfort, thermal satisfaction, and sick building syndrome symptoms, and undertook learning tasks consisting of ten items to evaluate performance. It was proven that thermal discomfort caused by high or low temperatures had a negative impact on pupil learning performance. The temperature variation affected not only thermal comfort, but also pupil well-being. The influence of temperature on learning performance testing varied differentially, depending on the task types. A quantitative relationship was established between the temperature and learning performance, with the highest performance recorded at a temperature of approximately 14 °C. Optimal performance was obtained when pupils felt "slightly cool" to "cool". Consequently, it is logical to set the comfort zone in school classrooms within the range of −1.4, instead of between −1 and 0, as obtained from adult productivity.

House Dust and Its Adverse Health Effects

In this review, we examine house dust and its effect on inhabitants' health. Residential house dust includes components from plants, pollens, microorganisms, insects, skin flakes, hairs and fibers. It also includes materials contaminated with chemicals from combustion, furniture, interior materials, electronics, cleaning agents, personal care products. Nowadays, most people spend their time indoors. Thus, dust is an important medium of exposure to pollutions. According to United States Environmental Protection Agency Exposure Factors Handbook, the estimated amount of dust ingestion is 30 mg/day for adults, and 60 mg/day for children over 1 year of age. Since 2003, we have been conducting epidemiological studies to find the association between the indoor environment and the inhabitants' health. The levels of mite allergens, endotoxins, and β-1,3-d-glucan in house dust were measured as biological factors. Semi volatile organic compounds (SVOC) such as phthalates and phosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in dust were also analyzed. As a result, we found that the ORs (95%CI) of nasal and optical symptoms of sick building syndrome (SBS) were 1.45 (1.01-2.10) and 1.47 (1.14-1.88), respectively, when there was a 10-fold increase in the levels of mite allergens. There was no association of mite allergens with allergies. Endotoxins and β-1,3-d-glucan did not show any association with SBS. Regarding SVOC, increased levels of phthalates and PFR increased the risk of allergies. The association between phthalates and increased risk of allergies was clearer among children than adults. There were no gold standards of dust sampling and pretreatment methods. Thus, caution is needed when comparing findings of various studies. Methods should accurately reflect exposure levels.

Evaluation of Sick Building Syndrome prevalence among Mustafa Khomeini hospital staff in Ilam, 2015

Introduction: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), Consists of a constellation of symptoms including irritates the mucous membranes, headache, unusual fatigue, dryness, itching, and nausea that is associated with the presence of a particular building in terms of time. Therefore, this study aimed at the Determination of prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome among Mustafa Khomeini hospital staff in the city of Ilam in 2015. Materials & methods: The present research is a descriptive-analytic study. In this study, from 363 employees in the hospital building, 135 people were randomly chosen and examined. MM040EA questionnaire was used to evaluate clinical symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and indoor air quality. Background information and history of people were interviewed by using a questionnaire. Data collected from questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS software and chi-square tests and Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings: In surveys, 40.7 % of people declared SBS symptoms. Prevalence of this syndrome was 4/56 % among women and 6/43 % in men. This difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.876). The prevalence of SBS syndrome was also statistically non-significant with age, experience, and hours of presence in the building. But there was a statistically significant relationship with the presence of chemicals in the workplace (P= 0.012) and SBS symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms were observed with the nervous system by 97.03 % , Mucosal irritation symptoms by 45.18 % , respiratory symptoms by 11.11 % , and signs of skin with 9.42 %. Discussion & conclusion: The study showed the symptoms of SBS in relatively high prevalence rates (40.7 % of the population). So the need to control and design the hospital according to international laws seems necessary.

Indoor carbon dioxide concentrations and sick building syndrome symptoms in office workers of petroleum industry health organization

Aims: High prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) owing to the work is one of the popular discomforts. High prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) owing to the work is one of the popular discomforts and Work-related absenteeism between office workers. The aims of this study were to assess the association of indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations with SBS prevalence among employees in two office buildings of Petroleum Industry Health Organization in Tehran city. Materials and Methods: In this analytical-descriptive study, 170 employees of the two office buildings of Petroleum Industry Health Organization in Tehran city have been selected. HSE questionnaire was combined with Skov's questionnaire as data collection tools. Questionnaire data analysis has also carried out using SPSS and Chi-square independent sample t-test. CO2concentrations were measured using calibrated instruments. Results: The results suggested that the CO2concentration in both buildings is higher than the threshold limit. CO2concentration was significantly associated with some symptoms such as dry throat (P = 0.028), shortness of breath (P = 0.028), nasal irritation (P = 0.008), dizziness (P = 0.0312), headache (P = 0.0315), nausea (P = 0.049), and sickness (P = 0.023). Conclusion: The prevalence of syndrome symptoms in women was higher than men. Some of SBS symptoms were exacerbated by increasing CO2concentrations among the employee.

Relationship between sick building syndrome and indoor air quality among hospital staff.

Background:Sick building syndrome (SBS) is defined as a condition occurring in those who live or work in a modern building and who suffer from symptoms such as headache, fatigue, lack of concentration and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personal characteristics, environmental factors and the prevalence of SBS among the secretaries working in a hospital.Method:In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were administered to all secretaries who were working in Kütahya hospital in January and March 2018. The questionnaire used in the study included the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and the question form “MM 040 NA Hospital” to evaluate SBS symptoms. These symptoms were the clinical symptoms reported by the secretaries as a result of exposure to factors within the hospital. Temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity and noise level were measured in the indoor environment of the hospital. Chi square test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient and logistic regression models were used in the analysis of data.Results:The study was completed with 177 people, 61.6% women, and the mean age was 30.14±5.7. The prevalence of SBS was found to be 20.9%. The risk of SBS was found to be 2.9 times higher for females, 2.8 times higher for individuals who described the working environment as dusty, 2.6 times higher for subjects complaining of stuffy “bad” air, dry air and an unpleasant odour. All measurements were found to be within acceptable limits. The risk of SBS was found to be 1.2 times higher with increases in the measured noise level, and 2.1 times higher with increased carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations.Conclusion:The factors impacting the risk of experiencing SBS were determined. Bearing these factors in mind, we think that hospital administrations should be informed about arrangements and measures that will improve the quality of the internal environment of the hospital.

Personal, Psychosocial and Environmental Factors Related to Sick Building Syndrome in Official Employees of Taiwan.

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a combination of symptoms that can be attributed to exposure to specific building conditions. The present study recruited 389 participants aged 20–65 years from 87 offices of 16 institutions to examine if personal factors, work-related psychosocial stress, and work environments, were associated with five groups of SBS symptoms, including symptoms for eyes, upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, skin, and non-specific systems. Indoor environmental conditions were monitored. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression (MLR) analyses and were reported as adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR). SBS symptoms for eyes were associated with older age, sensitivity to tobacco, and low indoor air flow. Upper respiratory symptoms were related to smoking, low social support, longer work days, and dry air. High indoor air flow was associated with reduced upper respiratory symptoms (aOR = 0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.13–0.67). Lower respiratory symptoms were associated with high work pressure, longer work hours, chemical exposure, migraine, and exposure to new interior painting. Recent interior painting exposure was associated with a high estimated relative risk of low respiratory symptoms (aOR = 20.6; 95% CI = 2.96–143). Smoking, longer work days, low indoor air flow, indoor dryness, and volatile organics exposure, were associated with other non-specified symptoms including headache, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, anger, and dizziness. In conclusion, there are various SBS symptoms associated with different personal characteristics, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Psychosocial factors had stronger relationships with lower respiratory symptoms than with other types of SBS symptoms. Good ventilation could reduce risk factors and may relieve SBS symptoms.

The cough frequency among call center workers: "call center cough".

Call centers are places where numerous people work together always speaking in a closed environment, and the most common complaint about admission to a doctor by call center employees is a cough and other respiratory system symptoms. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the relationship of call center employees between work and cough complaints and cough incidence with a questionnaire that consists of eleven questions and evaluates epidemiologic features, cough complaints of call center employees. 132 people were accrued to this study and the female/male ratio was 102/30. Mean age was 26.4 ± 2.7 (min-max; 21-39) years, mean working time at the call center was 2.6 ± 1.2 (min-max; 0.1-8) year and mean daily working hours was 8.1 ± 1.1 hour. 40 (30.3%) participants had cough complaint before beginning, 89 (67.4%) participants had cough complaint after to work at a call center work (p= 0.004). Cough is more prevalent in call center employees. Pulmonary medicine specialist and occupational medicine practioner keep their mind unexplaned cough with infections or other reasons might be a warning and early symptoms of sick building syndrome or other building related diseases or voice abusing on call center operators.

SBS symptoms in relation to dampness and ventilation in inspected single-family houses in Sweden

PurposeTo investigate the relationships between symptoms compatible with the sick building syndrome (SBS) in adults and building dampness and ventilation in single-family houses.MethodsWithin the Swedish BETSI study, a national sample of single-family houses were inspected by professional building experts, and adults living in the houses answered a questionnaire on SBS. Relationships between building factors and SBS were analysed using logistic regression.ResultsOf the respondents, 23% reported having had weekly SBS symptoms during the last three months. A large proportion of houses exhibited building or construction problems. In total, 40% of houses had dampness problems in the foundation, and this was related to a higher prevalence of both mucous and dermal symptoms, and any SBS symptoms. Furthermore, high air humidity was related to more symptoms, with the relationship with absolute humidity being stronger than that with relative humidity or moisture load. Symptoms were also more prevalent in houses with a high U value, reflecting a poor thermal insulation. Compared to natural ventilation, living in a house with mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation was related to a lower prevalence of general symptoms and any SBS symptoms, but there were only weak associations between measured air exchange rate and symptoms.ConclusionsA large proportion of single-family houses have dampness problems in the foundation, and pollutants may enter the living space of the house and affect the health of the occupants. Furthermore, absolute air humidity should be measured more often in indoor air studies.

Effect of energy renovation on indoor air quality in multifamily residential buildings in Slovakia

Buildings are responsible for a substantial portion of the global energy consumption. Most of the multifamily residential buildings built in the 20th century in Central and Eastern Europe do not satisfy the current requirements on energy efficiency. Nationwide measures taken to improve the energy efficiency of these buildings rarely consider their impact on the indoor air quality (IAQ). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of simple energy renovation on IAQ, air exchange rates (AER) and occupant satisfaction in Slovak residential buildings. Three pairs of identical naturally ventilated multifamily residential buildings were examined. One building in each pair was newly renovated, the other was in its original condition. Temperature, relative humidity (RH) and the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured in 94 apartments (57%) during one week in the winter. A questionnaire related to perceived air quality, sick building syndrome symptoms and airing habits was filled by the occupants. In a companion experiment, the IAQ was investigated in 20 apartments (50%) of a single residential building before and after its renovation. In this experiment, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde and total and individual volatile organic compounds (VOC) were also measured. CO2 concentrations were significantly higher and AERs were lower in the renovated buildings. Formaldehyde concentrations increased after renovation and were positively correlated with CO2 and RH. Energy renovation was associated with lower occupant satisfaction with IAQ. Energy retrofitting efforts should be complemented with improved ventilation in order to avoid adverse effects on IAQ.

Indoor environmental quality of classrooms and occupants' comfort in a special education school in Slovak Republic

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of five classrooms in a school special for students diagnosed with learning challenges and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, located in Kosice, Slovak Republic was investigated. Objective measurements of environmental factors were performed in the selected classrooms, including: Temperature, relative humidity, particulate matters (PM) and carbon dioxide concentrations, sound level, and lighting conditions. Subjective evaluations were also carried out through completing survey questionnaires by a total of 34 students and five pedagogical staff in the school. The goal was to determine the influence of IEQ on occupants' comfort and performance. Thermal comfort of occupants was assessed using predicted mean vote–percentage of people dissatisfied (PMV–PPD) model. The major issues in the classrooms were found as extremely large PM10 concentrations for large particles, low level of illuminance (visual discomfort), relatively large CO2 concentration, and high noise (acoustic discomfort). Prevalence of some sick building syndrome symptoms among students and staff were observed. Substantial correlations and differences were found between PMV and thermal sensation votes (TSV) methods results and between PPD and actual percentage of dissatisfied indices (APD). While students were not feeling thermally comfortable in the classrooms, the most concerns of occupants were about the acoustic discomfort. The results confirmed the close relationships between IEQ and performance of the school building occupants.

Correlation amongst Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Carbon Dioxide

The calculation of carbon dioxide (CO2) intensities can be employed to see the quality of indoor air and ventilation. The studies undertaken till date have been distorted. The current study summaries the association amongst carbon dioxide and building air quality and ventilation, with carbon dioxide being the marker to evaluate air quality and ventilation performance. High carbon dioxide intensities may show insufficient ventilation per occupant and high indoor contaminants intensities, resulting in the Sick Building Syndrome (SBI) Symptoms. The researcher assessed the literature related to indoor air quality (IAQ), ventilation, and building-linked health issues in schools linked to CO2 discharges and recognised general indicated building-linked well-being signs found in schools. A high rise in the ventilation rate or enhancement in ventilation efficacy and/or indoor contaminant source regulation would be anticipated to reduce the occurrence of chosen signs to its optimum.

Clinical and allergological analysis of ocular manifestations of sick building syndrome.

PurposeThe disease concept of sick building syndrome (SBS) is still unclear. Ocular mucous membrane irritation is one of the major symptoms of SBS. However, the immunological aspects of the ocular complications of SBS are not yet clarified. The clinical and allergological aspects of SBS cases with ocular disorders with special reference to allergic conjunctival diseases (ACD) were analyzed, especially with respect to local immunological features.MethodsTwelve cases of SBS with ocular findings and 49 cases of ACD (allergic conjunctivitis [AC], atopic keratoconjunctivitis [AKC], and vernal keratoconjunctivitis [VKC]) for comparison were evaluated. The clinical findings in SBS and ACD were scored, and tear film breakup time (BUT) was measured. Cytokine (interferon-γ [IFN-γ], interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-13) concentrations in tears were analyzed by cytometric bead arrays. Eosinophil count in peripheral blood, total IgE in serum, and multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) for antigen-specific IgE were also measured.ResultsIn SBS, conjunctival lesions were observed in all cases, and corneal abnormalities were found in two-thirds of the cases. Limbal lesions were observed in 2 pediatric cases. Mean serum total IgE level in SBS was significantly higher than that in AC; however, it was significantly lower than that in AKC and VKC. Eosinophil count in peripheral blood and number of positive allergens in MAST were significantly lower in SBS than in AKC and VKC. Significant elevation of tear IL-4 was observed in SBS and ACD. However, in contrast to ACD, elevation of other cytokines in tears was not observed in SBS. Mean tear BUT in SBS was in the normal range.ConclusionFrom these results, SBS is thought to be partially induced by an allergic response. However, clinical dissociation of the ocular clinical findings and local immunological features in tear cytokines may suggest that SBS belongs to a different entity from ACD.

Gender differences in public office workers’ satisfaction, subjective symptoms and musculoskeletal complaints in workplace and office environments

This study investigates differences between male and female public office workers’ satisfaction levels, sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) complaints in workplace and office environments. Questionnaire surveys were performed in 30 offices from 15 public institutions. Male and female workers of the same age were coupled and selected from each office, gathering a total of 120 male and 120 female subjects. The results show that differences exist between genders in noise and lighting satisfaction levels, SBS-related symptoms (eye, nose, skin) and MSD complaints of hand/wrist/finger, while there is no difference in overall satisfaction level of office environments. The study also suggests that office design for public office workers should take into account gender differences in preventing MSDs and also SBS. The findings of this study are expected to serve as basic data for designing effective public office environments.

Outdoor air pollution, meteorological conditions and indoor factors in dwellings in relation to sick building syndrome (SBS) among adults in China

Indoor environment is associated with the sick building syndrome (SBS), but little is known about the contribution of outdoor air pollution and meteorological conditions to SBS. We studied associations between outdoor air pollution, meteorological parameters and selected indoor exposure and building characteristics at home and weekly SBS symptoms in a standardized questionnaire study among 3485 randomly selected adults in China. Outdoor factors included particulate matters with diameter <10μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), outdoor temperature (T), relative air humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS) during last three months. Multiple logistic regression was applied calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Asthma or allergic rhinitis (atopy) was associated with all types of SBS symptoms except fatigue. Indoor factors played a major role in SBS symptoms. Mold/dampness on the floor/ceiling was associated with fatigue OR=1.60 (1.11–2.30) and headache OR=1.80 (1.07–3.04). Moldy odor was associated with fatigue OR=1.59 (1.07–2.37) and dermal symptoms OR=1.91 (1.21–3.02). Window pane condensation in winter was associated with fatigue OR=1.73 (1.30–2.31) and throat symptoms OR=1.53 (1.01–2.31). Damp bed clothing was related with throat symptom OR=1.62 (1.09–2.40). Home redecoration was associated with fatigue OR=1.49 (1.07–2.06). Frequent window opening was associated with less nose symptoms OR=0.54 (0.36–0.82) and mechanical ventilation in the bathroom reduced dermal symptoms OR=0.66 (0.44–0.99). Females were more susceptible to redecoration and window pane condensation than men. No associations with SBS were observed for outdoor air pollutants or meteorological parameters in the final models combining indoor and outdoor factors, although SO2, T, and RH were associated with some SBS symptoms (fatigue, eyes and nose symptoms) in the separate outdoor models. In conclusion, indoor mold/dampness, air pollution from redecoration and poorer ventilation conditions in dwellings can be risk factors for SBS symptoms in an adult Chinese population, especially among females.

Rhinitis, Ocular, Throat and Dermal Symptoms, Headache and Tiredness among Students in Schools from Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with Fungal DNA and Mycotoxins in Classroom Dust.

There are few studies on rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) among students in tropical countries. We studied associations between levels of five fungal DNA sequences, two mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin and verrucarol) and cat allergen (Fel d 1) levels in schools and rhinitis and other weekly SBS symptoms in the students. Fungal DNA was measured by quantitative PCR and cat allergen by ELISA. Pupils (N = 462) from eight randomly selected schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia participated (96%). Dust samples were collected by cotton swabs and Petri dishes exposed for one week. None of the schools had a mechanical ventilation system, but all classrooms had openable windows that were kept open during lectures and indoor CO2 levels were low (mean 492 ppm; range 380–690 ppm). Weekly nasal symptoms (rhinitis) (18.8%), ocular (11.6%), throat (11.1%), dermal symptoms, headache (20.6%) and tiredness (22.1%) were common. Total fungal DNA in swab samples was associated with rhinitis (p = 0.02), ocular symptoms (p = 0.009) and tiredness (p = 0.001). There were positive associations between Aspergillus versicolor DNA in Petri dish samples, ocular symptoms (p = 0.02) and tiredness (p = 0.001). The level of the mycotoxin verrucarol (produced by Stachybotrys chartarum) in swab samples was positively associated with tiredness (p = 0.04). Streptomyces DNA in swab samples (p = 0.03) and Petri dish samples (p = 0.03) were negatively associated with tiredness. In conclusion, total fungal contamination, measured as total fungal DNA) in the classrooms, Aspergillus versicolor and verrucarol can be risk factors for rhinitis and SBS symptoms among students in the tropical country Malaysia.

Energy Performance Indices for Hospital Buildings in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the economic problem of allocating energy to medicare have long been a major concern and standardized indices to be used as guidance are non-existent. This paper determines energy indices for assessment of how Nigerian hospitals prioritize their energy utilization. Systematic field surveys followed by in-depth statistical analysis were adopted. The hospitals were stratified into four categories for the investigation. Then, questionnaires were designed, randomly administered and their responses generated in conversation with workers at 70 hospitals in Nigeria. Results of the analysis show that an average hospital in Nigeria, depending on its category, uses energy as follows: rural 66.936kWh/day; urban 343.23 kWh/day; specialist 454.872 kWh/day and teaching 1,944.394 kWh/day. Lighting is shown as a critical energy function and accounts for as much as 15%, 36%, 40.5% and 69.5% of daily energy use in rural, urban, specialist and teaching hospitals, respectively. A productivity based energy performance indicator for each hospital category works out to be 3.346 kWh/bed space/day, 2.367 kWh/bed space/day, 4.548 kWh/bed space/day and 19.443 kWh/bed space/day, respectively, for typical rural, urban, specialist and teaching hospitals. The respective Building Energy Index (BEI) values for the categories of hospitals are as follows: rural 0.13 kWh/m 2 /day; urban 0.077 kWh/m 2 /day; specialist 0.088 kWh/m 2 /day and teaching 0.277 kWh/m 2 /day. The low BEI implies that the buildings have lower rates of sick building syndrome symptoms. Also, autogeneration is predominantly used in all the hospitals, when grid utility supply is unavailable.

A SURVEY OF SICK BUILDING SYNDROME PREVALENCE AMONG THE INHABITANTS OF EKBATAN IN TEHRAN

Abstract In this study, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is surveyed in the residential buildings of Ekbatan, a district in the Western part of Tehran. A number of 330 individuals were selected randomly. It was investigated whether factors such as the physical conditions of the sampled buildings, occupation and lifestyle-related behavior such as smoking were associated with the intensification of irritation and mental symptoms. The symptoms of SBS were observed positive in 56.4% of the cases. The worst symptoms among residents included: eye irritation while using computers (8.8%), throat (8.5%) and nose (6.4%) irritation around garbage chutes. The results showed that the residents of buildings without natural sunlight and suitable central air-conditioning systems (P=0.04, OR=1.60) show a higher likelihood of developing SBS symptoms than the residents of buildings enjoying sunlight and with good air-conditioning systems (P=0.001, OR=2.41). No significant relationship was found between the prevalence incidenceof SBS and gender, smoking habits, occupation, and age. The results showed that the prevalence incidence of SBS is fairly high among the residents of Ekbatan. Factors affecting SBS in this district were: inadequate central air-conditioning systems, double glazed windows, improper operation of the garbage chute system and the proximity of Ekbatan to pollution producing areas such as West Terminal in Azadi Square and Mehrabad International Airport. Key words: buildings, Ekbatan, residents, sick building syndrome, symptoms

Endotoxin, ergosterol, muramic acid and fungal DNA in dust from schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia — Associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) in junior high school students

This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio=3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR=3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR=2.66), headache (OR=2.13) and tiredness (OR=2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and rhinitis (p=0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p<0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p=0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p=0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p=0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p=0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.