Symptoms and microenvironmental measures in nonproblem buildings

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · JOM, Journal of Occupational Medicine; (United States)

OSTI ID:5552596

Hodgson, M J; Frohliger, J; Permar, E; Tidwell, C; Traven, N D; Olenchock, S A; Karpf, M ^[1]

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1. Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA (USA)

Symptoms commonly defined as the sick building syndrome were studied in a cross-sectional investigation of 147 office workers in five building areas using a linear-analog self-assessment scale questionnaire to define symptoms at a specific point in time. At the same time, the environment in the breathing zone was characterized by measuring thermal parameters (dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, air speed, and radiant temperature), volatile organic compounds, respirable suspended particulates, noise and light intensity, and carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels. Demographic characteristics of the occupants and building characteristics were recorded. Up to 25% of the variance in regression models could be explained for mucous membrane irritation and central nervous system symptoms. These two symptom groups were related to the concentrations of volatile organic compounds, to crowding, to layers of clothing, and to measured levels of lighting intensity. Chest tightness was also related to lighting intensity. Skin complaints were related only to gender. Gender, age, and education failed to demonstrate a consistent relationship with symptom categories. This study suggests that the sick building syndrome may have specific environmental causes, including lighting and volatile organic compounds.

• OSTI ID: 5552596
• Journal Information: JOM, Journal of Occupational Medicine; (United States), Journal Name: JOM, Journal of Occupational Medicine; (United States) Vol. 33:4; ISSN 0096-1736; ISSN JJOMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
CHALCOGENIDES
DISEASES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MATHEMATICS
MATTER
MEMBRANES
MUCOUS MEMBRANES
NERVOUS SYSTEM
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
POLLUTION
REGRESSION ANALYSIS
STATISTICS
SYMPTOMS
VOLATILE MATTER