Monitoring of symptoms in estimating the effect of intervention in the sick building syndrome: A field study

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Environment International; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(89)90021-4· OSTI ID:6704868

Hansen, L ^[1]

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1. Danish Labour Inspection Service, Copenhagen (Denmark)

Employees in six day-care institutions were asked to fill out a simple questionnaire before and one year after technical changes were made in their buildings. The institutions were defined as sick buildings, based on a prevalence (exceeding 40%) of irritative symptoms and general symptoms among the employees. Based on the technical measurements there were no obvious reasons for the complaints. It was decided, however, to remove man-made mineral-acoustic ceilings and to install mechanical ventilation. One year later there was a significant reduction in the prevalence of symptoms (irritative and general symptoms related to the sick building syndrome) among the employees. The study indicates that systematic monitoring of employees' symptoms before and after corrective action is an important indicator of the benefit of the actions and might be used routinely by architects, engineers, and local authorities in dealing with indoor climate problems. Follow-up studies might give more knowledge of the causes of sick building syndrome.

• OSTI ID: 6704868
• Journal Information: Environment International; (USA), Journal Name: Environment International; (USA) Vol. 15:1-6; ISSN 0160-4120; ISSN ENVID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
CEILINGS
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
ENVIRONMENT
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
PERSONNEL
POLLUTION
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
SYMPTOMS
VENTILATION