The sick buildings and other buildings with indoor climate problems

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(89)90011-1· OSTI ID:6704980

Molhave, L ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Aarhus (Denmark)

The Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is one of many terms used by occupants to describe symptoms of reduced comfort or health related to the indoor atmospheric environment. Many poorly defined synonymous terms, including the sick buildings, have been used by different investigators for these buildings. A more systematic grouping of the problem buildings is suggested. A general term, Indoor climate problem building, may be used for any building in which occupants are dissatisfied with the indoor atmospheric environment. The subgroup of problem buildings, in which all atmospheric factors are below the thresholds of their known dose-response relationships is often identified by the term the sick buildings. The dose-response relationship in these buildings may be multifactorial. This multifactorial dose-response relationship is discussed. A previous definition of the sick building syndrome published by the WHO includes a pattern of symptoms that have been seen repeatedly in indoor climate problem buildings. A more systematic list of symptoms, including those identified in the WHO definition, is suggested. According to this systematic listing, symptoms or effects are classified into five categories, and a revised definition of the sick building syndrome is expressed in five criteria. This definition of the sick building syndrome and its consequences are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6704980
• 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
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
ENVIRONMENT
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
POLLUTION
SYMPTOMS
VENTILATION