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Document ID (ISN)56564
CIS number 91-1529
ISSN - Serial title 0096-1736 - Journal of Occupational Medicine
Year 1991
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Hodgson M.J., Frohliger J., Permar E., Tidwell C., Traven N.D., Olenchock S.A., Karpf M.
Title Symptoms and microenvironmental measures in nonproblem buildings
Bibliographic information Apr. 1991, Vol.33, No.4, p.527-533. 19 ref.
Abstract Symptoms commonly defined as sick building syndrome (SBS) were studied in a cross-sectional investigation of 147 office workers using a self-assessment scale questionnaire. The environment in the breathing zone was characterised by measuring thermal parameters, volatile organic compounds, respirable suspended particulates, noise and light intensity, and carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels. Two symptom groups, mucous membrane irritation and central nervous system depression, were found to be related to the concentrations of volatile organic compounds, crowding, layers of clothing, and measured levels of lighting intensity. Chest tightness was also related to lighting intensity. Results suggest that SBS may have specific environmental causes, including light intensity and the presence of volatile organic compounds.
Descriptors (primary) USA; environmental pollution; sick building syndrome; office work
Descriptors (secondary) air temperature; illumination levels; humidity; carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; noise level; determination in air; smoking; irritation; symptoms; heat load; respirable dust; neurological effects; organic compounds
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Occupational pathology
Broad subject area(s) Occupational medicine, epidemiology
Browse category(ies) Sick building syndrome
Office work
Environmental pollution