Sick building syndrome - 136 entries found

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2011

CIS 10-0694 Musarella F., Maurel Dor E., Lehucher-Michel M.P.
Sick building syndrome
Syndrome des bâtiments malsains [in French]
Topics addressed in this review article on the sick building syndrome: definition; epidemiology; symptoms; diagnosis; triggering factors; predisposing factors; amplifying factors; role of the occupational physician.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, 1st Quarter 2011, No.170, 8p. Illus. 49 ref.

2009

CIS 11-0844 Salonen H.J., Lappalainen S.K., Riuttala H.M., Tossavainen A.P., Pasanen P.O., Reijula K.E.
Man-made vitreous fibers in office buildings in the Helsinki area
In this study of 258 office buildings, the occurrence and density of settled man-made vitreous fibres (MMVFs) on surfaces were measured by two sampling methods. Altogether, 1113 samples of settled dust were collected from surfaces with plastic bags and gelatine tape and were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope and a stereomicroscope, respectively. Tape samples from 68 buildings were collected from 162 frequently-cleaned and 57 seldom-cleaned room surfaces in 56 and 29 offices, respectively, and from 24 supply air ducts in 10 offices. MMVFs longer than 20 μm were counted with a stereomicroscope. Irritation symptoms were recorded with a questionnaire. More than 60% of the surface dust and almost 90% of the samples collected from supply air ducts contained MMVFs. The density of MMVFs longer than 20 μm ranged from < 0.1 to 5 fibre/cm2. The mean density of the MMVFs was about two times higher on the seldom cleaned surfaces than on the frequently cleaned surfaces. The density was usually under 0.2 MMVF/cm2 in surface dust of offices without emission sources of MMVFs. The measurements combined with qualitative analysis of settled dust can help to localize relevant sources of fibre emissions. Altogether, in 40% of the buildings, several occupants had repeated irritation symptoms that were verified by occupational health care personnel.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Oct. 2009, Vol.6, No.10, p.624-631. Illus. 41 ref.
Man-made.pdf [in English]

CIS 11-0350 Page E., Burr G., Brueck S.
Evaluation of cancer among occupants of two office buildings
In 2007, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the management of NASA's John Glenn Research Center (NASA GRC in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding on-going employee and union concerns about a possible higher rate of cancer among current and former employees of two buildings, possibly due to potential exposure to jet fuel and de-icing compounds from the nearby airport, asbestos in the buildings, water damage in the buildings, and general indoor environmental quality. A number of investigations were carried out. Findings are discussed. It is concluded that there is no evidence that the cancers reported are associated with work in the buildings because the number and types of cancers do not appear unusual; the different types of cancers do not suggest a common exposure; no significant hazardous exposures were identified and evidence leads to non-occupational causes.
Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Mar. 2009. vi, 19p. 36 ref.
HETA_2008-0166-3079.pdf [in English]

CIS 09-1221 Takeda M., Saijo Y., Yuasa M., Kanazawa A., Araki A., Kishi R.
Relationship between sick building syndrome and indoor environmental factors in newly built Japanese dwellings
The aim of this study was to identify sick building syndrome (SBS) risk factors. The symptoms of 343 residents in 104 detached houses in Japan were surveyed by questionnaire, and the concentrations of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), airborne fungi, and dust mite allergen in their living rooms were measured. Based on the presence of various dampness indicators, a dampness index was also calculated. SBS symptoms were found in 21.6% of surveyed individuals. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, the dampness index, formaldehyde and α-pinene had significantly higher odds ratios for SBS symptoms. However, no increased risks were related to VOCs, airborne fungi and dust mite allergen.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2009, Vol.82, No.5, p.583-593. 50 ref.

2008

CIS 10-0687 Stathopoulos T., Bodhisatta H., Bahloul A.
Analytical evaluation of dispersion of exhaust from rooftop stacks on buildings
The occasional introduction of polluting emissions into buildings by fresh air intakes is one of the main causes of the poor air quality in some workplaces, which can have harmful effects on people's health, particularly those who work in laboratories or hospital establishments. Computer models are commonly used to determine whether existing or expected industrial installations comply or will comply with the American National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) or the standards of other countries. These models also promote the development of effective control strategies for reducing emissions of harmful atmospheric pollutants. This report evaluated the use of the various atmospheric dispersion models approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to model the dispersion of stack effluents in order to determine their concentration at various locations on the roofs where they originate. The results were compared to those obtained in a wind tunnel and in the field. An assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the dispersion models is provided, according to each configuration, and the one best adapted to each situation is proposed.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2008. ix, 71p. Illus. 46 ref. Price: CAD 10.50. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
Report_R-576.pdf [in English]

CIS 09-1006 Norbäck D., Nordström K.
Sick building syndrome in relation to air exchange rate, CO₂, room temperature and relative air humidity in university computer classrooms: An experimental study
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ventilation and temperature changes in university computer rooms on symptoms among students. Two classrooms had higher air exchange; two others had lower air exchange. After one week, ventilation conditions were interchanged between the rooms. The students reported symptoms during the last hour, on a seven-step rating scale. Measurements included room temperature, relative humidity carbon dioxide (CO₂), PM10 and ultra-fine particles, illumination, air velocity, formaldehyde, nitrogen and ozone. Data were subjected to multiple regression analyses. It was found that computer classrooms may have CO₂ above 1,000 ppm and temperatures above 22°C, and that these conditions may affect mucosal membrane symptoms, headaches and tiredness. Other findings are discussed.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct. 2008, Vol.82, No.1, p.21-30. 32 ref.

CIS 09-45 Bakke J.V., Wieslander G., Norbäck D., Moen B.E.
Atopy, symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions, tear film stability, nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in university staff
This cross-sectional study of 173 employees in four university buildings in Norway evaluated associations between airway symptoms, complaints on environmental perceptions, atopy, tear film break up time, nasal patency, nasal mucosa proteins and various biomarkers. Personal predictors (gender, age, smoking, infections) for the biomarkers as well as associations between the biomarkers were also assessed. Findings are discussed.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, July 2008, Vol.81, No.7, p.861-872. 52 ref.

CIS 09-44 Edvardsson B., Stenberg B., Bergdahl J., Eriksson N., Lindén G., Widman L.
Medical and social prognoses of non-specific building-related symptoms (Sick Building Syndrome): A follow-up study of patients previously referred to hospital
The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the medical and social prognoses of patients suffering from the sick building syndrome. A questionnaire focusing on medical and social status, medical treatment, other actions taken and personality traits was sent to 239 patients with non-specific building-related symptoms assessed between1986 and 1998 at a Swedish University hospital. The response rate was 79%. Since women constituted 92% of the respondents, statistical analyses were restricted to women. Fatigue, irritation of the eyes and facial erythema were the most common symptoms reported at follow-up. The severity of symptoms decreased over time, although nearly half of the patients claimed that symptoms were more or less unchanged despite preventive actions taken. Twenty percent of the patients drew disability pension due to persistent symptoms at follow-up. Other findings are discussed.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, July 2008, Vol.81, No.7, p.805-812. Illus. 20 ref.

2007

CIS 09-50 Bakke J.V., Moen B.E., Wieslander G., Norbäck D.
Gender and physical and psychosocial work environments are related to indoor air symptoms
The objective of this study was to assess gender differences in self-reported indoor-air symptoms as a function of psychosocial and physical work environments. Persons working in four university buildings were investigated by means of questionnaires, blood samples, and indoor environment measurements (temperature, air velocity, relative humidity, CO₂ and dust). Analyses were performed by linear and logistic regression. Women reported health symptoms more often than men and complained more about physical but not psychosocial factors. Men's symptoms and complaints were more specifically associated to air velocity and humidity. Relative humidity in the range of 15% to 35% was associated with the perception of too low temperature and dry air. Other findings are discussed.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2007, Vol.49, No.6, p.641-650. 63 ref.

CIS 08-340 Jaakkola M.S., Yang L., Ieromnimon A., Jaakkola J.J.K.
Office work, SBS and respiratory sick building syndrome symptoms
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between exposure to copy paper, paper dust and fumes from photocopiers and printers (FPP), and the occurrence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, chronic respiratory symptoms and respiratory infections. Subjects consisted of a randomly-selected sample of 342 office workers in a region of Finland. They answered a questionnaire about personal information, health, smoking, occupation, and exposures in the work environment and at home. Data were subjected to logistic regression analyses. Findings are discussed. This study provides new evidence that exposure to paper dust and to FPP is related to the risk of SBS symptoms, breathlessness and upper respiratory infections. It strengthens the evidence that exposure to copy paper increases the risk of eye symptoms, general symptoms, chronic respiratory symptoms and some respiratory infections. Reduction of these exposures could improve the health of office workers.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.64, No.3, p.178-184. Illus. 27 ref.

2006

CIS 07-1323 Niemelä R., Seppänen O., Korhonen P., Reijula K.
Prevalence of building-related symptoms as an indicator of health and productivity
The prevalence of building-related symptoms (BRSs) is commonly used to characterize the indoor air quality in office buildings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BRSs and productivity. A first step consisted of identifying published studies that measured simultaneously the prevalence or intensity of BRS and subjectively reported or objectively measured productivity. In addition, two office environments were evaluated, namely a call centre and in an insurance office, in which productivity was assessed using several metrics. The review of 23 studies suggests that a linkage exists between typical BRS and productivity indicators such as work performance or absence from work. Quantitative associations between BRS and productivity were further confirmed in two evaluated office environments.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2006, Vol.49, No.10, p.819-825. 37 ref.

CIS 07-586 Marmot A.F., Eley J., Stafford M., Stansfeld S.A., Warwick E., Marmot M.G.
Building health: An epidemiological study of "sick building syndrome" in the Whitehall II study
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is described as a group of symptoms attributed to the physical environment of specific buildings. This study explores the relative roles of the physical and psychosocial work environment in explaining SBS. Cross-sectional data on the physical environment of a selection of buildings were added to an ongoing health survey of office-based civil servants in the United Kingdom. A self-report questionnaire was used to capture 10 symptoms of SBS and psychosocial work stress. In total, 4052 participants aged 42-62 years working in 44 buildings were included in this study. Findings are discussed. Only psychosocial work characteristics and control over the physical environment were independently associated with symptoms in the multivariate analysis. The physical environment of office buildings appears less important than the psychosocial work environment in explaining differences in the prevalence of SBS symptoms.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2006, Vol.63, No.4, p.283-289. Illus. 53 ref.

2005

CIS 09-108 Beermann B., Henke N., Brenscheidt F., Windel A.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin
Well-being in the office - Health and safety at work in the office
In contrast to popular opinion, office work is not stress free. Office work can result in headaches, back disorders, inflammation of the wrist, eye complaints and mental illnesses. This booklet outlines ways to implement office workplace health promotion measures. In chapters on subjects such as mixed work, sitting postures and working with computers, it describes the risks and stressors in office work and offers practical solutions. Checklists allow readers to conduct an initial assessment of their own working environment. It includes references to regulations as well as further in-depth literature.
Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Postfach 17 02 02, 44061 Dortmund, Germany, 2nd ed., 2005. 36p. Illus. 4 ref.
http://www.baua.de/nn_21604/de/Publikationen/Broschueren/A10,xv=vt.pdf [in English]

2004

CIS 07-19
Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego
Workers' magazine: Sick building syndrome
Revista do trabalhador: Síndrome dos edifícios doentes [in Portuguese]
This videotape explains how indoor air pollution may cause health problems such as eye irritation, fatigue, headache and respiratory difficulties, symptoms of the disease known as sick building syndrome.
Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 11min.

CIS 06-1113 Khalfallah T., Derouiche S., Abdallah B., Chaari N., Hanchi M.A., Akrout M.
Sick building syndrome in the banking sector in Tunis
Syndrome des bâtiments malsains dans le secteur bancaire de Tunis [in French]
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of sick building syndrome among 286 persons (182 men and 104 women) employed in 20 branches of one of Tunisia's leading banks. Data on personal characteristics and perceived symptoms were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The main symptoms reported were headache (34.6% of subjects), chest tightness (23.4%), flu-like syndrome (16.4%) and eye irritation (15.0%). Other findings are discussed. The study establishes a link between these symptoms and sick building syndrome based on findings reported in other countries.
Bossons futé, 17 avenue Miss Cavell, 94100 Saint-Maur, France, 2004. Internet document (PDF format). 24p. Illus. 58 ref.
http://www.bossons-fute.com/Enquetes/sickbbuildingsyndrome.pdf [in French]

2002

CIS 05-530 Beermann B., Henke N., Brenscheidt F., Windel A.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin
Well-being in the office! - Occupational safety and health in office work
Wohlbefinden im Büro! - Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz bei der Büroarbeit [in German]
This booklet provides guidance and proposes basic rules for improving well-being during office work. Details of current regulations are provided, together with a short list of suggested further reading. Topics covered include: work organization (varied work, group work, shift work); sitting posture and ergonomics; lighting (lighting intensity, reflections, visual fatigue); conditions conducive to concentration (noise levels, thermal environment, sick building syndrome); work at screens; advantages of having green plants in the office.
Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2002. 30p. Illus. 19 ref.
http://www.bmwa.bund.de/Inqa/Redaktion/Service/Downloads/wohlbefinden-im-buero-pdf,property=pdf.pdf [in German]

CIS 02-1777 Springston J.P., Esposito W.A., Cleversey K.W.
Baseline indoor air quality measurements collected from 136 metropolitan New York region commercial office buildings between 1997-1999
Between January 1997 and December 1999, 648 surveys were performed in 136 commercial office buildings in the greater New York area as part of an indoor environmental quality programme. Sampling was performed on a spot basis in non-problem buildings, during normal business hours, either quarterly or semiannually. Carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) were among the various physical and chemical parameters which were sampled. More than 15,000 data points were collected, and the results were analyzed to determine the mean, median and standard deviation for each of those parameters. The results were then compared to various standards and guidelines applicable to the indoor environment. It was found that 98% of the CO₂ readings were below 1000ppm, and 99.9% of the CO readings were below 10ppm. However for TVOCs, nearly 88% of the readings exceeded the proposed European guideline value of 0.3mg/m³.
AIHA Journal, May-June 2002, Vol.63, No.3, p.354-360. Illus. 41 ref.

CIS 02-1779 Quality of indoor air... Something to be closely watched!
La qualité de l'air intérieur... à surveiller! [in French]
This full issue is devoted to indoor air quality in workplaces in Quebec (Canada). Main topics covered: nature of indoor air contaminants; sources of indoor air pollutants; proactive prevention management; disorders due to poor indoor air quality; non-environmental variables associated with complaints concerning the quality of indoor air (stress, job dissatisfaction, psychogenic effects); evaluation of fungal contamination and preventive measures; advice for avoiding the degeneration of an indoor air quality problem into a crisis situation; information communication within the enterprise during interventions following a problem or a crisis; ventilation of premises and air renewal; compensation of disorders due to indoor air quality; right of refusal to work because of poor indoor air quality.
Convergence - Revue de gestion de la santé-sécurité, Aug. 2002, Vol.18, No.3, p.1-19 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref.

2001

CIS 04-163 Mörchen H.
Hygiene of ventilation systems - Hygiene requirements applicable to ventilation systems for offices and conference rooms
Hygiene in raumlufttechnischen Anlagen - Anforderungen an RLT-Anlagen für Büro- und Verwaltungsräume [in German]
This document describes the hygiene requirements that must be met by ventilations systems for offices, conference rooms and other types of meeting rooms and provides information on the techniques that are currently available for complying with the standard VDI 6022-1. Contents: importance of standards, specifications and directives; requirements with respect to hygiene during the planning, erection, use and maintenance of ventilation systems; requirements applicable to various components and functionalities (regulation strategies, components, air intakes, central equipment housing, filters, air humidifiers, heat exchangers, ventilators, heat recovery, humidity absorbers, cooling ceilings); variables that need to be periodically checked (temperature, pressure, humidity, air drafts, airflow, germ counts); health hazards (sick building syndrome, biological and chemical hazards); supply of personal protective equipment in the event where technical measures cannot by themselves ensure the safety of workers.
Expert verlag GmbH, Wankelstr. 13, 71272 Renningen, Germany, 2001. 107p. Illus. 41 ref. Index. Price: EUR 19.80.

CIS 02-344 Bartual Sánchez J., Bereguer Subils M.J., Bernal Domínguez F., Freixa Blanxart A., Guardino Solá X., Hernández Calleja A., Martí Solé M.C., Rosell Farrás M.G.
Quality of indoor air
Calidad de aire interior [in Spanish]
Persons living in industrialized countries spend 60 to 80% of their time in enclosed areas. Consequently, the questions of quality of indoor air and associated health problems are becoming more and more important. This document presents the state of current knowledge in this area. Contents: general concepts (thermal comfort, air quality criteria, contamination sources); odours; chemical contaminants; radon; cigarette smoke and passive smoking; biological contaminants; ventilation of premises; example of analysis of an indoor air quality problem.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. vi, 200p. Illus. 43 ref.

2000

CIS 01-1389 Rescalvo Santiago F.
Manual of ergonomics
Manual de ergonomía [in Spanish]
Ergonomics training manual published by a Spanish insurance company. Contents include: general considerations on work and health; hazards linked to work (occupational accidents and diseases); occupational safety and health domains (ergonomics, occupational safety, industrial hygiene and occupational medicine); ergonomics and the changes in working conditions; legislation with respect to working conditions and ergonomics; design and layout of workplaces; working environments (contamination of environmental air, thermal environments, noise, lighting, sick building syndrome); physical workload (effort, work posture and methods of evaluation); stress (causes, effects on health and prevention methods); psychosocial factors (definition of the factors, effects on health and models for action); work organization; ergonomical methods for analysing working conditions.
IBERMUTUAMUR, Ramírez de Arellano 27, 28403 Madrid, Spain, 2000. 558p. Illus. 81 ref.

CIS 01-707 Rescalvo Santiago F.
Occupational medicine II
Medicina del trabajo II [in Spanish]
Manual of occupational medicine in 2 volumes aimed at company health services. The first volume covers management issues (see CIS 01-706) while the second is devoted to pathologies. Contents include: occupational carcinogenesis; lung cancer; diseases of the upper respiratory tract; respiratory diseases; acute respiratory infections; tuberculosis; viral hepatitis; HIV infections and AIDS; risks to women's health in various occupational settings; teratogenic effects; modifications to male fertility; cataract; heart diseases; musculoskeletal diseases; sick building syndrome; diseases caused by the use of visual display terminals; toxic and neurotoxic substances; occupational psychopathy; neurosis and alcoholism.
IBERMUTUAMUR, Ramírez de Arellano 27, 28403 Madrid, Spain, 2000. 524p. Illus. Ref.bibl.

CIS 01-763
Health and Safety Commission
Health and safety statistics 1999/2000
This report analyses occupational accidents and diseases in Great Britain (i.e. England, Wales and Scotland) for the year 1999/2000. The fist part covers injury and dangerous-occurrence accidents by type of accident (fatal or non-fatal), severity rate, sex and age of employees, category of persons affected (employed, self-employed, member of the public), dangerous occurrences from supply and use of flammable gases, and enforcement. The second part covers statistics of occupational diseases by cause and type (chemical, physical, biological, musculoskeletal diseases, sick building syndrome and other hazards).
HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2000. xii, 213p. Illus. 23 ref. Price: GBP 17.50.

1999

CIS 02-95 Indoor air quality health and safety guide
Indoor air quality (IAQ) problems occur in buildings where chemical or biological contaminants build up to levels that can adversely affect some occupants, causing headache, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, throat dryness, skin rashes, eye and nose irritation, loss of concentration and general malaise. Building-related illness is a recognized occupational disease. This guide outlines how to identify potential IAQ problems and to take steps towards controlling these problems. Contents: IAQ as a occupational health concern; sources of IAQ problems; recognition of IAQ problems; evaluation and control of IAQ; ventilation; evaluation and control of the indoor environment; instruments of indoor air quality assessment; regulations, standards and guidelines; legislation; sources of additional information. Document also available in French at CCOHS.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 250 Main Street East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1H6, Canada, 2nd ed., 1999. ix, 132p. Illus. Price: CAD 10.00 (Canada); USD 10.00 (elsewhere).

CIS 01-1076 Schneider T., Skov P., Valbjørn O.
Challenges for indoor environment research in the new office
This paper discusses new directions for indoor environment research for the following four themes: the current change in office work patterns, workplace design and increasing demands on the work force; the large individual variations in requirements for optimal conditions pointing at the key factors of individual response; psychosocial factors as determinants of symptoms, comfort, and productivity; and measures of transient, non-specific symptoms in the indoor environment (sick-building syndrome) and identification of its causes.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Dec. 1999, Vol.25, No.6, p.574-579. Illus. 33 ref.

CIS 01-260 Parat S., Perdrix A.
Air conditioning and health
Climatisation et santé [in French]
Topics: aerosols; air conditioner disease; air conditioning; aspergillosis; bacterial toxins; bronchiolitis; data sheet; encyclopaedia; exposure evaluation; exposure tests; extrinsic allergic alveolitis; filter dust collectors; France; health hazards; immuno-allergy; interleukins; legionellosis; mycotoxins; organic dust; risk factors; sick building syndrome; workplaces.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 1999, No.122, 6p. Illus. 71 ref.

CIS 00-1343 Malchaire J.
Sick building syndrome - Analysis and prevention
Sick building syndrome - Analyse et prévention [in French]
Sick building syndrome - analyse en preventie [in Dutch]
This health and safety guide is aimed at persons responsible for the technical maintenance of buildings and OSH consultants for solving or avoiding problems related to the sick building syndrome. It is presented in the form of a series of data sheets for collecting information on complaints and symptoms, for analysing the different factors that could have possible links with a sick building syndrome, such as heating, air conditioning system, indoor air pollution, climate, lighting and physical factors (static electricity, electromagnetic radiation, ergonomics) and for proposing specific measures to correct the problem.
Institut National de Recherche sur les Conditions de Travail (INRCT), rue de la Concorde 60, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1999. vii, 148p. Illus. 33 ref. Index. + 3.5" Diskette.

CIS 00-1127 Menzies D., Pasztor J., Rand T., Bourbeau J.
Germicidal ultraviolet irradiation in air conditioning systems: Effect on office worker health and well-being - A pilot study
The objectives of this study were to test whether installation and operation of gernimicidal ultraviolet (GUV) lights in central ventilation systems would be feasible, without adverse effects, undetected by building occupants, and effective in eliminating microbial contamination. 104 workers participated; their environmental satisfaction ratings were not different whether GUV lights were on or off. Headache, difficulty concentrating and eye irritation occurred less often with GUV lights on whereas skin rash or irritation was more common. Overall, the average number of work-related symptoms reported was 1.1 with GUV lights off compared with 0.9 with GUV lights on. Installation and operation of GUV lights in central heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of office buildings is feasible, cannot be detected by workers, and does not seem to result in any adverse effects.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 1999, Vol.56, No.6, p.397-402. 34 ref.

1998

CIS 03-1322 Building air quality - Action plan
Designed to be used in conjunction with the publication entitled "Building air quality - A guide for building owners and facility managers" (see CIS 92-423), this manual enables building owners and facility managers to develop an action plan for improving indoor air quality (IAQ). The eight-step process involves: designating an IAQ manager; developing the IAQ profile of the building; addressing existing and potential IAQ problems; educating building staff about IAQ; developing a plan for facility operations and maintenance; managing processes with potentially-significant pollution sources; communicating with occupants on the importance of their role in maintaining good IAQ; establishing procedures for responding to IAQ complaints. A check-list for assisting building management in verifying the implementation of the action plan is included.
Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, June 1998. 31p.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/98-123a.html [in English]

CIS 02-1717 Koh D., Muah L.S.
Society of Occupational Medicine
The health of your business - A management guide to employees' health
There is a link between the physical and mental health of employees and productivity, and a poor management of health problems has a financial impact on the enterprise. Aimed at managers of enterprises in Singapore, this guide addresses the most frequent problems they have to face in health management. It consists of four parts: health of the company, health at work, sickness at work and legal and safety aspects of health and work. Contents: health-care costs in Singapore; choosing a company doctor; management of health care; sickness absenteeism; promoting health at work; stress; business travel and expatriation; jet lag and problems related to air travel; routine health screening; occupational diseases; sick building syndrome; fitness to work; shift work; legal aspects; workmen's compensation; medical leave; safety planning and cost of safety.
SNP Publishing Pte Ltd, Raffle Editions, 162 Bukit Merah Central 304-3545, Singapore 150162, Republic of Singapore,1998. 232p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index.

CIS 00-1731 Matthes R., Bernhardt J.H., Repacholi M.H.
Risk perception, risk communication and its application to EMF exposure
Proceedings of the International Seminar on risk perception, risk communication and its application to EMF exposure held in Vienna, Austria, 22-23 October 1997. Papers include: risk assessment and risk perception; risk communication and risk management; perceived risk attributed to electromagnetic fields; tools for effective risk communication for the EMF agenda.
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, c/o. R. Matthes, Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, Institut für Strahlenhygiene, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany, 1998. xii, 369p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 00-1319 Ooi P.L., Goh K.T., Phoon M.H., Foo S.C., Yap H.M.
Epidemiology of sick building syndrome and its associated risk factors in Singapore
The occurrence of sick building syndrome in a tropical city, and its relation to indoor air quality and other factors was investigated. 2,856 office workers in 56 randomly selected public and private sector buildings were surveyed. The study consisted of a self-administered questionnaire assessing symptoms and perception of the physical and psychosocial environment, inspection of the building plans and premises, and measurement of temperature, relative humidity, respirable particles, chemicals, bioaerosols and other variables. Symptoms typical of the sick building syndrome were reported in 19.6% of the respondents. Multivariate modelling substantiated contributions associated with low thermal comfort, high work related stress, too much noise, a history of allergy or other medical conditions, poor lighting, young employees and female sex. Measurements of indoor air quality or ventilation were not found to be reliable predictors of the symptoms.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1998, Vol.55, No.3, p.188-193. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 99-2061 Cooley J.D., Wong W.C., Jumper C.A., Straus D.C.
Correlation between the prevalence of certain fungi and sick building syndrome
Indoor and outdoor air samples and surface samples were collected at 48 US schools in which there had been concerns about health and indoor air quality. Five fungal genera were consistently found in the outdoor air and comprised over 95% of the outdoor fungi. In more than half of the schools, there were higher concentrations of propagules of Penicillium species in the air samples from complaint areas compared with outdoor air samples and indoor air samples from non-complaint areas. Stachybotrys was isolated from swab samples in 11 schools. Propagules of Penicillium and Stachybotrys species may be associated with sick building syndrome. Topics: air-conditioned premises; allergies; determination in air; educational institutions; fungi; Penicillium moulds; respiratory diseases; sick building syndrome.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 1998, Vol.55, No.9, p.579-584. Illus. 39 ref.

CIS 99-1140 Schmid W.
Does the sick building syndrome also occur in naturally ventilated buildings?
Sick-Building-Syndrom auch bei Fensterlüftung? [in German]
Preliminary results of a questionnaire survey of 3,252 workers in 10 air-conditioned or naturally ventilated office buildings in Germany show that health complaints such as headache and irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes were voiced by employees in both types of office buildings. Between 22 and 55% of workers had complaints. Younger, less well-trained workers and those working on visual display terminals voiced complaints more frequently than others. Workers complained of too dry air and poor air quality, and measurements verified that humidity was low in both air-conditioned and naturally ventilated buildings. In 53 of 859 workplaces in which measurements were taken the carbon dioxide concentration was above 1000ppm. Most of these worklaces (51) were in naturally ventilated buildings. Topics: air conditioning; CRT display terminals; ergonomics; lighting; microclimate; natural ventilation; office work; qualifications; questionnaire survey; sick building syndrome.
Argus Journal, Mar. 1998, Vol.10, No.1-2, p.22-23. Illus.

CIS 99-636 Muzi G., Abbritti. G., Accattoli M.P., Dell'Omo M.
Prevalence of irritative symptoms in a nonproblem air-conditioned office building
In a questionnaire survey of 198 employees in an air-conditioned office building and 281 controls working in naturally ventilated buildings, a significantly higher proportion of workers in the air-conditioned building reported a lack of comfort in the working environment compared with controls. The most common complaints were strong lighting, high temperature and dry, dusty and/or stuffy air. The prevalence of ocular, upper airway and cutaneous symptoms was higher among the workers in the air-conditioned building. No significant difference was observed in respiratory or general symptoms. Working with video display units and photocopiers influenced ocular symptoms; while upper airway and cutaneous symptoms were influenced by female gender and working in the air-conditioned building. Topics: air-conditioned premises; CRT display terminals; eye irritation; irritation; natural ventilation; offices; questionnaire survey; sick building syndrome; symptoms.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Sep. 1998, Vol.71, No.6, p.372-378. Illus. 39 ref.

CIS 99-468 Adellac A., Carretero R.M.
Practical methodology applicable to problems related to the sick-building syndrome
Metodología práctica a aplicar a los problemas planteados por el síndrome del edificio enfermo [in Spanish]
Topics: air conditioning; biological hazards; chemical hazards; comment on standard; hazard evaluation; physical hazards; risk factors; sick building syndrome; symptoms; ventilation.
Prevención, Apr.-June 1998, No.144, p.9-23. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 99-120 Teculescu D.B., Sauleau E.A., Massin N., Bohadana A.B., Buhler O., Benamghar L., Mur J.M.
Sick-building symptoms in office workers in northeastern France: A pilot study
Topics: air-conditioned premises; asthma; cross-sectional study; irritation; migraine; offices; sick building syndrome; sickness absenteeism; upper respiratory diseases.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, July 1998, Vol.71, No.5, p.353-356. 13 ref.

CIS 98-1616 Linz D.H., Pinney S.M., Keller J.D., White M., Buncher C.R.
Cluster analysis applied to building-related illness
Topics: allergies; epidemiologic study; offices; sick building syndrome; subjective assessment; symptoms; USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1998, Vol.40, No.2, p.165-171. 7 ref.

CIS 98-1490 Hodgson M.J., Morey P., Leung W.Y., Morrow L., Miller D., Jarvis B.B., Robbins H., Halsey J.F., Storey E.
Building-associated pulmonary disease from exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor
Topics: air conditioning; buildings; determination in air; fungi; humidity; lung diseases; moulds; occupational health survey; offices; respiratory function tests; sick building syndrome; USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1998, Vol.40. No.3, p.241-249. Illus. 54 ref.

CIS 98-1440 Muzi G., Dell'Omo M., Abbritti G., Accattoli P., Fiore M.C., Gabrielli A.R.
Objective assessment of ocular and respiratory alterations in employees in a sick building
Topics: air-conditioned premises; allergens; epidemiologic study; eye irritation; inflammatory diseases of the eye; irritants; Italy; offices; respiratory function tests; respiratory impairment; sick building syndrome; skin tests.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, July 1998, Vol.34, No.1, p.79-88. Illus. 57 ref.

1997

CIS 00-1293 Freeman N.T.
Safety representatives and safety supervisors handbook
This book replaces an earlier edition published in 1995 (see CIS 96-127). It provides an overview of the laws and regulations relating to safety and health in the United Kingdom and guidance on the requirements of specific legislation, including the recent Health and Safety (Consultations with Employees) Regulations 1996, Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 and regulations resulting from EC Directives. Further chapters cover: vibration white finger; repetitive strain injury; sick building syndrome; noise; safety organization; workplace inspections; accident investigation reports; permits to work; protective clothing; safety checks; health and safety in laboratories, offices and service industries; acquiring and communicating information.
Paramount Publishing Ltd., Paramount House, 17-21 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1RT, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 1997. vi, 153p. Index.

CIS 99-1743 Ooi P.L., Goh K.T.
Sick building syndrome: An emerging stress-related disorder?
A case-control study used data from confidential questionnaires to assess symptoms and perception of the physical and psychosocial environment among 2,160 subjects in 67 offices. Working conditions were also inspected and indoor air quality monitored. An incremental trend in prevalence of sick building syndrome was found among office workers who reported high levels of physical and mental stress, and decreasing climate of co-operation. This association was confirmed after multivariate adjustment for significant personal and environmental exposure factors. The study confirmed stress to be a significant and independent determinant of the health complaints, and that symptoms compatible with the sick building syndrome were, in many cases, stress-related. Topics: case-control study; CRT display terminals; neuropsychic stress; office work; questionnaire survey; risk factors; sick building syndrome; social aspects; subjective assessment; thermal comfort.
International Journal of Epidemiology, 1997, Vol.26, No.6, p.1243-1249. 40 ref.

CIS 99-1351 Perdrix A., Madon N., Maitre A., Parat S., Mann S., Clavel T.
Non-infectious biological hazards
Risques biologiques autres qu'infectieux [in French]
Topics: agriculture; bacteria; bacterial toxins; biological hazards; cancer; carcinogenic effects; encyclopaedia; fungi; immuno-allergy; inhalation toxicity; literature survey; microorganisms; mutagenic effects; mycotoxins; respiratory diseases; sick building syndrome; viruses.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1997, No.115, 6p. 70 ref.

CIS 98-278 Seneviratne M., Phoon W.
Do indoor air quality remedies cure "sick" buildings? A case study
Topics: air-conditioned premises; airborne dust; Australia; offices; questionnaire survey; sick building syndrome; social aspects; subjective assessment; thermal environment.
Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Aug. 1997, Vol.13, No.4, p.381-387. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 97-1877 Bernhard J.D., et al.
Sick-building syndrome
These three brief communications are in response to a previous article on the causes, symptoms and management of sick-building syndrome (see CIS 97-1178). Factors highlighted include the contribution of extremely dry air to the dessication of skin and mucous membranes, and the role of mycotoxins. A new entity known as slab syndrome, associated with newly-built houses in India, is also described. There is a further reply by the original authors.
Lancet, 28 June 1997, Vol.349, No.9069, p.1913. 8 ref.

CIS 97-1897 Li C.S., Hsu C.W., Lu C.H.
Dampness and respiratory symptoms among workers in daycare centers in a subtropical climate
The association between measures of dampness and symptoms of respiratory illness were investigated in 612 employees of 56 daycare centres in Taipei (Taiwan, China). There was a statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of sick building syndrome symptoms in workers and workplaces with mould or other signs of dampness.
Archives of Environmental Health, Jan.-Feb. 1997, Vol.52, No.1, p.68-71. 16 ref.

CIS 97-1555 Service sector
These 12 chapters in a major new survey of OSH examine selected health and safety issues in the service sector: overview of health issues and the service professions; the indoor environment (indoor air quality, physical factors, sick building syndrome, stress); health care professionals; dental work (mercury exposure); laboratory work; school teaching; theatres and opera houses; music noise in work and the environment; safety aspects of professional sports; military work environment in peacetime; waste management.
In: The Workplace (by Brune D. et al., eds), Scandinavian Science Publisher as, Bakkehaugveien 16, 0873 Oslo, Norway, 1997, Vol.2, p.1-171. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 97-1503 Occupational hygiene: Physical, chemical and biological factors
These 21 chapters in a major new survey of OSH examine selected issues in occupational hygiene: overview of occupational hygiene practice (preventive action at the planning stage, recognition, evaluation and control of hazards, programme maintenance); exposure limit values and sampling strategies; air pollutants (lung deposition and clearance); fibres; biomonitoring; heavy metal exposure in and around smelters; sick building syndrome; off-gassing from building materials; radiation; noise and vibration; workplace lighting; electromagnetic fields associated with mobile phones and with power production; radiation sources in industry; chemical and biological health risks; carcinogenic substances; organic solvents; gases; microbiological hazards; plant materials and vegetable dust.
In: The Workplace (by Brune D. et al., eds), Scandinavian Science Publisher as, Bakkehaugveien 16, 0873 Oslo, Norway, 1997, Vol.1, p.389-681. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 97-1178 Redlich C.A., Sparer J., Cullen M.R.
Sick-building syndrome
The causes, symptoms and management of sick-building syndrome (SBS) are reviewed. The syndrome is associated with low-level exposure to chemical, physical and biological hazards in non-industrial indoor environments. It is characterized by non-specific symptoms including mucous-membrane irritation, neurotoxic effects, respiratory symptoms, skin symptoms, and chemosensory changes. While no single environmental factor or group of factors has been established as the single cause of SBS, two important features are air contaminants and ventilation. Assessment of building-related complaints involves occupational and environmental history and an evaluation of indoor air quality in the building.
Lancet, 5 Apr. 1997, Vol.349, No.9057, p.1013-1016. Illus. 24 ref.

1996

CIS 99-149 Gestal Otero J.J., Takkouche E.B., Figueiras Guzman A., Rodriguez Miguez L.
Occupational hazards within government administration offices
Riesgos del trabajo en la administración [in Spanish]
Topics: air space per person; conditions of work; extrinsic allergic alveolitis; government services; health hazards; human relations; legionellosis; lighting; mass psychogenic illness; office equipment; office work; sick building syndrome; thermal environment; ventilation; work posture; workplace design.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, 1996, Vol.XLIII, No.171, p.71-86. 22 ref.

CIS 98-1044 Crawford J.O., Bolas S.M.
Sick building syndrome, work factors and occupational stress
Topics: character; job dissatisfaction; literature survey; microclimate; neuropsychic stress; psychological effects; risk factors; sick building syndrome; symptoms.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 1996, Vol.22, No.4, p.243-250. Illus. 71 ref.

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