In the opinion of some World Health Organization experts, up to 30 percent of new or remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality. When most of the complainants report relief of these symptoms soon after leaving the building, the phenomenon has been labeled sick building syndrome. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. There is not single manner in which these health problems appear. Poor lighting, noise, vibration, thermal discomfort and psychological stress may also cause, or contribute to, these symptoms. These symptoms may or may not be related to poor indoor air quality. dry or burning mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat.People may complain of one or more of the following symptoms: Sometimes, however, building occupants experience symptoms that do not fit the pattern of any particular illness and are difficult to trace to any specific source. Most of these diseases can be treated nevertheless, some pose serious health risks and may require prolonged recovery times after leaving the building. These are called building-related illnesses. As a result, there are large numbers of reported health problems associated with office buildings.Ī number of well-identified illnesses, such as Legionnaire’s disease, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever, have been directly traced to specific building problems. People generally have less control over the indoor environment in their offices than they do in their homes. These sources include:Ī factor greatly influencing the effect of these sources and the overall quality of indoor air in offices is the ventilation system design, operation and maintenance. Many office buildings have significant indoor air pollution sources. This demand has resulted in IAQ emerging as a major concern in office buildings. The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air QualityĪs the public recognizes the importance of healthy, comfortable and productive indoor environments, their awareness and demand for good indoor air quality (IAQ) increases.Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that may be caused by indoor air pollution. The information provided here is based on current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries established by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. The Information provided here comes primarily from EPA's "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality".
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