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Indoor and Built Environment
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Indoor Air Problems in a Healthcare Centre – A Case Report of a Follow-up

P. Aarnio

Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Finland

H. Mussalo-Rauhamaaa

Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Finland; Departments of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, University of Helsinki

S. Mäkinen-Kiljunen

Departments of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, University of Helsinki

K. Saarela

Technical Research Centre of Finland, Building and Transport, Building Physics and Indoor Climate, Finland

S. Loft

Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Indoor air problems present a considerable challenge for workplace personnel. Here, we report the follow-up results of employees in a healthcare centre in Southern Finland. In this building there was moisture damage, including moulds and other microbial growth, as well as associated indoor air problems, such as sporadic high ammonia concentrations, and there was suspicion of mites. The indoor air quality was determined through mould and volatile organic compound measurements. Symptoms were recorded on the MM-40-FIN questionnaire. Two employees were also examined at the Clinic for Indoor Air Health Problems, Helsinki University Central Hospital. Employees’ complaints about dustiness and stuffiness remained mostly unchanged during the 6 follow-up years. After several renovations of the building, the eye complaints diminished to about half. Two case reports showed disappearance of symptoms when their exposure ceased. However, the complexity of indoor air problems makes it difficult to improve the indoor climate and relieve symptoms with simple renovations. Sensitive or allergic individuals may more readily react than others to these moistureassociated problems.

Key Words: Indoor air problems • Mould • Health effects

Indoor and Built Environment, Vol. 14, No. 5, 433-441 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1420326X04050674
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