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Building-Related Health Problems: A System of Study Method

Department of Occupational Health, University of Sydney and Occupational Medicine Unit, Worksafe Australia, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

M. Seneviratne

Department of Occupational Health, University of Sydney and Occupational Medicine Unit, Worksafe Australia, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

S. Rabone

Department of Occupational Health, University of Sydney and Occupational Medicine Unit, Worksafe Australia, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

L. Gutierrez

Department of Occupational Health, University of Sydney and Occupational Medicine Unit, Worksafe Australia, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

Indoor air quality and health problems associated with the indoor air environ ment have recently attracted increasing publicity in Australia and elsewhere. Poor air quality in offices, for example, can result in a spectrum of symptoms in workers which together are commonly called 'sick building syndrome' but more properly should be called 'building-related illness'. Objective criteria for diagnoses are often difficult to find and the cost in increased absenteeism and reduced productivity is considerable. This paper describes a multidisciplinary approach to the problem involving medical, environmental, microbiological and psychosocial aspects to study workplaces with reported building-related illness. A major part of this was a self-administered questionnaire whose for mulation was based on similar questionnaires used in other countries but adapted for the Australian situation. Parameters for indoor air quality were measured, including both physical and microbiological factors. Correlations were tested, using a commercial statistical software package, between percep tions about air quality, symptoms, mental health and air quality measure ments. The investigative methods have to date been tested in three fairly large workplaces with approximately 500 occupants. Our experiences with the methods used, including advantages and drawbacks, are discussed and conclu sions drawn.

Key Words: Sick building syndrome • Building-related health problems • Indoor air quality • Study methods

Indoor and Built Environment, Vol. 4, No. 3-4, 204-226 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/1420326X9500400311


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