Which indoor factor is commonly associated with sick building syndrome?

Which indoor factor is commonly associated with sick building syndrome?

• A. Inadequate ventilation
• B. Outdoor noise
• C. Excess humidity outdoors
• D. Temperature only

Answer: (A)

Sick building syndrome shows up when people experience acute health symptoms that are tied to being indoors, typically improving after they leave the building. The strongest link is to poor indoor air quality caused by not enough fresh air circulating—i.e., inadequate ventilation. When ventilation is low, pollutants generated inside the building, such as solvents from paints and cleaning products, off-gassing from new furnishings or building materials, and moisture that can foster mold, accumulate in the air. That accumulation can trigger headaches, dizziness, irritated eyes or throat, and fatigue for occupants. Outdoor noise, outdoor humidity, or being warm or cool indoors don’t explain the pattern as well. They may affect comfort, but the main factor driving SBS-related symptoms is the lack of adequate air exchange to dilute and remove indoor pollutants. Improving ventilation to bring in more outdoor air and reducing indoor pollutant sources typically reduces or eliminates the symptoms.

Sick building syndrome shows up when people experience acute health symptoms that are tied to being indoors, typically improving after they leave the building. The strongest link is to poor indoor air quality caused by not enough fresh air circulating—i.e., inadequate ventilation. When ventilation is low, pollutants generated inside the building, such as solvents from paints and cleaning products, off-gassing from new furnishings or building materials, and moisture that can foster mold, accumulate in the air. That accumulation can trigger headaches, dizziness, irritated eyes or throat, and fatigue for occupants.

Outdoor noise, outdoor humidity, or being warm or cool indoors don’t explain the pattern as well. They may affect comfort, but the main factor driving SBS-related symptoms is the lack of adequate air exchange to dilute and remove indoor pollutants. Improving ventilation to bring in more outdoor air and reducing indoor pollutant sources typically reduces or eliminates the symptoms.