Which of the following is NOT identified by the EPA as a cause of sick building syndrome?

Which of the following is NOT identified by the EPA as a cause of sick building syndrome?

• A. High levels of radon in the basement
• B. Inadequate ventilation
• C. Chemical off-gassing from new carpet
• D. Moisture-related mold growth

Answer: (A)

Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome arise from pollutants or moisture problems inside buildings that trigger short-term symptoms for occupants. The EPA identifies inadequate ventilation, chemical off-gassing from new materials (like carpet), and moisture-related mold growth as common contributors to SBS because they raise the concentration of irritants, VOCs, or biological contaminants indoors. Radon, while a serious indoor pollutant linked to lung cancer from long-term exposure, is not listed by the EPA as a cause of sick building syndrome. It represents a separate chronic health risk tied to soil gas entering a building, addressed by radon testing and mitigation rather than SBS management. So high levels of radon in the basement are not considered a SBS cause.

Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome arise from pollutants or moisture problems inside buildings that trigger short-term symptoms for occupants. The EPA identifies inadequate ventilation, chemical off-gassing from new materials (like carpet), and moisture-related mold growth as common contributors to SBS because they raise the concentration of irritants, VOCs, or biological contaminants indoors. Radon, while a serious indoor pollutant linked to lung cancer from long-term exposure, is not listed by the EPA as a cause of sick building syndrome. It represents a separate chronic health risk tied to soil gas entering a building, addressed by radon testing and mitigation rather than SBS management. So high levels of radon in the basement are not considered a SBS cause.