INFLUENCE OF INDOOR AIR-QUALITY AND PERSONAL FACTORS ON THE SICK BUILDING SYNDROME (SBS) IN SWEDISH GERIATRIC HOSPITALS

Objectives-Sick building syndrome (SBS) involves symptoms such as irri tation to the eyes, skin, and upper airways, headache, and fatigue. Th e relations between such symptoms and both personal and environmental factors were studied in 225 female hospital workers, working in eight hospital units in the south of Sweden. Methods-Symptoms of SBS and per sonal factors were measured by means of a standardised self administer ed questionnaire. The technical investigation comprised a building sur vey and measurements of room temperature, supply air temperature, air humidity, and exhaust air flow. Results-The prevalence of symptoms dif fered from one unit to another. The mean value of weekly complaints of fatigue was 30%, of eye irritation 23%, and of dry facial skin 34%. E ye irritation was related to work stress, self reported exposure to st atic electricity, and was also more common in buildings with a high ve ntilation flow and a high noise level (55 dB(A)) from the ventilation system. Nasal symptoms were related to asthma and hay fever only. Thro at symptoms were more common in smokers, subjects with asthma or hay f ever, new buildings, and in buildings with a high ventilation flow. Fa cial skin irritation was related to a lack of control of the work cond itions, and was more common in new buildings, and buildings with a hig h ventilation flow and ventilation noise. General symptoms, such as he adache and fatigue, were related to current smoking, asthma or hay fev er, work dissatisfaction, and static electricity. Conclusion-As the pr evalence of symptoms was high, there is a need to improve the indoor e nvironment as well as the psychosocial environment in hospitals. These improvements could include a reduction of ventilation noise, minimise d smoking, and improvements in the psychosocial climate. Further resea rch is needed to identify indoor climatic factors that cause the incre ased prevalence of symptoms of SBS in new buildings.