EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SICK BUILDING SYNDROME AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK-FACTORS IN SINGAPORE

Objectives-To investigate the occurrence of sick building syndrome in a tropical city, and its relation to indoor air quality and other fact ors. Methods-2856 office workers in 56 randomly selected public and pr ivate sector buildings were surveyed. The study consisted of a self ad ministered questionnaire assessing symptoms and perception of the phys ical and psychosocial environment, inspection of the building plans an d premises, and measurement of temperature, relative humidity, respira ble particles, chemicals, bioaerosols, and other variables. Results-Sy mptoms typical of the sick building syndrome were reported in 19.6% of the respondents. Multivariate modelling substantiated contributions a ssociated with low thermal comfort, high work related stress, too much noise, a history of allergy or other medical conditions, poor lightin g, young employees, and female sex. Measurements of indoor air quality or ventilation were not found to be reliable predictors of the sympto ms. Conclusion-The survey confirmed the presence of sick building synd rome and its risk factors in the tropics. A biopsychosocial approach t o the problem involving symptomatic treatment, environmental control, good ergonomic design, and stress management is recommended.