Association of ventilation system type with SBS symptoms in office workers
Sepp?nen, O. and Fisk, W. J.
2002 Indoor Air, 12(2): 98
Sepp?nen, O. and Fisk, W. J., (2002), "Association of ventilation system type with SBS symptoms in office workers", Indoor Air, 12(2): 98.
Abstract:
This paper provides a synthesis of current knowledge about the associations of ventilation system types in office buildings with sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and discusses potential explanations for the associations. Most studies completed to date indicate that relative to natural ventilation, air conditioning, with or without humidification, was consistently associated with a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of one or more SBS symptoms, by approximately 30 to 200. In two of three analyses from a single study (assessments), symptom prevalences were also significantly higher in air-conditioned buildings than in buildings with simple mechanical ventilation and no humidification. The available data also suggest, with less consistency, an increase in risk of symptoms with simple mechanical ventilation relative to natural ventilation. Insufficient information was available for conclusions about the potential increased risk of SBS symptoms with humidification or recirculation of return air. The statistically significant associations of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning with SBS symptoms are much more frequent than expected from chance and also not likely to be a consequence of confounding by several potential personal, job, or building-related confounders. Multiple deficiencies in HVAC system design, construction, operation, or maintenance, including some which cause pollutant emissions from HVAC systems, may contribute to the increases in symptom prevalences but other possible reasons remain unclear.
Practical Implications
The available evidence suggests, but does not prove, that better hygiene of air handling systems, and better HVAC commissioning, operational checks, training of operators, and maintenance may be particularly important for reducing the risks of SBS symptoms
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