Diagnosing the cause of a "sick building:" a case study of an epidemiological and microbiological investigation
Craner, J., Linda, M. P. H., Stetzenbach, D.
2001 In "Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins: Health Effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control", Edited by Johanning, E., Boyd Printing, Albany, New York
Sick building syndrome, toxigenic fungi, indoor air quality, environmental disease, Stachybotrys chartarum (atra).
Craner, J., Linda, M. P. H., Stetzenbach, D., (2001), "Diagnosing the cause of a "sick building:" a case study of an epidemiological and microbiological investigation", In "Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins: Health Effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control", Edited by Johanning, E., Boyd Printing, Albany, New York.
ABSTRACT
This report describes the methods and outcome of a physician-led investigation of occupants' prolonged, unexplained illnesses associated with working inside a large, modern office building. Occupants (cases) complained of building-related symptoms including eye, nose, and throat mucous membrane irritation; rashes; respiratory symptoms; profound, unexplained fatigue; and neurocognitive symptoms, including difficulty concentrating and short-term memory impairment. No functional ventilation problems or chemical contamination were detected in a walk-through evaluation and basic air quality testing. An epidemiological survey of the building's 700 occupants was then conducted. With 86% of the occupants responding to the survey, there was an average case prevalence of health-related complaints of nearly 25%, evenly distributed among floors. Cases were geographically distributed in a pattern which coincided with the location of the ceiling-mounted variable air volume (VAV) boxes which distributed ventilated air to the occupied spaces. Re-inspection revealed previously undetected, focal water-staining of 40% of ceiling tiles located underneath the VAV boxes throughout the building. Active growth of Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) and other fungi was detected on many of the damaged tiles. All water-damaged tiles were replaced and VAV hot water valves were tightened. Occupants reported significant improvement of symptoms within weeks after these changes.
Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins, Ed. by Johanning, E. "papers presented at the September, 1998 Third International Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York. clinical and epidemiological studies and technical reports on an emerging public health topic affecting people in indoor environments at work and at home."
