Investigation of Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms in Inhabitants of Ekbatan Town

Authors

1 Associate Professor ofHealth Faculty, Shaheed Beheshty University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Instractor ofHealth Faculty, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoram Abad, Iran

3 MSc inHealth Faculty, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoram Abad, Iran

4 Bachelor of Health Faculty, Shaheed Beheshty University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Instructor of Medicine Faculty, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
 
Sick Building Syndrome has mostly been examined in office environments than in residential spaces. However, in this research, this problem is surveyed in residential buildings of Ekbatan town.
 
Materials and Methods
 
Three hundred and thirty cases were, randomly, chosen from among the inhabitants of Ekbatan town. The questionnaires involved questions about the irritative and mental symptoms. A relation was established between the intensification of these symptoms and the physical conditions of buildings e.g. light, ventilation and other factors such as gender and age.
 
Results
 
Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome were positive in 56.4 percent of cases. The strongest symptoms observed among the residents include eye irritation during using the computer (8.8%), sore throat (8.5%) and nose irritation (6.4%) near the garbage shooting. The results showed that the residents of buildings without natural sunlight and appropriate central air-conditioning system with (P= 0.04, OR=1.60) have higher chances of sick building syndrome than residents of buildings exposed to sunlight and good air-conditioning system (with P =0.001, OR =2.41).
 
Conclusion
 
The factors influencing the Sick Building Syndrome in this town include inefficient central air-conditioning system, double windows, improper operation and maintenance of shooting system, improper cleaning, and lack of compressor. The neighboring location of Ekbatan town with the polluted areas such as Azadi’s West Terminal and Mehr Abad International Airport is among the factors which contribute to the prevalence of the syndrome, as well.

Keywords

References

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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 54, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
November and December 2012
Pages 224-229

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