Comparison of different chemical groups related to sick building syndrome (SBS)

Kirsi Villberg, Kristina Saarela, Timo Lukkarinen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

Abstract

In Finland there are an increasing number of building related discomfort complaints. A case in point sick building syndrome (SBS) usually known e.g. headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, depression, burning the eyes, as well as odour discomfort. The subjects for this study were chosen from patients treated at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases (Finland) because of non-specific building related symptoms. These problems were investigated by an indoor diagnostic tool based on VTT's indoor air and material emissions databases. In order to collect essential background information, the subjects were interviewed for their residential conditions and any related problems, e.g. odour annoyances. Different chemical groups like terpenes, carbonyl compounds, aromatics and certain specific material based compounds were dominant in homes investigated. Additionally typical compounds known to originate from microbial growth in homes were recognised. Some obvious correlations between diagnosed illnesses, SBS and emissions were noticed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHealthy Buildings 2000: proceedings
Subtitle of host publicationVol. 1, Exposure, human responses and building investigations
Pages419-424
Publication statusPublished - 2000
MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
EventHealthy Buildings 2000 - Espoo, Finland
Duration: 6 Aug 200010 Aug 2000

Conference

ConferenceHealthy Buildings 2000
Country/TerritoryFinland
CityEspoo
Period6/08/0010/08/00

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