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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-02-2010 | Original Article

Relationship between indoor chemical concentrations and subjective symptoms associated with sick building syndrome in newly built houses in Japan

Authors: Tomoko Takigawa, Bing-Ling Wang, Yasuaki Saijo, Kanehisa Morimoto, Kunio Nakayama, Masatoshi Tanaka, Eiji Shibata, Takesumi Yoshimura, Hisao Chikara, Keiki Ogino, Reiko Kishi

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2010

Abstract

Objectives

This study explored possible associations between chemical substances and sick building syndrome (SBS)-type symptoms of residents living in new houses in Japan.

Methods

We randomly sampled 5,709 newly built conventional homes. In the end, 1,479 residents in 425 households completed a questionnaire survey and agreed to environmental monitoring for indoor aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to be conducted in their homes. If the residents had complained about at least one SBS-related symptom, they were classified as suffering from SBS. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to select predictive chemical factors of SBS symptoms.

Results

About 14% of the subjects suffered from SBS. Many aldehydes and VOCs were associated factors of optical, nasal, and gular symptoms in univariate analysis. After adjustment for other possible risk factors, formaldehyde dose-dependently showed to be a significant risk factor for SBS. Several chemicals had tendency to be associated with SBS symptoms.

Conclusions

Chemicals detected in Japanese newly built houses tend to increase the risk of subjective symptoms in residents suffering from SBS.

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Title: Relationship between indoor chemical concentrations and subjective symptoms associated with sick building syndrome in newly built houses in Japan
Authors: Tomoko Takigawa
Bing-Ling Wang
Yasuaki Saijo
Kanehisa Morimoto
Kunio Nakayama
Masatoshi Tanaka
Eiji Shibata
Takesumi Yoshimura
Hisao Chikara
Keiki Ogino
Reiko Kishi
Publication date: 01-02-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0475-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Relationship between indoor chemical concentrations and subjective symptoms associated with sick building syndrome in newly built houses in Japan

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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