Air Quality Versus Perceived Comfort and Health in Office Buildings at Western Macedonia Area, Greece during the Pandemic Period

Abstract

This study investigated the indoor environment quality (IEQ) of eight office buildings of interest due to: (a) their location at the region of Western Macedonia, Greece, which is an area characterized by aggravated air quality and is currently in a transition phase because of changes in the energy production strategy to reduce the use of lignite as an energy fuel; and (b) the survey’s timing, characterized by new working conditions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic period. In-site measurements were performed to identify the indoor air pollutants to which the occupants were exposed, while questionnaires were collected regarding the participants’ perception of the working environment conditions, indoor air quality, and health symptoms. The statistical analysis results showed that the most-reported health symptoms were headache, dry eyes, and sneezing. The acceptance of new working conditions showed a significant correlation with their overall comfort and health perception. Occupants in offices with higher pollutant concentrations, such as NO2, benzene and toluene, were more likely to report health symptoms. The evaluation of the plausible health risks for the occupants of the buildings with carcinogenic and no-cancer models showed that health problems could exist despite low pollutant concentration levels.

Sick building syndrome and its impacts on health, well-being and productivity: A systematic literature review

“…According to Zamani, Jalaludin and Shaharom, 140 furniture, equipment and other objects release VOCs, and when their concentrations exceed 0.124 ppm, individuals are approximately 14.1 times more likely to develop SBS. 141 Sakellaris et al 142 associated cancer risk with formaldehyde concentration. Miller et al 143 found that 70% of health problems were related to exposure to mould odours.…”