Empirical Study on Sick Building Syndrome from Indoor Pollution in Nigeria

Abstract

There are rising cases of building occupants with health-related challenges such as irritation, asthma, lung infections, headaches, and other allergies. These health conditions sometimes disappear once the occupants live such buildings which are referred to as sick building syndrome (SBS). With the high fatality rate associated with air pollution and Nigeria ranking 4th in the poorest air quality globally, the study assessed SBS from indoor pollution in residential and office spaces. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey research design and employed the use of an air quality detector to measure a 24-h mean measurement of air conditions within the study area. The study was carried out in Zaria, Kaduna State. Statistical tools such as graphs, mean score, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and correlation matrix were used to analyze the dataset. The study showed that the major symptoms associated with SBS from indoor pollution. The indoor conditions that may contribute to SBS in the residential and office spaces were mainly lighting conditions, headroom in the building, and position of windows. While the study reported that the presence of SBS from indoor pollution can lead to increased maintenance, dizziness, and depression/breakdown. The measurement of the indoor pollutants contributing to the SBS among residential and office space occupants showed that PM2.5 and PM10 were mostly above the average 24-h mean standard. The study suggested recommendations to improve indoor air quality and reduce syndromes associated with sick buildings.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Related Risk Factors for Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) at the Office and Home: A Systematic Review

“…Significant indications of weakness, arm or hand muscular soreness, feeling cold in the hands or feet, and a heavy air sensation were the predominant symptoms of SBS among residential occupants [55]. Meanwhile, cold or flu, back pain, and weakness are typical signs among office workers [55]. SBS symptoms were less severe for participants in green homes than normal homes [10].…”

“…Eye and throat symptoms were the most typical work-related SBS symptoms, while nasal and throat irritation and tiredness are common symptoms reported at home [53]. Significant indications of weakness, arm or hand muscular soreness, feeling cold in the hands or feet, and a heavy air sensation were the predominant symptoms of SBS among residential occupants [55]. Meanwhile, cold or flu, back pain, and weakness are typical signs among office workers [55].…”

“…There was a direct correlation between indoor environments, such as air conditioning systems, and residents' symptoms, such as headaches and fever [28,55]. A study mentioned that the SBS was linked to the draughts from the air conditioner that were associated with thermal comfort [51].…”

“…Ozone and ultrafine particles were significant risk factors for skin symptoms [17]. PM2.5, a type of tiny particulate matter, is frequently referred to as an air pollutant related to respiratory and cardiac conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses [20,55]. Meanwhile, a study by [9] showed that PM and SBS had a weaker association.…”

Analysis of Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome for Nurses in Hospital Inpatient Rooms

“…Other researchers are also in line, with that poor lighting, especially during the day, can be a factor causing SBS symptoms. If this continues to happen, it will interfere with employees doing their jobs and danger the health of these employees (Afolabi et al, 2020).…”