Title | Environmental Risk Factors and Work-Related Lower Respiratory Symptoms in 80 Office Buildings: An Exploratory Analysis of NIOSH Data |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2003 |
Authors | Mark J Mendell, Gina M Naco, Thomas G Wilcox, W. Karl Sieber |
Journal | American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
Volume | 43 |
Start Page | 630 |
Issue | 6 |
Pagination | 630-641 |
Date Published | 06/2003 |
Keywords | asthma, building-related illness, indoor air quality, indoor environmental quality, nonspecific symptoms, respiratory disease, respiratory symptoms, sick building syndrome, ventilation systems |
Abstract | Background: We evaluated relationships between lower respiratory symptoms and risk factors for microbiological contamination in office buildings. Methods: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health collected data from 80 office buildings during standardized indoor environmental health hazard evaluations. Present analyses included lower respiratory symptom-based outcome definitions and risk factors for potential microbiologic contamination. Multivariate logistic regression models for selected outcomes identified key risk factors. Results: Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for "at least three of four work-related lower respiratory symptoms" were, for debris in ventilation air intake, 2.0 (1.0- 3.9), and for poor drainage in air-conditioning drip pans, 2.6 (1.3-5.2). Adjusted associations with risk factors were consistently stronger for outcomes requiring both multiple symptoms and improvement away from work, and somewhat stronger among diagnosed asthmatics. Conclusions: Moisture and debris in ventilation systems, possibly by supporting microbiologic growth, may increase adverse respiratory effects, particularly among asthmatics. Data from more representative buildings are needed to confirm these findings. |
DOI | 10.1002/ajim.10211 |
LBNL Report Number | LBNL-51761 |
Short Title | Risks for Respiratory Symptoms in Offices |
Environmental Risk Factors and Work-Related Lower Respiratory Symptoms in 80 Office Buildings: An Exploratory Analysis of NIOSH Data
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