Air recirculation and sick building syndrome: A blinded crossover trial

J.J.K. Jaakkola, P. Tuomaala and O. Seppanen

American Journal of Public Health, 1994, vol. 84, issue 3, 422-428

Abstract: Objective. This study tested the hypothesis that recirculated air in mechanically ventilated buildings causes symptoms commonly referred to as the sick building syndrome and perceptions of poor indoor air quality. Methods. A blinded, four-period crossover trial was carried out in two identical buildings, contrasting 70% return air (index phase) with 0% of return air (reference phase). Each period lasted 1 work-week. The study population comprised 75 workers who had reported symptoms related to the work environment or perceptions of poor indoor air quality. Participants reported their ratings of symptoms, their perceptions, and related information in a daily diary. The outcome criteria included aggregative symptom scores for mucosal irritation, skin reaction, allergic reaction, and general symptoms formed of ratings of component symptoms. Perceptions of unpleasant odor, stuffiness, or dustiness were additional outcome criteria. Results. All 75 participants returned their diaries. For no symptoms did the scores differ between the two phases more than could be expected by chance. Mean rating of unpleasant odor was significantly smaller during the index phase, but mean ratings of dustiness and stuffiness did not differ materially between the two phases. Conclusions. Our results suggest that 70% recirculated air, when accompanied by an adequate intake of outdoor air, can be used without causing adverse effects.

Date: 1994
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1994:84:3:422-428_9

Access Statistics for this article

American Journal of Public Health is currently edited by Alfredo Morabia

More articles in American Journal of Public Health from American Public Health Association
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Christopher F Baum ().