Developing a correlation between indoor air quality and sick building syndrome in apartment buildings

Abstract

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is currently a widely discussed topic all around the world since most of the population spend majority of their time indoors. However in Sri Lanka, there is less discussion on SBS. Among the contributory factors for SBS, polluted air plays a leading role while aggravating the situation with poor ventilation. In order to assess the magnitude of SBS prevail in Apartment buildings in Sri Lanka, a field study was carried out placing the focus on Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentrations. A series of measurements were taken on selected Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters in a sample of apartment buildings located close to a main highway. The IAQ monitoring was coupled with a questionnaire survey on SBS symptoms, building operational practices and other related parameters. The results of the study revealed that IAQ parameters could correlate with SBS symptoms at different significant levels. Moreover, poor ventilation had been identified as a prominent contributory factor for substandard air quality which in turn would result several SBS symptoms. The results of this research will be benefited to Engineers, Architects, Developers, and general public.