@article{22520,
  keywords = {Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Asthma, Indoor environmental quality (IEQ), Sick building syndrome (SBS), Respiratory disease, Building-related illness, Nonspecific symptoms, Respiratory symptoms, Ventilation systems},
  author = {Mark J Mendell and Gina M Naco and Thomas G Wilcox and W. W Karl Sieber},
  title = {Environmental Risk Factors and Work-Related Lower Respiratory Symptoms in 80 Office Buildings: An Exploratory Analysis of NIOSH Data},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background:</strong> We evaluated relationships between lower respiratory symptoms and risk factors for microbiological contamination in office buildings.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> 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.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> 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.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> 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.</p>},
  year = {2003},
  journal = {American Journal of Industrial Medicine},
  volume = {43},
  pages = {630-641},
  month = {06/2003},
  doi = {10.1002/ajim.10211},
  language = {eng},
}