@proceedings{22599,
  author = {Mark J Mendell and Gina M Naco and Thomas G Wilcox and W. W Karl Sieber},
  title = {Building-related risk factors and work-related lower respiratory symptoms in 80 office building},
  abstract = {<p>We assessed building-related risk factors for lower respiratory symptoms in office workers. The National  Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in 1993 collected data during indoor environmental health  investigations of workplaces.  We used multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess relationships  between lower respiratory symptoms in office workers and risk factors plausibly related to microbiologic  contamination. Among 2,435 occupants in 80 office buildings, frequent, work-related multiple lower  respiratory symptoms were strongly associated, in multivariate models, with two risk factors for  microbiologic contamination: poor pan drainage under cooling coils and debris in outside air intake.   Associations tended to be stronger among those with a history of physician-diagnosed asthma. These  findings suggest that adverse lower respiratory health effects from indoor work environments, although  unusual, may occur in relation to poorly designed or maintained ventilation systems, particularly among  previously diagnosed asthmatics.  These findings require confirmation in more representative buildings.</p>},
  year = {2002},
  journal = {Proceedings of the Indoor Air 2002 Conference, Monterey, CA},
  volume = {1},
  pages = {103-108},
  publisher = {Indoor Air 2002, Santa Cruz, CA},
  language = {eng},
}