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Consistent pattern of elevated symptoms in air-conditioned office buildings: A reanalysis of epidemiologic studies

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  • Mendell, M.J.
  • Smith, A.H.

Abstract

Published studies of the relation between type of building ventilation system and work-related symptom prevalence in office workers have been contradictory. A reanalysis was performed of six studies meeting specific eligibility criteria, combining published data with unpublished information obtained from study authors. Five eligible studies were from the United Kingdom, and one was from Denmark. Standardized categories of building ventilation type were created to allow comparison of effects across studies. Within each study, prevalence odds ratios (PORs) were calculated for symptoms in each ventilation category relative to a baseline category of naturally ventilated buildings. Air-conditioned buildings were consistently associated with increased prevalence of work-related headache (POR = 1.3-3.1), lethargy (POR = 1.4-5.1), and upper respiratory/mucus membrane symptoms (POR = 1.3-4.8). Humidification was not a necessary factor for the higher symptom prevalence associated with air-conditioning. Mechanical ventilation without air-conditioning was not associated with higher symptom prevalence. The consistent associations found between type of building ventilation and reported symptom prevalence have potentially important public health and economic implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Mendell, M.J. & Smith, A.H., 1990. "Consistent pattern of elevated symptoms in air-conditioned office buildings: A reanalysis of epidemiologic studies," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 80(10), pages 1193-1199.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1990:80:10:1193-1199_2
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    Cited by:

    1. Sally S. Shahzad & John Brennan & Dimitris Theodossopoulos & Ben Hughes & John Kaiser Calautit, 2016. "Building-Related Symptoms, Energy, and Thermal Control in the Workplace: Personal and Open Plan Offices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Mingran Mao & Chunzao Feng & Junxian Pei & Huidong Liu & Haifeng Jiang, 2023. "A Triple-Layer Membrane with Hybrid Evaporation and Radiation for Building Cooling," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-11, March.
    3. Mohammed K. Fageha & Alaa Alaidroos, 2022. "Performance Optimization of Natural Ventilation in Classrooms to Minimize the Probability of Viral Infection and Reduce Draught Risk," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-23, November.
    4. Brambilla, Arianna & Sangiorgio, Alberto, 2020. "Mould growth in energy efficient buildings: Causes, health implications and strategies to mitigate the risk," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).

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