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Impact of Exposure to Indoor Air Chemicals on Health and the Progression of Building-Related Symptoms: A Case Report

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  • Hiroko Nakaoka

    (Centre for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
    Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan)

  • Norimichi Suzuki

    (Centre for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan)

  • Akifumi Eguchi

    (Centre for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan)

  • Daisuke Matsuzawa

    (Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan)

  • Chisato Mori

    (Centre for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
    Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan)

Abstract

The aetiology of building-related symptoms (BRSs) is not well supported by sufficient scientific evidence, and it remains unclear whether BRSs are mediated by psychosocial and personal factors or a genuine physical susceptibility to low-dose chemical exposure. In April 2014, a 40-year-old man consulted the Environmental Medical Clinic at Chiba University complaining of recurring BRSs. Indoor air samples were collected from the patient’s house at 11 time points and subjected to chemical analyses. The patient simultaneously completed a questionnaire about his symptoms at the time of the measurements. Statistical examination of the indoor environmental factors and patient survey revealed that the patient’s symptoms were highly correlated with the indoor air quality. Additionally, ventilation may have mitigated his BRSs, whereas aerial odour did not trigger symptoms. These findings suggest that exposure to specific airborne chemicals in an indoor environment can cause BRSs, and ventilation may be one of the treatment options to mitigate symptoms. Additional investigations on the adverse impacts of airborne environmental chemicals on human health are necessary to develop effective treatments and establish preventive measures for BRSs, and further improvement of ventilation systems is required to ensure clean indoor air.

Suggested Citation

  • Hiroko Nakaoka & Norimichi Suzuki & Akifumi Eguchi & Daisuke Matsuzawa & Chisato Mori, 2022. "Impact of Exposure to Indoor Air Chemicals on Health and the Progression of Building-Related Symptoms: A Case Report," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:21:p:14421-:d:962426
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hirou Karimi & Mohammad Anvar Adibhesami & Hassan Bazazzadeh & Sahar Movafagh, 2023. "Green Buildings: Human-Centered and Energy Efficiency Optimization Strategies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-17, April.

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