Is there connection between the exposure to various physical factors of the working environment and the occurrence of sick building syndrome?

Abstract

Background: The sick building syndrome (SBS) is environmentally related condition with increased prevalence of non-specific symptoms among the populations of certain buildings.

Aim: To determine the frequency of exposure of the employees of public institutions from the city of Osijek to harmful physical factors of the working environment, to assess whether there is a connection between the exposure to these factors and the incidence of SBS symptoms and to clarify the nature of this connection.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2013 among 178 employees (33.7% males and 66.3% females; average age 39.3±10.4 years) of public institutions in the city of Osijek (eastern Croatia). An anonymous questionnaire which contained questions relating to demographic data and working status of the participants, questions concerning their exposure to various harmful physical factors of the working environment and occurrence of certain symptoms of SBS among them was used as a research tool.

Results: 80.9 % (144/178) of participants were exposed to harmful physical factors of the working environment. Employees exposed to those factors more frequently expressed symptoms of SBS. The incidence and the number of symptoms of SBS among employees simultaneously grew with the increase of the number of harmful physical factors of the working environment to which they were exposed.

Conclusion: There is a need for continuous implementation of preventive activities in the workplace aimed at preventing and mitigating the impact of harmful physical factors of the working environment, which will help prevent SBS and also significantly improve health of employees.