Sick building syndrome and indoor air quality in Malaysian bank offices: A cross-sectional analysis

TL;DR

This study found that poor indoor air quality in Malaysian bank offices is linked to symptoms like dizziness and headaches, especially in buildings with split-unit air conditioning.

Contribution

The study identifies specific ventilation systems and pollutants associated with sick building syndrome symptoms in bank offices in Malaysia.

Findings

Offices with split-unit air conditioning had higher PM2.5 and CO2 levels than those with ACMV systems.

Dizziness was significantly associated with PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and formaldehyde levels.

SBS symptoms were more common in buildings with poor ventilation and low air movement.

Abstract

Sick building syndrome (SBS) encompasses a range of non-specific symptoms experienced by occupants, commonly associated with poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This study investigated the associations between IAQ parameters and SBS symptoms among 124 office workers across six bank offices in Malaysia. Indoor PM2.5, PM10, CO2, TVOC, formaldehyde, temperature and relative humidity were measured using validated instruments, while SBS symptoms were assessed using standardized questionnaire adapted from the Industry Code of Practice of Indoor Air Quality (ICOPIAQ) 2010. Findings revealed that banks using split-unit air conditioning (AC) ventilation had higher concentration of PM2.5 and CO2, exceeding the recommended standards, compared to those using air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) ventilation type. The most prevalent symptoms were headache (47.6 %), cough (44.4 %), irritated and stuffy nose (38.7 %), irritation of eyes (35.5 %), fatigue (25 %), dizziness (25 %), feeling heavy-headed (24.2 %), and skin rash or itchiness (24.2 %). Among these, dizziness was significantly associated with PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and formaldehyde levels. These findings highlight the need for improved ventilation and IAQ management in bank offices. Public policies and interventions at organizational level are essential to mitigate SBS risks and safeguard worker health.

•This study assessed indoor air quality (IAQ) and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms among 124 workers in six Malaysian bank offices.•Concentrations of PM2.5 and CO2 were higher in offices using split-unit air conditioning compared with those employing air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems (ACMV).•Dizziness was the only SBS symptom significantly associated with multiple pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and formaldehyde.•SBS symptoms were more prevalent in buildings with poor ventilation and low air movement.•Findings highlight the need for improved IAQ management and building ventilation strategies in bank office environments.

This study assessed indoor air quality (IAQ) and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms among 124 workers in six Malaysian bank offices.

Concentrations of PM2.5 and CO2 were higher in offices using split-unit air conditioning compared with those employing air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems (ACMV).

Dizziness was the only SBS symptom significantly associated with multiple pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and formaldehyde.

SBS symptoms were more prevalent in buildings with poor ventilation and low air movement.

Findings highlight the need for improved IAQ management and building ventilation strategies in bank office environments.

Figures