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Is indoor environment a risk factor of building-related symptoms?

Author

Listed:
  • Kayo Tsumura
  • Hiroko Nakaoka
  • Norimichi Suzuki
  • Kohki Takaguchi
  • Yoshitake Nakayama
  • Keiichi Shimatani
  • Chisato Mori

Abstract

The indoor environment, particularly indoor air quality (IAQ), is significantly associated with building-related symptoms (BRSs) in humans. In our previous studies, we demonstrated a significant relationship between BRSs and indoor chemical concentrations. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) guideline recommends an air quality target of 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a provisional target of 400 μg/m3 for total VOCs (TVOC). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between TVOC levels and the risk of BRSs using the Japanese provisional target TVOC level of 400 μg/m3. The relationship between odor intensity and BRSs while the TVOC levels were under 400 μg/m3 was also examined. The study was conducted in a laboratory house (LH) on the campus of Chiba University from 2017–2019. The study included 149 participants who spent 60 minutes in the LH. The participants were asked to evaluate the IAQ of the LH. A significant relationship between the risk of BRSs and the provisional target TVOC level was observed (odds ratio: 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–7.35). Furthermore, a significant relationship between odor intensity and risk of BRSs in spaces with TVOC levels less than 400 μg/m3 was detected (odds ratio: 6.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–30.44). In conclusion, the risk of BRSs is significantly lower in spaces with low TVOC levels and low odor intensity. Reducing the concentration of airborne chemicals and odor intensity may improve IAQ and prevent BRSs.

Suggested Citation

  • Kayo Tsumura & Hiroko Nakaoka & Norimichi Suzuki & Kohki Takaguchi & Yoshitake Nakayama & Keiichi Shimatani & Chisato Mori, 2023. "Is indoor environment a risk factor of building-related symptoms?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(1), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0279757
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279757
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yoshitake Nakayama & Norimichi Suzuki & Hiroko Nakaoka & Kayo Tsumura & Kohki Takaguchi & Kazunari Takaya & Masamichi Hanazato & Emiko Todaka & Chisato Mori, 2021. "Assessment of Personal Relaxation in Indoor-Air Environments: Study in Real Full-Scale Laboratory Houses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-13, September.
    2. 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.
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