A survey of sick building syndrome: Workplace design elements and perceived indoor environmental quality

The design factors (indoor plants, workstation partitions, and operable windows) that predict sick building syndrome (SBS) were described for architects and interior designers. For facility management, the indoor environmental characteristics (thermal comfort, air quality, noise and lighting) that contribute to SBS symptoms were investigated. This study used a standard Building Use Studies (BUS) questionnaire that included sick building syndrome symptoms, environmental satisfaction and perception, and background information about the respondent and their office space. There were 469 Chinese office workers who participated. More than half of the participants reported one or more sick building syndrome symptoms. The most common symptoms were head symptoms, whereas skin symptoms were least common. Indoor plants and operable windows were related to a reduction of SBS symptoms. Workstation partitions did not affect the incidence of SBS symptoms. There were fewer sick building syndrome symptoms reported in the more satisfied respondents. This study highlights a perception-based IEQ solution for SBS issues, which has been validated through identified relationships between the perceived IEQ and the SBS symptoms. By examining these responses, the facility management can change influential IEQ aspects. For design professionals, indoor plants and operable windows should be used to reduce SBS symptoms.