The sensitive individual and the indoor environment: case study.
This case study describes an indoor environment investigation initiated in response to numerous health and comfort complaints suspected of being associated with a two-story office building. Conventional indoor environment investigation techniques were applied in an attempt to identify one or several contributing factors, such as inadequate outdoor air ventilation and the presence of a respiratory irritant. The air quality satisfaction percentage in the building was well above 80%; however, at least one individual was experiencing a fairly severe reaction only upon entering the subject building. Evaluating the building indoor conditions as acceptable without attempting to address all possible building-related causes and communicating findings to interested occupants would likely have resulted in more occupant complaints and increased the potential for hysteria conditions. This investigation necessarily addressed a sensitive individual and involved an occupational physician as a constructive participant in the investigation.
Martin
J R
JR
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000150:complications*; D018877:Sick Building Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D014691:Ventilation
D000393:Air Pollutants