Allostatic load model associated with indoor environmental quality and sick building syndrome among office workers.
This study investigates whether indoor environmental quality (IEQ) influences allostatic load (AL) and whether AL can be a predictor for sick building syndrome (SBS). We also assessed and compared the associations between AL and SBS versus 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and SBS. A total of 115 office workers from 21 offices completed self-reported SBS questionnaires, and provided 11 biomarkers for their AL. Multiple linear regressions and logistic regression analysis were applied to examine the correlations between IEQ and AL or 8-OHdG and between AL or 8-OHdG and SBS, respectively. Our data revealed that the neuroendocrine system was correlated with CO2, the difference between indoor and outdoor CO2 levels (dCO2), and the indoor-outdoor ratio of CO2 (CO2 I/O). Metabolic system effects were associated with illumination. The relationships between illumination, CO2, dCO2, CO2 I/O and 8-OHdG were consistent with those and AL in specific systems. Furthermore, we found that risks for SBS syndromes were related with neuroendocrine and metabolic system of the AL. 8-OHdG was associated with eye dryness or irritation, eye tiredness and vomiting. We conclude that IEQ significantly influences AL and that AL can be a predictor for reporting SBS with information on system-specific effects.
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan city, Taiwan.
Chien-Cheng
CC
Jung
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan city, Taiwan.
Hsiu-Hao
HH
Liang
Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei city, Taiwan.
Hui-Ling
HL
Lee
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan city, Taiwan.
Nai-Yun
NY
Hsu
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan city, Taiwan.
Huey-Jen
HJ
Su
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018877:Sick Building Syndrome
D002245:Carbon Dioxide