Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2012 Dec;24(4):319-327.

Nonspecific Building Related Illnesses

• Suh C
• Ha EH
• Hong YC
• Chae YM
• Chang KJ
• Kim J

Abstract

Nonspecific building related illnesses (NBRI) are an array of diverse symptoms related to working in particular buildings. There are numerous contributing factors, including basic factors (temperature, humidity and ventilation) as well as chemicals, dust, microorganisms, and psychosocial factors. At the individual level, taking a careful history is the essential first step. After ruling out other diseases, clinicians can start the symptomatic treatment for NBRI. If a relationship to the building is suspected, a walk through evaluation is very helpful. At the group level, standardized questionnaires and investigations of the building environment can be applied simultaneously. If the prevalence of symptoms are greater than that of general population, appropriate interventions have to be provided for prevention and group health care. In both approaches, it is essential to periodically follow up with symptomatic patients and work environments after an intervention. For the management of NBRI, taking care of the patient's symptoms and maintaining a good indoor environment are important. To achieve this goal, cooperation among workers, building managers, employers and occupational health staff is crucial.

Keyword

Nonspecific building related illness; Indoor air quality

MeSH Terms

Air Pollution, Indoor
Delivery of Health Care
Dust
Humans
Humidity
Occupational Health
Prevalence
Questionnaires
Resin Cements
Dust
Resin Cements

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A strategic approach to the situation in individual and group level. (modified from reference 33)

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