Effect of Ventilation Systems on Prevalence of Symptoms Associated with "Sick Buildings" in Brazilian Commercial Establishments.
DE FATIMA BARROZO COSTA, MARIA; DE SOUZA DA ROCHA BRICKUS, LEILA
[Article] Archives of Environmental Health. 55(4):279-283, July/August 2000.

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In this questionnaire study, the authors compared the prevalence of certain symptoms and signs associated with Sick Building Syndrome and perceptions relative to environmental discomfort of employees in a central-air-conditioned shopping center and in natural-ventilation commercial shops located on the streets of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There was a statistically significant higher prevalence of symptoms (e.g., water and itching of eyes, sore throat, nose irritation, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, sneezing) that were characteristic of Sick Building Syndrome in the air-conditioned building than in the naturally ventilated stores. The results indicated that there exists a continuing need for further research in Brazilian work environments.

(C) 2000 by the Helen Dwight Reid Educational Foundation. Copyright is retained by the author where noted.