Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is primarily associated with which indoor air pollutant or condition?
- A Poor ventilation and accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), molds, and formaldehyde ✓
- B Carbon monoxide from combustion in well-ventilated rooms
- C Radon gas emanating from building materials causing lung cancer
- D Nitrogen dioxide from gas cooking appliances
Correct answer: A. Poor ventilation and accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), molds, and formaldehyde
Explanation
Sick Building Syndrome describes a cluster of non-specific symptoms (headache, fatigue, mucous membrane irritation, concentration problems) experienced by occupants of energy-efficient 'tight' buildings with poor ventilation. Causative factors include VOCs from furniture/paints/carpets, molds, formaldehyde from particleboard, and inadequate fresh air exchange. It differs from Building-Related Illness (BRI) which has an identifiable specific cause.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.