An urban apartment complex reports persistent headache, eye irritation, and dry cough among residents that resolve when they leave the building. No specific aetiological agent is identified. This presentation best fits:
- A Sick building syndrome ✓
- B Building-related illness
- C Multiple chemical sensitivity
- D Occupational asthma
Explanation
Sick building syndrome is defined by acute, non-specific symptoms (headache, mucosal irritation, dry cough) that occur while in the building and improve on departure, with no identifiable specific aetiological agent or diagnosable disease. Building-related illness (option B) implies a clinically diagnosable and specifically attributable condition such as Legionnaires disease. Multiple chemical sensitivity lacks standardised diagnostic criteria and is not a formal PSM classification. Occupational asthma is a specific building-related illness with a defined immunological or irritant mechanism.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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