Abstract:
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is currently a widely discussed topic all around the
world since most of the population spend majority of their time indoors. However in
Sri Lanka, there is less discussion on SBS. Among the contributory factors for SBS,
polluted air plays a leading role while aggravating the situation with poor ventilation.
In order to assess the magnitude of SBS prevail in Apartment buildings in Sri Lanka,
a field study was carried out placing the focus on Total Volatile Organic Compounds
(TVOC) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentrations. A series of measurements were
taken on selected Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters in a sample of apartment
buildings located close to a main highway. The IAQ monitoring was coupled with a
questionnaire survey on SBS symptoms, building operational practices and other
related parameters. The results of the study revealed that IAQ parameters could
correlate with SBS symptoms at different significant levels. Moreover, poor
ventilation had been identified as a prominent contributory factor for substandard air
quality which in turn would result several SBS symptoms. The results of this research
will be benefited to Engineers, Architects, Developers, and general public.
Citation:
Alwis, P.H. (2022). Developing a correlation between indoor air quality and sick building syndrome in apartment buildings [Master's theses, University of Moratuwa]. Institutional Repository University of Moratuwa. http://dl.lib.uom.lk/handle/123/21605