Evaluating the relationships between air pollution and environmental parameters with sick building syndrome in schools of Northern Iran

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between air pollution and environmental parameters with sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in schools of northern Iran. This study was conducted on 759 students from a total of 52 primary, guidance and high schools in northern Iran. Selection of schools, classes in each school and students in each class was performed using a multistage random sampling method. Carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature and humidity were measured. Data on the SBS symptoms were collected using a standard questionnaire via interview. Measurements in 215 classes showed the highest levels of CO₂, temperature and humidity were 4263 ppm, 25.2°C and 82.5%, respectively. A t-test showed that there were significant correlations between CO₂ and temperature with SBS symptoms (p = 0.01). In Winter, dizziness (44.4%) was the most common symptom among 12 SBS symptoms, and fatigue (37.2%) was the most common symptom in Spring. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the types of ventilation, cooling and heating systems with the SBS symptoms in both seasons (p = 0.001). The SBS symptoms in students were considered to be mild. Considering the poor physical conditions in some schools and the lack of proper space and ventilation systems, the health authorities in cooperation with the Education Department should create better educational environments.