Abstract

MARTINEZ FERNANDEZ, Elena et al. Diseases caused by environmental conditions in a tertiary hospital of Madrid. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2014, vol.60, n.234, pp.53-63. ISSN 1989-7790.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0465-546X2014000100006.

Introduction: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has more incidence of headache, irritation of mucous tissues and fatigue among workers. These symptoms get better or even disappear when workers leave the building. Objectives: The main aim of our research project was to check if the symptoms that some workers of one Tertiary Hospital in the Community of Madrid showed were those of SBS. Material and Method: For that purpose, we carried out a "cross-sectional descriptive study" through a questionnaire completed by staff members of the hospital both randomly selected and willing to take part. Results: 207 questionnaires were collected, 164 (79.2%) of women and 43 (20.8%) of men. The average age was 41.4 years, 42.6 in women and 36.6 in men (p <0,01). More cases were found in certain areas of the hospital (laboratories and operating theaters). We were measured environmental conditions were measured: humidity 23 to 26% (recommended values above 30%) and normal temperature. 92 cases (44.4%) were found with symptoms that define the ESS (> 20% of those studied). Conclusions: According to the given results, we can establish that the analysed building meets all the requirements set by the definition of the SBS.

Keywords : Sick Building Syndrome; environmental conditions; nonspecific symptoms.

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