Sick Building Syndrome like Symptoms in Emergency Prefabricated Accommodation

The present study investigated the sources of discomfort and the symptoms reported by earthquake victims residing in temporary emergency prefabricated accommodation (prefab). The investigation was carried out by means of a questionnaire. 203 prefab occupants and 132 inhabitants of houses, who were c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology 2004-05, Vol.17 (2_suppl), p.103-108
Main Authors: Muzi, G., Accattoli, M.P., Dell'omo, M., Frillici, C., Sapia, I.E., Abbritti, G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Child
Disasters
Female
Housing
Humans
Italy - epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Sick Building Syndrome - epidemiology
Sick Building Syndrome - physiopathology
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Summary:The present study investigated the sources of discomfort and the symptoms reported by earthquake victims residing in temporary emergency prefabricated accommodation (prefab). The investigation was carried out by means of a questionnaire. 203 prefab occupants and 132 inhabitants of houses, who were chosen as reference population, replied in winter and 233 prefab occupants and 154 inhabitants of houses replied in summer. In both seasons more people living in prefabs identified dry air, stuffy air, stale air, dust, dampness, uncomfortable temperature and bad odours as sources of discomfort. They also complained of general symptoms (headache, irritability, insomnia, difficulty in concentration) and irritative symptoms of the eyes, upper and lower airways and skin. Multiple regression analysis identified the type of accommodation as the variable that most influenced the onset of general, ocular, upper and lower airway symptoms. Intrinsic characteristics of the prefabs (being constructed with synthetic materials, combustion sources, poor ventilation and insulation) and psychosocial factors e. losing their home, could have contributed to the onset of symptoms.
ISSN:0394-6320
2058-7384
DOI:10.1177/03946320040170S217