Prevention and control of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Part 1: Identification of risk factors

People in the developed countries spend around 90 % of their time indoors, so the design of healthy and comfortable buildings presents a key fundament. Construction of energy-efficient buildings with increased air tightness of the building envelope and poorly maintained ventilation systems often results in unhealthy and uncomfortable indoor conditions as well as in Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). In Part 1, risk factors for SBS are identified. In Part 2, an interactive influences among risk factors are detected and a preventive and control strategy to lower the occurrence of SBS is designed. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify and classify risk factors for SBS, as well as to define relevant parameters for the occurrence of SBS. Method: In the period of January to February 2014, comprehensive literature review was carried out studying risk factors for SBS. We searched two bibliographic databases (Pub Med and Science Direct) for peer-reviewed publications from 1974 to 2014. Results and discussion: Based on the results of the comprehensive literature review, the risk factors for SBS can be classified into six major groups, i.e. physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, personal and others. Conclusions: Identification of risk factors presents a first step towards integral prevention and control of SBS. The identified and classified risk factors and their parameters are used for the design of a preventive strategy to lower the occurrence of SBS (Part 2).