SICK BUILDING SYNDROME IN MAURITIUS : IS THERE NEED FOR
CONCERN?
*A.H.Subratty1, R.Bholah1, and V.Jowaheer2. M.F.Chan Sun3
1
Department of Health Sciences 2Department of Mathematics,
3
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius,
Reduit Mauritius.
Objectives
During the past few decades various symptoms and illnesses have been
attributed to non-industrial indoor environments. Problems associated
with the indoor environment are a common health issue faced by
clinicians; generally the rafts of complaints are regarded as Sick Building
Syndrome (SBS).
Mauritius is a small island and its subtropical climate; densely built
environment and energy conservation requirements pose special
constraints to the building industry to ensure that ventilation and indoor
air quality within the fully enclosed offices remain acceptable. In tandem
with the rapid urbanization as a newly industrialized economy, the
prevention of ill health in office and domestic interiors in Mauritius present
a growing challenge to medical practitioners and building managers.
Mauritius is also a country where the prevalence of bronchial asthma
among the population is high.
Methods
This paper intends to present results from studies undertaken regarding of
symptoms of SBS among occupants of office premises and domestic
interiors in Mauritius. Results showed that symptoms of SBS were
significantly higher among the occupants of buildings with mechanical
ventilation than those of naturally ventilated buildings. Among personal
factors assessed, there were generally consistent findings associating
increased symptoms with age and female gender.
Results
Our findings showed that certain SBS syndrome symptoms such as
headache, fatigue, nervousness, nausea, irritated sore throat, sneezing
and irritated sore eyes were widespread among women in offices.
Findings from the studies also revealed that presence of mites in the
buildings was strongly associated related to lower respiratory tract and
skin symptoms as reported by the participants through a questionnaire
survey undertaken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study is the first to analyze and report on multifactor
contribution involving physical, biological and chemical parameters
associated with SBS in Mauritius. There is need for a holistic approach to
design and planning of construction of healthy buildings in Mauritius.