Gender and the physical and psychosocial work environments are related to indoor air symptoms.

Abstract

To assess gender differences in self-reported symptoms, psychosocial, subjective, and objective physical environments. Staff (N=173) in four university buildings were investigated by questionnaires, blood samples, and objective assessment of indoor environment (temperature, air velocity, relative humidity, CO2, and dust [PM 10]). Analyses were performed by linear and logistic regressions. Women reported health symptoms more often than did men and complained more about physical but not psychosocial factors. Men's symptoms and complaints were more specifically associated to air velocity and humidity. For both genders, symptoms were related to both strain (P=0.02) and perceived physical environments (P=0.01). Lower relative humidity in the range of 15% to 35% was associated with perception of too low temperature and dry air. Gender, psychosocial, and physical environment factors were related to symptoms and perceived indoor climate.