Befindlichkeitsstörungen bei Umweltambulanz-Patienten: Über die Bedeutung der Luftwechselrate und von flüchtigen organischen Verbindungen (VOC) in der Innenraumluft* Complaints in a group of "environmental patients": Relevance of ventilation rates and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in patientsdwellings

Within a subsample of an out-patient based study on environment related complaints we investigated, whether VOC concentrations and ventilation rates in patients‘ dwellings are statistically associated with complaints, e.g. fatigue and appraised affinity towards infections. In the dwellings of around 50 "environmental patients", volatile organic compounds, ventilation rates and humidity were measured, each under worst case conditions. An environmentalmedicine questionnaire (including items regarding fatigue, competitiveness and infections) was administered. Statistical analysis indicates an association between ventilation rate and complaints (low ventilation leads to more self-reported fatigue and infections) but no association between VOC and complaints, although a significant correlation exists between ventilation and VOC. This study focussing on home environ ments is consistent with findings of epidemiological studies in other environmental settings (e. g. office buildings). Because of the small sample size and some methodological limitations, the results of this study needs to be interpreted carefully. Further home environmental studies are needed in order to consolidate findings or to draw firm conclusions.