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Measured dwelling microbial VOCs compared against sick building syndrome reports in three cities

Sahlberg B, Gunnbjörnsdottir M, Soon A, Jogi R, Gislason T, Wieslander G, Janson C, Norbäck D (2013) · Science of the Total Environment 444:433–440

A multi-country residential study reported associations between measured microbial volatile compounds in homes and occupant reports of mucosal and general symptoms.

What they studied

Air sampling in 159 dwellings across three northern European cities.

Measurement of airborne molds and bacteria, microbial volatile organic compounds, plasticizers, and formaldehyde.

Occupant questionnaires on sick building syndrome symptoms.

What they found

1-octen-3-ol and 3-methylfuran were reported as the compounds most consistently associated with symptom reports.

Associations were reported for mucosal symptoms in particular.

Measured mold and bacteria counts were reported to associate less consistently than the volatile markers.

What it does not establish

Cross-sectional survey; no temporal sequence between exposure and symptoms.

Symptoms were self-reported.

Findings are from northern European housing stock and climate.

This entry reports the study. It is not a statement about any building Sage Co. designs or constructs.

Source

  • Sahlberg B, Gunnbjörnsdottir M, Soon A, Jogi R, Gislason T, Wieslander G, Janson C, Norbäck D (2013). Airborne molds and bacteria, microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC), plasticizers and formaldehyde in dwellings in three North European cities in relation to sick building syndrome (SBS) · Science of the Total Environment 444:433–440 · Read at the source

Last reviewed August 30, 2026.

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