Poor IAQ would lead to the occurrence of Sick Building Syndrome
(SBS) and other symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the IAQ and the symptoms
of SBS among the office workers in the two selected buildings (old and new). A
comparative cross sectional study was conducted among 90 office workers from an
old building (26 years of age) and a new building (5 years of age). The SBS symptoms
were assessed utilising the questionnaires adopted from Industry Code of Practice
(ICOP) 2010 while IAQ parameters were monitored using the Handheld 3016 IAQ
Particle Counter and Multi-Function Ventilation Meter. All the parameters studied
were below the standard limit as set by the Department of Occupational Safety and
Health (DOSH) and the United States of America’s Environmental Protection Agency
(US EPA) except for air velocity in the old building which was lower than the
acceptable standard range. The levels of PM10 and total particulate matter (TPM) in
the old building was significantly higher as compared to the new building (PM10: Z=
-2.495, p = 0.013 and TPM: Z = -2.873, p = 0.014). The SBS prevalence was 51.1%
among respondents at the new building while 64.4% for old building. However, the
difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was a significant
association of drowsiness among respondents between old and new building (2=
4.050, p = 0.044). Therefore, in order to ensure a good IAQ, regular maintenance of
ventilation and control measures should be conducted.