Define “sick building syndrome” in relation to Indoor Environmental Quality.

The definition of “sick building syndrome” is accurately captured by the option that describes a situation where occupants experience health issues linked to their time spent in a building, often due to poor air quality. This phenomenon is associated with a range of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems, which can be exacerbated by inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants, or biological pollutants present in indoor environments.

Understanding sick building syndrome is crucial in the context of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) because it highlights the impact of air quality and building design on the health and comfort of occupants. Ensuring proper ventilation, using low-emitting materials, and encouraging natural lighting are strategies that can help mitigate this syndrome, thereby improving occupant well-being and productivity.

The other options do not capture the essence of sick building syndrome accurately. While decreased employee productivity can be a consequence of the issues addressed by sick building syndrome, it does not define the syndrome itself. Similarly, the notion that sick building syndrome refers to old buildings needing renovation or a classification for buildings with high noise levels does not align with the specific symptomatology and causes associated with occupants' health issues linked to poor indoor air quality.