Disability evaluation in building-related health problems

Abstract

Assessing impairment and disability in workers with suspected sick building syndrome (SBS) is problematic because most workers do not have permanent impairment. Symptoms are so nonspecific and prevalent in the general population that an excessive number of workers in the building must be afflicted before a diagnosis of SBS can be entertained. Removal of the worker from the workplace should result in resolution of symptoms. Because end-organ dysfunction is not detected by examination or laboratory testing, impairment by definition does not exist. However, a worker with SBS may be disabled without impairment. (J ALLERGYCLINIMMUNOL1994;94:376-9.). © 1994 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.