Background: Our knowledge of diseases and maladies has been increased during the recent decades. These diseases are related to the presence of people in the buildings which may cause due to varieties of physical, biologic, and chemical (organic or inorgicic) factors. We decided to investigate one of these problems, namely sick building syndrome (SBS) in one of high administrative buildings in Tehran in summer 2002.

Materials and methods: It was a descriptive study. All employees working in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development were included. Personal complaints of mental and irritative symptoms were assessed using a combined questionnaire (Questionnaires of CCOHS-2001 and London Center Hazards-1990). The prevalence of SBS of determined and the association between human, environmental and building factors with the occurrence of this phenomenon was clarified.

Results: Of 312 employees, 171 were randomly selected. There were 96 males (56.1%) and 75 females (43.9%). The prevalence of SBS was 58.7%. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (57.3%) during the past 3 months. The most prevalent irritative symptoms were burning sensation in the eyes and tearing (25.7%). The prevalence of SBS was 46.3% in males and 72% in females (p<0.001). Feeling of low air movement (68.4%), and feeling of airless environment (59.1%, always) were the most common complaints. There was no significant association between SBS and smoking, age, different stages, and duration of employment.

Conclusion: The prevalence of SBS is quite high. Disorders of ventilation system are the probable cause.