Noções gerais sobre qualidade do ar interior e síndroma do edifício doente em contexto ocupacional

Introduction / framework / objectives This theme have drawn the attention of the authors in the past, due to another article published in this magazine (which highlighted the sector of day centers / nursing homes and their employees); more recently one of authors started work in a Call Center company, in which a reasonable percentage of workers referred symptoms associated with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The need to search for more information has arisen, since the general population is spending more leisure time and work time in closed areas. Methodology This is an Integrative Bibliographic Review, initiated through a survey conducted in March 2018 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and Academic Search Complete “. Content Sometimes the valorization of the lower energy expenditure, thermal comfort and isolation of the external contaminants, justifies reduced ventilation. Some researchers believe that the risks of indoor pollution may be greater than outside. In addition to architectural parameters, IAQ also depends on occupants behavior (ventilatory habits, smoking inside the building and choice of cleaning agents, furniture and other materials), as well as of external issues such as weather. Most researchers highlight carbon monoxide, ozone, radon, particulate matter, fibers, biological agents (bacteria, fungi) and pollen; as well as volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. There are individuals who have medical particularities that make them more susceptible to changes in IAQ, such as asthma and various allergies. Conclusions Some parameters of the Interior Air Quality have the capacity to cause annoying symptomatology to workers and, consequently, decrease their quality of life, satisfaction and productivity, boosting absenteeism. Therefore, professionals working in Occupational Health should have some notions related to this topic, in order to better contribute to attenuate this issue in their clients.