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American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 129, No. 3: 550-558
Copyright © 1989 by The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health

research-article

REPORT OF AN ILLNESS OUTBREAK AT THE HARRY S TRUMAN STATE OFFICE BUILDING1

H. DENNY DONNELL, JR., JOHN R. BAGBY, ROBERT G. HARMON, JOHN R. CRELLIN, HILDA C. CHASKI, MAHREE F. BRIGHT, MARK VAN TUINEN and ROBERT W. METZGER

Missouri Department of Health Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

Reprint requests to Dr. H. Denny Donnell, Jr., Missouri Department of Health, P. 0. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

An acute epidemic of headache, mucosal imtation, fatigue, odd taste, and dizziness involving several hundred state government employees occurred in June 1986 in an office building in Missouri that housed 2,500 employees. A survey of 305 ill and 131 well employees demonstrated that ill employees were more likely to have perceived unusual odors and inadequate air flow in their work areas. The building has eight floors, seven of which are divided in halt by an atrium, and 17 separate air handling systems. A total of 87% of the ill employees were concentrated in only three of the "half floors." Extensive investigation revealed no toxic substances or other direct causes for the illnesses, but several factors were identified that may have reduced air quality in the affected areas. These included a low proportion of outside air, associated with crowding, blocked vents, smoking, and use of office chemicals. This pattern of illness suggests epidemic anxiety state triggered by poor air quality.

air conditioning; air pollution; environment, controlled; mass behavior; tobacco smoke pollution

1From the Missouri Department of Health, Jefferson City, MO.


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