Is There A Conflict Between Efficiency and Health?

Abstract

The possibility that serious health hazards may be caused by buildings and their mechanical systems has recently become a major issue, now being popularized as "sick building syndrome." An increasingly widespread proposition holds that the problem is largely the result of energy conservation measures adopted during the last few years. However, many aspects of the problem are not yet well understood, and it appears that misconceptions are arising. The different types of health problems in buildings are reviewed, and the effects of their solutions on energy consumption are examined.