Which of the following is a primary cause of sick building syndrome in the United States?
A. large number of outside ducts
B. unsealed windows
C. thinly insulated buildings
D. hazardous construction materials
An : D
Yes.
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To determine the primary cause of sick building syndrome in the United States, you need to understand what sick building syndrome is and what factors contribute to its development. Sick building syndrome refers to a situation where occupants of a building experience health issues or discomfort that can be attributed to the time spent in that building. Here's how you can arrive at the correct answer:
1. Understand the concept of sick building syndrome: Sick building syndrome is often caused by poor indoor air quality, which can result from various factors such as inadequate ventilation, chemical pollutants, biological contaminants, and physical factors like temperature and humidity.
2. Evaluate each option:
- Option A: Large number of outside ducts: While outside ducts can introduce outdoor pollutants into the building, they are not commonly identified as the primary cause of sick building syndrome.
- Option B: Unsealed windows: Unsealed windows can contribute to poor ventilation and may allow outdoor pollutants to enter the building, but they are not the primary cause of sick building syndrome.
- Option C: Thinly insulated buildings: Thin insulation can lead to energy inefficiency and discomfort, but it is not generally considered the primary cause of sick building syndrome.
- Option D: Hazardous construction materials: Hazardous construction materials, such as asbestos or lead paint, can release harmful substances into the indoor environment and significantly contribute to the development of sick building syndrome.
3. Determine the correct answer: Based on the understanding of sick building syndrome and the evaluation of the options, it is evident that option D, hazardous construction materials, is the most likely primary cause of sick building syndrome in the United States.
Therefore, the correct answer is D, hazardous construction materials.