Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu

High School Department

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME: A CASE STUDY ON THE INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF
THE SAN MIGUEL YAMAMURA PACKAGING CEBU GLASS PLANT
---------------------------------------------------------------A Research Proposal
Presented to the
Faculty of the Senior High School
Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu
Mandaue City, Philippines
-------------------------------------------------------------In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the course
RESEARCH IN DAILY LIFE 1
------------------------------------------------------------By:
Sophia Dianne Bernardo
Gerard Anton Mahinay
Algeo Andrew Olmilla
October 2016

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APPROVAL SHEET
This thesis proposal SICK BUILDING SYNDROME: A CASE STUDY ON THE INDOOR
AIR QUALITY OF THE SAN MIGUEL YAMAMURA PACKAGING CEBU GLASS
PLANT submitted by Sophia Dianne K. Bernardo, Gerard Anton L. Mahinay and Algeo
Andrew E. Olmilla in partial fulfillment of the course, RESEARCH IN DAILY LIFE 1, has
been examined and accepted for PROPOSAL HEARING.

Research Committee

-------------------------------------Chair

---------------------------------------

-----------------------------------

Member

Member
----------------------------------------Adviser

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page.

Approval Sheet.....

ii

Table of Contents.

iii

Chapter
1

Page

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale

Schema of Conceptual Framework ..

Conceptual Framework....

Statement of the Problem..

Significance of the Study..

Definition of Terms..

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature.

11

Related Studies.

15

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design..

17

Research Environment.

17

Research Respondent

18

Research Instrument....

18

Data Gathering Procedure

19

Data Analysis

20

REFERENCES ..

21

APPENDICES

28

Research Questionnaire....... ..

29

Interview and Focus Group Discussion Guide.

29

Transmittal Letter..

32

Informed Consent

33

Timetable of Activities (Gantt Chart)

35

Proposed Budget..

38

Definition Essay....

39

CURRICULUM VITAE...

41

CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
Rationale
The condition of the workplace is a fundamental influence to the productivity and the
morale of workers. Workers need to be provided with a working environment that upholds their
physical and mental well-being. Doing so would increase their inclination to perform well at work.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is composed of many generic symptoms that inhabitants
of a certain building experience. This greatly affects the performance of the workers. Their
productivity is vital to the growth and development of our country. So, this syndrome needs to be
cured.
The researchers want to determine an accurate simulation of a suitable working
environment that promotes the effective performance of the workers, focusing specifically on the
indoor air quality (IAQ). IAQ can affect an individuals concentration and energy level. However,
the importance of good IAQ is sometimes neglected. It has developed into a health and safety
concern.
The researchers find it imperative to discover a proper solution, which can be easily
implemented, to the poor indoor air quality of some buildings. The researchers have conducted
this study since it will allow the work performance of the employees to be more productive and
more efficient. By conducting this study, it will allow workers, in general, to be aware of how the
workplace becomes a big factor in terms of the workers health and their work performance. With
this, it will not only allow the workers to be aware but to change and improve on the problem in
the future.

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Schema of the Conceptual Framework
A schema is used to visually see the outline of the points from a specific essay. It is used
to allow the readers to fully grasp the literature related to our topic. To understand better the flow
of the information of this study, the researchers have made a schema with the information above.

SICK BUILDING
SYNDROME

caused by factors such as

INTERNAL CHEMICAL
CONTAMINANTS

EXTERNAL
CONTAMINANTS

like
like
POOR VENTILATION
AND INDOOR
POLLUTION

VEHICLE FUMES AND

AIRBORNE PARTICLES

which is related to
POOR INDOOR AIR
QUALITY
which can cause
SYMPTOMS AND
CERTAIN ILLNESSES

HEADACHE, FATIGUE,
NAUSEA
like

3
Conceptual Framework
Sick Building Syndrome is a type of phenomenon that is not widely familiar to all people.
According to Joshi (2008), sick building syndrome (SBS) is used to describe a situation in which
the people occupying inside of a building experience severe health- or comfort-related effects that
seem to be related directly to the time spent in the building. It is a poorly understood phenomenon
that affects the health and well-being of the occupants of a certain building. Another perspective
of this type of concept is by Johnson (1997) which he states that sick building syndrome results
into problems when a building is maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original
design or prescribed operating procedures, or when occupant activities create a problem. This
implies that sick building syndrome is not just about the people experiencing severe health effects
due to the duration of the building, it is also about the problems coming from bad maintenance
within the building.
This type of phenomenon is caused by several factors that are very exposed in the building
and have a direct effect on the health of the human being. It can be factors such as poor building
design, maintenance, interior design of the building and chemical pollutants. (The Environment
Illness Resource, 2016). One factor of sick building syndrome are the external contaminants
outside of the building. Tidy (2014) acknowledge that it can be the cause of vehicle exhaust fumes
from streets and underground car parks and airborne particles such as pollen and molds. However,
a journal by Terr Al (2009) mentioned that the evidence of these external factors were
unconvincing and becomes a minor factor of sick building syndrome. These external factors have

4
limited evidence to be a major factor of sick building syndrome but it still gives a profound effect
to the health of the occupants in a building.
Another type of factor of the presence of sick building syndrome is the internal components
in the building. According to The Environment Illness Resource (2016), they stated that the main
heart of the problem of sick building syndrome is the poor ventilation system of a building. Also
from the same source, they cited that it results in the increasing accumulation of pollutants within
a certain building. As a result, the indoor environment can often have air quality much lower than
the outdoor air even in a heavily polluted city center where certain modes of transportation releases
pollutants to the atmosphere. It is also because of internal chemical contaminants or air pollutants
of the building. Dr. Colin Tidy (2014) stated in his website PatientInfo that some internal causes
are the initial emissions from components and fittings of a building, volatile organic compounds,
ozone from photocopiers and printers, small fibers from furnishings and tobacco smoke. With this
in mind, a poor ventilation system and some internal chemical components inside a building could
be a major and evident factor of sick building syndrome.
Since the main factor of having sick building syndrome is caused by inadequate ventilation
of air conditioning units, it is best to look at the center of the problem of ventilation which is indoor
air quality or indoor pollution. The US Environmental Protection Agency (2016) defines indoor
air quality as the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to
the health and comfort of building occupants. Ventilation is closely linked to Indoor Air Quality
(IAQ). The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Labor (n.d) stated that health effects can be indicator
of poor ventilation that is primarily caused by the indoor air quality of the building. This source

5
tells us that there is a significant relation between Indoor Air Quality and poor ventilation being
Indoor Air Quality as the cause of poor ventilation. Indoor Air Quality plays a major role on the
health status of the people inside the building. Indoor pollution releases gases or particles in the
air that is harmful to the health of a person. With the inadequate ventilation, it will increase
pollutant levels by not bringing sufficient outside air to dilute emissions from indoor air. (National
Center for Healthy Housing, 2008).
With this in mind, having bad indoor air quality could potentially build up certain illness
to the workers of a certain building. From the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety
(2016), symptoms that are often linked to poor indoor air quality are (1) irritation of the eyes (2)
headache (3) fatigue (4) shortness of breath (5) hypersensitivity and allergies (6) sinus congestion
(7) coughing and sneezing (8) dizziness (9) nausea. Moreover, a bad indoor air quality could also
develop the presence of building-related illness (BRI). It refers to less frequent but often more
serious cases of people becoming sick after being in a specific building at a certain duration. One
example is Legionnaires Disease which is caused by the bacteria from a buildings air conditioning
system (Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, 2016). Another effect that a bad
indoor air quality has to our health is that it increases the risk lung cancer, infections and even
chronic lung disorders just like asthma. According to the American Lung Association (2016), it
states that there are some harmful chemical substances if air quality is not treated well such as
formaldehyde, lead and carbon monoxide that increases the risk of lung cancer, asthma and
infections in the body. This means that having an unclean indoor air quality, it enhances the risk
of harmful disorders and illnesses. In effect, this concept of an unmaintained and improper indoor
air quality could show bad effects on the health of an individual.

6
Based from the information gathered, it is safe to say that sick building syndrome has a
negative impact on the work ethic of the individual inside the building. It is also associated with
indoor air quality and a poor ventilation. When a building has a problem on the ventilation
especially in its air conditioning units, there is a problem with its indoor air quality and could
potentially affect the health and well-being of the individual and in effect, it could affect his or her
lifestyle. This is why the researchers have chosen this topic to have a detailed understanding on
this certain phenomenon in a specific group which are the San Miguel Yamamura Packaging
Corporation Cebu Glass Plant workers. The researchers will further look and investigate on the
indoor air quality of the company and have a detailed interpretation of this certain issue.
If we look at this problem in totality, this phenomenon is something quite poorly
understood but very significant to our lifestyle. This occurrence of sick building syndrome with
the added information about poor ventilation and indoor air quality makes these problems
something that need to understood and something that everyone should be aware of by the present
generation. It is after when we understand this case, the information could be useful and beneficial
in future problems in the upcoming years.

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Statement of the Problem
This study aims to have an in-depth investigation on the experiences of the San Miguel
Yamamura Packaging Corporation Cebu Glass Plant workers on Sick Building Syndrome,
especially in terms of Indoor Air Quality. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What is the current condition of the indoor air quality in the workplace based from the
experiences of the workers?
2. How do the workers feel about their own indoor air quality in the workplace?
3. What are the common symptoms relating to Sick Building Syndrome workers experienced
from working in the plant?

8
Significance of the Study
The researchers believe that the case study on the indoor air quality of San Miguel
Yamamura Packaging Corporation Cebu Glass Plant will be beneficial to the Plant Managers of
the company, medical staff of the company, workers of the company and future researchers. First,
this study will benefit the plant manager of San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation Cebu
Glass Plant by giving them awareness of the current state of indoor air quality and if the air quality
of the building should be improved or not. This will allow him or her to adjust to the needs of the
workers of the building to improve in their work performance in the company. Second, this study
will benefit the people working inside the clinic of the company because it will give them the idea
of what symptoms and health problems could be caused by the indoor air quality. This study will
also allow the medical staff to be aware of what to do when a worker has a certain symptom or
health issue caused by the indoor air quality. Third, his study will also benefit the workers of San
Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation Cebu Glass Plant because it will allow them to be
knowledgeable of how indoor air quality can greatly affect them. This study will allow workers to
know what challenges and health problems could they potentially face in working in the company.
Lastly, this study will benefit the future researchers, for it will allow them to have an idea or insight
about the topic. This study will allow them to have more information to have a better understanding
about the topic for their own research study

9
Definition of Terms

The researchers will use certain terms on the case study on indoor air quality of San Miguel
Yamamura Packaging Corporation Cebu Glass Plant that require further meaning.

Indoor Air Pollutants is when pollutants from things such as gases and particles
contaminate the air indoors. This research study uses this term as the harmful contaminants
that are inside the air of the glass plant.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the air quality within and around the
buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of the building
occupants. In this research, it means the air quality of the glass plant. It is the one of the
main concepts being tackled in this study.
San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Cebu Glass Plant It is a glass manufacturing plant
that is under the San Miguel Corporation that specializes in making glass bottles for
beverages such as beer. It is the location of where the research will take place.
Sick Building Syndrome a condition affecting office workers, typically marked by
headaches and respiratory problems, attributed to unhealthy or stressful factors in the
working environment such as poor ventilation. It is one of the main concepts being
mentioned in this study.
Symptoms is subjective, observed by the patient, and cannot be measured directly. In
this research, it means the health issues being experienced by the workers.

10
Ventilation is the movement of air between the environment and the lungs via inhalation
and exhalation. In this research, it refers to the transfer of air from the air conditioner units
of the glass plant.
Ventilation Rate the amount of air inhaled in a specified time period (e.g., per minute,
per hour, per day, etc.); also called breathing rate and inhalation rate. In this research, it
refers to the quantity of air being received by the worker during their specific work hours.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and in-depth
search done by the researchers. This chapter will include related literature on sick building
syndrome, factors and symptoms of sick building syndrome and indoor air quality. This chapter
will also include related studies of sick building syndrome and indoor air quality. This will have
an insight to the study in order to fully understand and have a better comprehension of the study.
Related Literature
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition where it affects office workers due to
unhealthy or stressful factors in the working environment such as poor ventilation. It can be
interpreted through headaches and respiratory problems of the worker. In the fact sheet Indoor
Air Facts no. 4 Sick Building Syndrome by the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
it is used to label situations in where people who work in a particular building experience acute
health and comfort effects that has some connections to the duration of the worker spending time
in the building. Through sick building syndrome (SBS), a workers personal health status is being
affected and could affect the work performance of the worker and the performance of the company
he or she works. There are sources from the internet that shows the causes of sick building
syndrome specifically in indoor air quality, why are they considered a cause and the common
illnesses associated with SBS.
In the book How to deal with sick building syndrome (SBS) by the Health and Science
Executive, it is a condition that cannot be precisely diagnosed. The illnesses should not be
associated with such symptoms like the effects of being exposed in toxic materials. This

12
phenomenon includes factors physical factors like ventilation and maintenance and work factors
like the workers ability to control aspects of their job and workplace. This source explains ways
in how to be aware if sick building syndrome affects the self and the other people around him. This
book is a summary on sick building syndrome. It states on what sick building syndrome covers,
factors of this condition and how to deal with this type of syndrome.
An article titled Health affects work, and work affects health by Wendy Lynch in 2002
mentioned on the concept of work affecting health and the health affecting the work. In terms of
work affects health, environmental factors such poor air quality and an ergonomically mistaken
work environment can affect the musculoskeletal system of the worker. In the concept of health
affecting work, if the health of the worker is not ideal, it may affect the neurological aspect of the
worker that deters the performance of the work. Since sick building syndrome has a direct effect
on health, it is certain there is a massive change on the workers performance. This web article
emphasizes the idea of health being a massive factor to the work performance of the worker.
A factsheet made by the United States Environmental Protection Agency titled Indoor Air
Quality no. 4 Sick Building Syndrome had certain points that showed the cause and indicators
of this condition. It states that some indicators of this condition are the workers complaining due
to their symptoms accompanied with discomfort and immediate report relief soon after leaving the
building. It mentions the concept of indoor air pollution which is a cause of the poor air quality
due to chemical contaminants inside and outside of the work environment. The factsheet presented
different points on how the sick building syndrome especially in the point on indoor air pollution.

13
Indoor Air Pollution is an effect due to some chemical components on the air quality. To
understand Indoor Air Pollution, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) must be explained. As specified in the
web article, An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) by the US Environmental Protection
Agency, it refers to the air quality within a certain building or structures. This concept has a
connection to the health status and comfort of the people using this certain building. This indoor
air quality can be affected by some pollutants like combustion problems. This concept of pollutants
affected the air quality is called Indoor Air Pollution. As specified in the same source, these
pollutants affect short term effects like irritation of the eye and long term effects like respiratory
problems. This web article mentions the concept of indoor air quality and indoor air pollution
Another factsheet made by the Illinois Department of Public Health further explains the
concept on indoor air pollution. It specified that is caused by the gathering of contaminants from
different sources within a home. This makes the air inside a house poor resulting into a poor air
quality. Illinois Department of Public Health (n.d) stated that some causes of the poor indoor air
quality are ventilation problems, combustion problems, organic vapors and bio aerosols. This web
article also emphasizes on the lack of awareness of this poor air quality or indoor air pollution
problem. It states certain effects and symptoms cause by this poor air quality such as headaches
and etc. This web article emphasizes on the concept of indoor air quality and its causes and effect
to the people.
The blog article Sick Building Syndrome and the importance of good air quality by Oliver
Heath in 2015 goes in deeper to the factors when having Sick Building Syndrome. It specifies
factors such as temperature, carbon dioxide, poor ventilation, air velocity, odors, dust and

14
humidity (Heath, 2015). These factors affect the indoor air quality of a certain building. The blog
article emphasized the idea of improving air quality by using air-filtering techniques such as an
Andrea air purifier. This article mentioned about certain factors affecting indoor air quality and
cited some solutions in improving the air quality.
The concept of indoor air quality and indoor air pollution are just causes of the condition
of sick building syndrome. Now, sick building syndrome causes certain effects that are easily
affected by the average person. The Environmental Illness Resource (2016) stated symptoms and
effects caused by indoor air pollution. Some of these symptoms can detect sick building syndrome
such as symptoms are solved when the person is not in the building. The symptoms of sick building
syndrome are headache, eye, nose and throat irritation, dry cough, dry and itchy skin, rashes,
nausea m fatigue, sensitivity to odors and difficulty in concentrating. This article also mentioned
some chemical pollutants that cause indoor air pollution such as Carbon monoxide, Sulphur
dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide and more other causes that cause this problem. This article provided
a detailed report on the cause sand the symptoms of the sick building syndrome (SBS).
NHS choices provided the reason what and why these environments are affected by sick
building syndrome (SBS). It states that majority of these environments where sick building
syndrome is most affected are in schools, libraries and museums. It specifies that SBS symptoms
can be much more present in workplaces that involve routine work and display screen equipment.
This article specifies on the certain risk factors of SBS. Some examples are low humidity, high
temperature or excessive differences in temperature during the day and improper use of display

15
screen equipment or poor standards of cleanliness in the workplace. This articles mentions on the
certain environments that are affected by SBS and certain risk factors of SBS.
Related Studies
According to Milica Gomzi (2009) on her study on Sick Building Syndrome, Sick Building
Syndrome is a condition related to the environment that is characterized by the intensified
occurrence of indefinite symptoms among the inhabitants of particular buildings, usually without
clinical indications and objective determination of symptoms. It commonly affects workers
employed in offices or other buildings that require them to work in congested vicinity. Also, it
mostly happens in buildings designed to be energy-efficient.
In relation to the symptoms experienced when having this syndrome, Ake Thorn in his case
study on a sick building presented a detailed explanation on the symptoms. In Sick Building
Syndrome, symptoms are influenced by interactions between biomedical and psychosocial
factors. The most common symptoms in Sick Building Syndrome include: (1) irritation in the
eyes, nose, and throat; (2) experience of dry skin and dry mucous; (3) skin flush; (4) fatigue,
headache, nausea, dizziness; (5) hoarseness, wheezing, pruritus, and non-specific hypersensitivity
(Thorn, 2000).
One factor that contributes to Sick Building Syndrome is indoor air quality. Gupta, Khare
& Goyal (2006) say, preserving tolerable indoor air quality for the popular airtight building design
depends on mechanical ventilation systems. Inadequate operation of the ventilation system results
in the ineffectual removal of polluted indoor air. This then becomes a factor of Sick Building
Syndrome. A study by White, Clarkson & Chang (1987) found that ventilation plays a major role

16
in controlling the indoor air pollutants because accumulation of compounds in buildings can be
diminished by proper movement of air.
According to Joshi (2008), This feeling of ill health increases sickness absenteeism and
causes a decrease in productivity of the workers. So, it is important that the researchers find a
possible solution that can help alleviate the health-hazard conditions of buildings with Sick
Building Syndrome.
Another related study relating to the symptoms caused by sick building syndrome is by
Yamashita, Nakazawa & Ikeda (2004) about a case study on sick building syndrome on a Japanese
Office Worker. This case study shows how sick building syndrome can cause nausea and
headaches to a 36-year old Japanese Worker due to indoor air pollution during working hours in a
refurbished office. This study also mentions that psychosocial factors also contribute to sick
building syndrome in the workplace.

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research design, research environment, research respondents,
research instruments, data gathering procedure, and data analysis of the study.
Research Design
This study will employ a qualitative case study research design. Case study, in its true
essence, explore and investigate real-life phenomenon through detailed contextual analysis. Using
case study, it permits a research to closely assess the data within a specific context (Yin, 1984).
The researchers chose to use this design for this research since the main objective of this research
is to provide an in-depth and detailed understanding of the indoor air quality and to know why sick
building syndrome exists inside the San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Cebu Glass Plant. The
researchers have chosen this research design is because the researchers would want to describe the
situation on the indoor air quality of the company for the purpose of explaining the reasons why
sick building syndrome occur. The researchers believe that a qualitative case study is the most
appropriate design that could be beneficial and helpful in achieving the researchers objective.
Research Environment
The research will be conducted at San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Cebu Glass Plant. It
is a glass manufacturing plant that is under the San Miguel Corporation which specializes in
making glass bottles for certain beverages like beer and soft drinks. The plant features a glass
manufacturing machinery and five rooms with six office cubicles each for finance workers. The

18
researchers have chosen this particular place since the parents of one of the researchers work in
the company, so the researchers will have easy access inside the company to gather data.
Research Respondents
The research respondents will be the office workers and factory workers in the San Miguel
Yamamura Packaging Cebu Glass Plant. Specifically, the researchers will approach the finance
workers since majority of these workers spend a lot of their time in the office, and engineering
department since the engineers devote most of their time working in the factory. Based on initial
observations gathered, the office of the finance department and the work area of the engineering
department located in the factory of the plant do not have proper indoor air quality. The researchers
will be able to collect data from people who experience the problem first-hand. The researchers
will only interview five respondents from the office and five respondents from the factory since
this population is suitable to get specific answers that can provide the researchers with useful
information.
Research Instruments
The researchers will arrange interviews and focus group discussions with the respondents.
The researchers will provide a definition essay on what indoor air quality and proper indoor air
quality is for the respondents to read before the start of the interview. According to Private Writing
(2016), a definition essay is a piece of writing that explains what a certain term or concept means.
This is needed for the respondents to have a uniform understanding and basis on the subject of
indoor air quality and proper indoor air quality. The researchers have also constructed a semistructured interview questionnaire that consists of fifteen open-ended questions that will aid the

19
researchers in acquiring the necessary information to understand the current condition of the indoor
air quality in San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Cebu Glass Plant. The questions will tackle the
following matters: the workers common understanding of Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor
Air Quality, the challenges the workers experience regarding the indoor air quality in their
workplace, symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome the workers may have experienced due to the
indoor air quality.
Data Gathering Procedure
1. Before the start of the interviews and focal group discussions, the researchers will
distribute a definition essay on indoor air quality and proper indoor air quality to each
respondent of the research. The respondents are given five minutes to read the essay
before the researchers can start the data gathering process.
2. The researchers will conduct individual semi-structured interviews. According to the
Qualitative Research Guidelines Project (2008), a semi-structured interview is a type
of interview where it uses an interview guide with questions and topics, usually in
particular order, that need to be covered during the conversation. It includes openended questions that provide the opportunity for identifying new ways of seeing and
understanding the topic at hand. The answers given by the answers are purely for
academic research and will be confidential.
3. The researchers will also conduct focus group discussions with the chosen respondents.
4. The respondents in the finance department and the engineering department will
participate in separate focus group discussions according to their department, so that

20
the researchers can differentiate the experiences of those working in the office and
those in the factory.
5.

The focus group discussions will be videoed in order for the researchers to identify
which interviewee gave a particular response. The video is only for academic research
and will be confidential

6. One of the researchers will be tasked to note any observations made throughout the
interview and focus group discussions.
7. A transcription of the audio recordings from both semi-structured interviews and focus
group discussions will be made in order to analyze the conversation carefully and to
avoid leaving out any essential information.
8.

From these interviews and focus group discussions, the researchers will collect data
and identify patterns in the responses of the interviewees which will then be used for
analysis.

9. The researchers will also request for the Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system plans from the mechanical engineer of the building for additional
information.
Data Analysis
The researchers will analyze the gathered responses from the interviews and focus group
discussions. The researchers will create a transcript from the interviews and focus group
discussions, and identify the key points that the participants emphasized on. The researchers will
employ thematic analysis in analyzing the gathered data. According to Braun and Clarke (2006),
a thematic analysis is a qualitative analytic method for identifying, analyzing and reporting

21
patterns (themes) within data. (p. 16) With this, the researchers can understand the main point that
the focus group and interviewee made in order to form a common understanding between the
respondents. The researchers will also implement document analysis on the HVAC system plans
to be retrieved from the mechanical engineer of the building.

REFERENCES

23
BOOKS
Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in
Psychology, 3: 77-101
Yin, R. K. (1984). Case study research: Design and methods (1st ed.). Beverly Hills,
CA: Sage Publications.
JOURNALS
Burge, P. (2004). Sick Building Syndrome. Occup Environ Med, 61, 185-190.
doi:10.1136/oem.2003.008813
INTERNET ARTICLES
Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2016, from
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
Case study of a sick building; could an integrated bio-psycho-social perspective prevent
chronicity? (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/00001396.htm
Gomzi, M. (2009). Sick Building Syndrome - Do we live and work in unhealthy environment?
Retrieved October 25, 2016.

24
Gupta, S., Khare, M., & Goyal, R. (2006). Sick building syndrome- A case study in a multisory
centrally air-conditioned building in the Delhi City. Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://qmrawiki.canr.msu.edu/images/BEV_Paper_2007.pdf
Health and Safety Executive. (1995). How to deal with Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Guidance
for employers, building owners and building managers. Retrieved September 29, 2016,
from http://www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/hsg132.pdf
Human Spaces. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://humanspaces.com/2015/04/20/sick-building-syndrome-and-the-importance-of
good-air-quality/
Hogg, M. (n.d.). Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.ei-resource.org/illness-information/related-conditions/sick-buildingsyndrome
IDPH Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-healthprotection/toxicology/indoor-air-quality-healthy-homes/idph-guidelines-indoor-air-quality
Indoor Air Facts No. 4 Sick Building Syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/sick_ building_factsheet.
pdf

25
Indoor Air Pollutants and Health. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/indoor-air-pollutants/
Joshi, S. M. (2008). The sick building syndrome. Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796751/
National Center for Healthy Housing. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.nchh.org/What-We-Do/Health-Hazards--Prevention--andSolutions/Ventilation-and-Indoor-Air-Quality.aspx
Nakazawa, H., Yamashita, H., & Ikeda, T. (2005). A Case of Sick Building Syndrome in a
Japanese Office Worker. Retrieved October 12, 2016, from
https://www.jniosh.go.jp/oldsite/old/niih/en/indu_hel/2005/pdf/43-2-11.pdf
OSH Answers Fact Sheets. (2016). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/iaq_intro.html
Reese, B. S. (2002). Health affects work, and work affects health. Retrieved September 29, 2016,
from http://managedhealthcareexecutive.modernmedicine.com/managed-healthcareexecutive/news/clinical/clinical-pharmacology/health-affects-work-and-work-affect
Sample informed consent form -NCPI (no date) Available at:
http://web.stanford.edu/group/ncpi/unspecified/student_assess_toolkit/pdf/sampleinforme
dconsent.pdf (Accessed: 13 October 2016).
Semi-structured Interviews. (2008). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from

26
http://www.qualres.org/HomeSemi-3629.html
Sick Building Syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/indoorair/sick.htm
Sick Building Syndrome: Is mould the cause? (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19255924?dopt=Abstract
Sick building syndrome - NHS Choices. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sick-building-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Sola, X. G. (n.d.). Chapter 44 - Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved October 25, 2016, from
http://www.ilocis.org/documents/chpt44e.htm
Stress and immigrant youth: Subjectivity, stress and resilience in the context of navigating
multiple worlds participant consent form-focus groups (no date) Available at:
http://photovoice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Focus-Group-Consent.pdf (Accessed:
13 October 2016).
Tidy, C., Dr. (n.d.). Sick Building Syndrome - SBS condition information page | Patient.
Retrieved September 29, 2016, from http://patient.info/doctor/sick-building-syndromepro
Ventilation. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
http://www.vidol.gov/data/page_images/29_183.pdf
Ventilation and Air Quality in Offices Fact Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from

27
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/ventilation_factsheet.pdf
What is a Definition Essay? Privatewriting. (n.d). Retrieved October 25, 2016, from
https://www.privatewriting.com/definition-essay
White, L., Clarkson, J., & Chang, S. (n.d.). Health effects from indoor air pollution: Case studies.
Retrieved September 29, 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3624534

APPENDICES

29
APPENDIX A
RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE
INTERVIEW AND FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. May I ask for you to state your full name and the current position you are in the company?
(Pwede ma ngutana sa imong kompleto nga ngalan? Unsa imong posisyon sa inyong
kumpaniya?)
2. How long have you worked in the company? (Pila naka ka tuig ka trabaho sa inyong
kumpaniya?)
3. What is the main purpose or responsibility of your job here in the company? (Unsa imong
trabaho sa inyong kumpaniya?)
4. Walk with me through your entire daily routine in your job here in the company. (Pwede
maka hibalo sa detalye sa imong ginahimu sa usa ka adlaw sa inyong kumpaniya?)
5. Does your job require you to go outside of the building or stay inside the building? (Sa
imong trabaho kinahanglan ba nga na a ka sa gawas or sa sulod sa building?) Why do
you think that you are supposed to stay or outside the building? (Ngano man?)
6. May I ask for you to describe your workplace (office)? (Kung na a ka sa sulod sa building,
pwede ma describe nimo inyong opisina?)
7. How many hours do you spend in your workplace (office)? (Pila ka oras ka nga naa ka
inyong opisina?)

30
8. What do you feel about the workplace (office)? (Na ka uyon baka sa inyong opisina?) Are
there things that you would want to change? (Kung wala unsa imong gusto ma usab?) If
so, what are those things? And What makes you say that? (Nganong naka ingon ka ani?)
9. Have you experience any challenges working in your own workplace? (Unsa imong nga
problema nga imong na atubang sa inyong opisina?) If so, may I ask for you to elaborate
them? (Ngano man?)
10. What is your understanding on sick building syndrome? (Unsa imong nasabtan sa sick
building syndrome)? indoor air quality? (Og indoor air quality?)
11. What is your opinion on the indoor air quality of your workplace? (Unsa man imong
masulti sa maayon nga hangin sa inyong opisina?)
12. Describe the air quality you experience in the workplace. (Unsa imong masulti sa kalidad
sa hangin sa inyong opisina?)
13. Have you experienced any of the following symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue,
dizziness, coughing and sneezing, sinus congestion, allergies and hypersensitivity,
irritation in the eyes, and shortness of breath when working in your workplace? (Nag ka
sakit ba ka og ubo, allergy, sakit sa mata, lisod pag ginhawa og uban pa sa inyong
opisina?)
14. Do you think that these symptoms could relate to your workplace? If so, what makes you
say that? (Maka ingon baka tungod kini sa kalidad sa hangin sa inyong opisina? Ngano
man?)

31
15. If there is one word to describe the entire experience working in this workplace (office),
what would it be? What makes you say that? (Sa usa ka pulong unsa imong masulti sa
imong pana braho sa inyong opisina? Ngano man?)

32
APPENDIX B

TRANSMITTAL LETTER
November 19, 2016

San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation

Cebu Glass Plant
Mandaue City
Cebu
Dear Sir/Madame:
We are Grade 11 students of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, tasked to make a research on
Sick Building Syndrome: A Case Study on Indoor Air Quality of the San Miguel Yamamura
Packaging Cebu Glass Plant.
In line with this, we would like to conduct an interview and a focus group discussion with some
of your employees working at your Finance Department and some of your Engineering staff. We
have already prepared the questions.
We would appreciate if you could give us around thirty (30) minutes to one (1) hour of their time
for this activity. Please inform us of an appropriate date and time to conduct this activity. You
may
contact
Sophia
Dianne
Bernardo
at
09328624663
or
email
at
sophia_bernardo@yahoo.com.ph.
Respectfully yours,

Sophia Dianne Bernardo

Algeo Andrew Olmilla

Gerard Mahinay

33
APPENDIX C

INFORMED CONSENT FORM

Consent for Participation in Interview Research & Focus Group Discussion

I volunteer to participate in a research project conducted by Algeo Andrew E. Olmilla from Sacred
Heart School Ateneo de Cebu. I understand that the purpose of the project is to gather
information about experiences of workers in San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation Cebu
Glass Plant and to increase awareness of Sick Building Syndrome, specifically on Indoor Air
Quality. I will be one of approximately 10 people being interviewed for this research.
1. My participation in this project is voluntary. I understand that I will not be paid for my
participation. I may withdraw and discontinue participation at any time without penalty. If I
decline to participate or withdraw from the study, only the researchers of this project will be made
aware. If I do withdraw from the study my data will only be used if I give permission for its use.
2. I understand that most interviewees will find the discussion interesting and thought-provoking.
If, however, I feel uncomfortable in any way during the interview session, I have the right to
decline to answer any question or to end the interview.
3. Participation involves being interviewed by researchers from Sacred Heart School Ateneo de
Cebu. The interview will last approximately 30-45 minutes. Notes will be written during the
interview. An audio tape of the interview and subsequent dialogue will be made. If I do not wish
to be taped, I have the right to refuse. I will also be in a focus group discussion involving other
interviewees. In this focus group, the research team will present the findings of the research so
far, to get my feedback.
4. I understand that there are risks involved in participation. It is possible that the respondents
being researched on will take drastic steps to identify and castigate me. Efforts will be made to
remove all identifying features from focus group transcripts before they undergo group analysis
so that my answers will not be identifiable. I understand that the researcher will not identify me
by name in any reports using information obtained from this interview, unless given the permission
to do so, and that my confidentiality as a participant in this study will remain secure.
5. I understand that this research study has been reviewed and approved by the Research teacher
of Grade 11 of Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu. I also understand that the results of this
study will be shared with others in the following ways: directly to the participants, exhibits and
presentations in the school, presentations at scholarly meetings, dissertation, and published
articles.

34
6. I have read and understood the explanation provided to me. I have had all my questions
answered to my satisfaction, and I voluntarily agree to participate in this study. I also understand
that the research group will provide snacks as compensation for my time.
7. I have been given a copy of this consent form.

______________________________________
My Printed Name & Signature
________________________
Signature of the Investigator
For further information, please contact:
Algeo Andrew E. Olmilla
Contact no:09274880473
Email address: algeo.olmilla13@gmail.com

________
Date

35
APPENDIX D
TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES (GANTT CHART)

36

37

38
APPENDIX E
PROPOSED BUDGET
In our research, we request a total amount of Php 1200 to undertake the study above. This
funds will go fund directly the lunch of the researchers on the day itself and for future
necessities if ever we are in dire need of money. Specifically, the researchers reserved Php 500
pesos for emergency purposes whenever there is a lack of materials for interviews and focal
group discussions. The other Php 700 will be divided equally among the three researchers for
lunch on the day of research itself and for extra materials needed in the data collection process.
There is no entrance fee to enter San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Cebu Glass Plant and no
payment required to interview the workers. With this amount of money, the researchers can
maximize their resources and materials in order for them to conduct a clean and thorough data
collection and research.
AMOUNT
EMERGENCY PURPOSES (Materials for

Php 500

Interviews, Printing)
PERSONAL NECESSITIES

Php 700 (each person equally gets Php 234)

(Transportation, Lunch Money, Extra

Materials)
TOTAL AMOUNT

Php 1200

39
APPENDIX F
DEFINITION ESSAY
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and
structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. (United States
Environmental Protection Agency, 2016) Indoor air quality in a building can be caused by certain
factors such as of causes quality of the outdoor air, the design of the ventilation and airconditioning system, the conditions in which this system operates and is serviced, the
compartmentalization of the building and the presence of indoor sources of contaminants and their
magnitude. (Sola, n.d)
If the indoor air quality of a certain building becomes bad, it becomes indoor air pollution
and as a result, it contributed badly to the health of the person working inside. According to Sola
(n.d), the changes in a persons health due to poor indoor air quality can show up as a wide array
of acute and chronic symptoms and in the form of a number of specific illnesses. From the
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (2016), symptoms that are often linked to
poor indoor air quality are (1) irritation of the eyes (2) headache (3) fatigue (4) shortness of breath
(5) hypersensitivity and allergies (6) sinus congestion (7) coughing and sneezing (8) dizziness (9)
nausea.
One of the main reasons of a poor indoor air quality an inadequate ventilation process in
the building. It is due to lack of maintenance; poor distribution and insufficient intake of fresh air
(50 to 52%); contamination generated indoors, including from office machines, tobacco smoke
and cleaning products (17 to 19%); contamination from the outside of the building due to

40
inadequate placement of air intake and exhaust vents (11%); microbiological contamination from
stagnant water in the ducts of the ventilation system, humidifiers and refrigeration towers (5%);
and formaldehyde and other organic compounds emitted by building and decoration materials (3
to 4%). Thus, ventilation is cited as an important contributory factor in the majority of cases. (Sola,
n.d.)
To know if a certain area has a proper indoor air quality, the main indicator is the number
of people having certain illness that are caused by poor indoor air quality. If it is considered as
proper or good, air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. If it
is considered as moderate or unhealthy for sensitive groups, the air quality is acceptable; however,
there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually
sensitive to air pollution. If it is considered as within unhealthy to hazardous, everyone may begin
to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health
effect. (AirNow, 2016)
References:
Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2016, from
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
Sola, X. G. (n.d.). Chapter 44 - Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved October 25, 2016, from
http://www.ilocis.org/documents/chpt44e.htm

41
CURRICULUM VITAE
ALGEO ANDREW E. OLMILLA
Address:
Contact No:
Email:

#803 Sa Vicente Village San Roque St.

Subangdaku, Mandaue City
09274880473
algeo.olmilla13@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Age: 16 years old
Date of Birth: Dec 13, 1999
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Cebu City
Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Height: 175 cm.
Weight: 95 kgs.
Fathers Name: Alan Olmilla
Mothers Name: Georgine Olmilla
Languages Spoken: English, Cebuano, and Tagalog
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated and Hardworking Student who excels in school and extra-curricular activities.
Committed in producing high quality projects and high grades without little supervision. Focused,
Determined and Organized in the classroom and not easily get distracted by any factor. Credible
and Reliable with Information and Very Skilled in interpretation and analysis of data
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2012-Present Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu
H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City
Secondary Education
Academic Gold Medalist 2015
Academic Silver Medalist 2014
Academic Gold Medalist 2013
Academic Gold Medalist 2012
Champion - CESAFI General Information Quiz Bowl 2016

42
Third Place CESAFI General Information Quiz Bowl 2015
Third Place University of San Carlos Renaissance Man History Quiz Bowl 2016
Fourth Place Population Commission POPCOM Quiz Bowl 2015
Distinction Awardee International Competitions & Assessment for Schools
(ICAS) Math 2015
Credit Awardee International Competitions & Assessment for Schools (ICAS)
Math 2014
Credit Awardee International Competitions & Assessment for Schools (ICAS)
Science 2015
Credit Awardee International Competitions &Assessment for Schools (ICAS)
Science 2014
Credit Awardee International Competitions & Assessment for Schools (ICAS)
English 2015
Credit Awardee Australian Math Competition 2015
Credit Awardee Australian Math Competition 2014
Credit Awardee Australian Math Competition 2013
2006-2012

Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu

H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City

Primary Education
Graduated Gold Medalist
Academic Gold Medalist 2006-2008
Academic Silver Medalist 2009 -2011
Magis Society Service Award
PAST RESEARCHES
2015 - The Academic Performance of Volleyball Varsity High School Student-Athletes
in the First Quarter (with Marianne Lim)
Leftover Rice as an Alternative Component for High Density Polyethylene
Plastic (with Megan Santiago and Herdreth Tan)
2014 - A.S. Fortuna: Roads to Riches (with Carla Legarde, Marianne Lim and Jude
Odi)
The Effectivity of an Alternative Mini Greenhouse Plant (with Carla Legarde
and Vimarie Ocon)
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Member of Blue Theatre Arts Guild (2013-present)
Member of Peer Facilitators Circle (2013-present)
Member of Mathletes (2012-present)
Member of Ignited Young Scientists (2012 -2016)

43
Literary Editor for school paper, SEEDS
Summer of Service Participant (Worked at White Gold Club; 2014)
Summer of Service Participant (Worked at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 2015)
Summer of Service Participant (Worked at The Dessert Factory; 2016)
Student Council Grade 7 Representative (2013)
Member of Grade School Magis Society Student Council (2012)
Awardee of Chinese Declamation Contests (2010; 2012)
HOBBIES
Acting
Cooking
Dance
Play Musical Instruments (Violin and Guitar)
Read Books

44
SOPHIA DIANNE K. BERNARDO
Address:
Contact No:
Email:

21 Paseo John, Ma. Luisa

Banilad, Cebu City
09328624663
sophia_bernardo@yahoo.com.ph

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Age: 15 years old
Date of Birth: Oct 6, 2000
Gender: Female
Birth Place: Cebu City
Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Height: 155 cm.
Weight: 57 kgs.
Fathers Name: Dennis Bernardo
Mothers Name: Susan Bernardo
Languages Spoken: English, Cebuano, Tagalog, Hokkien and Mandarin Chinese
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2012-Present Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu
H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City
Secondary Education
Academic Gold Medalist 2015
Academic Silver Medalist 2014
Academic Gold Medalist 2013
Academic Gold Medalist 2012
Bronze Medal, International Math Wizard Challenge, Bangkok, Thailand 2016
Bronze Medal -International Mathematics Wizard Challenge, HongKong 2015
International Competitions & Assessments for Schools (ICAS) Math-Credit
Award 2015
International Competitions & Assessment for Schools (ICAS) Math- Distinction
Award 2014
Australian Math Competition-Credit Award 2015
Australian Math Competition-Credit Award 2014
International Mathematics Assessment for Schools-Credit Award 2015
Silver Medal -National Parallel Challenge for Future Mathematicians Cluster,
Manila 2015
Confucius Model Student Award 2016

45
National Finalist, Search for Most Outstanding Filipino-Chinese Student 2016
DOST Youth Excellence in Science medal 2016
CESAFI Champion Gold Medalist Science Quiz Bowl 2016
CESAFI Sudoku competition- 1st runner up 2015
MTAP division finals-1st runner up 2016
MTAP Division finals -1st runner up 2015
MTG Young Mathematicians Intensive In-House Training Program, BoracayCert. of Merit 2015
Awarded as Mathdap Challenger, MTG Young Mathematicians Intensive In-House
Training Program, Manila Grand Opera Hotel April 5, 2016
2006-2012

Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu

H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City

Primary Education
Graduated Salutatorian
Consistent Academic Gold Medalist 2006-2012
Matteo Ricci Awardee
Social Studies Excellence Award
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Writer for school paper, SEEDS
Awardee of Chinese Declamation Contests
HOBBIES
Piano
Chess

46
GERARD ANTON L. MAHINAY
Address:
Contact No:
Email:

6-143 Hillside Homes, Pagsabungan,

Mandaue City, Cebu
09325342793 / 032 4221300
mahinaygerard@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Age: 15 years old
Date of Birth: January 8, 2000
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Cebu City
Weight: 52 kg
Height: 54
Status: Single
Father: Rodolfo A. Mahinay
Mother: Antonette L. Mahinay
Citizenship: Filipino
Languages Spoken: English, Cebuano, Tagalog
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2012-Present Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu
H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City
Secondary Education
Third Honor- Grade 10 (3rd to 4th Quarter)
2006-2012

Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu

H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Member of the Ateneo Blue Dance Troupe
Member of the Ateneo Blue Theatre Arts Guild
First Year Declamation Contest 1st Runner Up
Grade 5 to Grade 6 Declamation Contest Champion
2010 2011 Grade School Student Council Vice President
Member of the Grade School Student Council (Grade 4 to Grade 6)
Member of SEEDS 2011-2012
HOBBIES
Dance
Choreography
Acting