USDOE Human Subjects Research Database, fiscal year 1995

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Project Identifier: LBNL-95-109-H01

Project Title:

Healthy Buildings Intervention Research

Principle Investigator: Dr. William Fisk

Project started in: 1995

Fiscal Year 1995 Funding for Research on Human Subjects:

Project Funding Information:
Project did not receive funding in Fiscal Year 1995.
Project did not use human subjects in Fiscal Year 1995.

Explanation:

Study approved by IRB 9/95. Already funded by National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, but no subjects studied in FY 95 and no funds used for human subjects research.

Information on Use of Human Subjects:

Project does not involve use of multiple protocols/subprojects.

IRB Review:
Type of Review: Full Board
Most Recent Approval: September 26, 1995
IRB Approval Number: 95-9-73

Number of Human Subjects in the Last Reporting Period for this Project: 0
(Reporting periods vary.)

Type of Human Subjects Involvement:

Environmental/Human Habitat Studies:

Use of human subjects for environmental studies (e.g., weatherization, energy-efficiency, lighting studies).

(a. Objectives, b. Methodology, c. Ionizing Radiation, Radioactive Substances, or Chemical Substances to which human subjects are exposed, d. Involvement of Human Subjects [d.1. procedures used, d.2. risks if any])

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of human environment changes on the occupants of office buildings. This research will lead to improved knowledge about the causes of office workers' acute symptoms of ill health and the effectiveness of various procedures in reducing symptoms.

METHODOLOGY

Building occupants will receive a short information sheet on the project and will be asked to complete questionnaires once or twice per two weeks. Over the course of six to twelve weeks, modifications will be made in the environment of a particular group of workers, e.g. increase/decrease of ambient temperature, increased rates of outside air ventilation, upgrading air filters, etc. The questionnaires will inquire as to perceived qualitative differences in the work environment.

IONIZING RADIATION, RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES, OR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES

None.

INVOLVEMENT OF AND RISKS TO HUMAN SUBJECTS

There is no reason to believe that any of these interventions will adversely affect the subjects physically or psychologically.