OSAKA -- The number of housewives and children suffering from sick building syndrome is on the rise, according to the results of a recent nationwide survey.

The survey, conducted by an Osaka housing renovation firm, was released Tuesday.

Sick building syndrome, in this case houses, is caused by chemical substances used in building materials. Ailments associated with the syndrome include atopic allergies such as dermatitis -- a skin disorder characterized by inflammation, itching and scaling -- along with asthma, headaches, nausea and fits of coughing.

According to the survey, which was conducted by the Kansai branch of Tokyu Amenix Corp. based in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, sore eyes topped the list of complaints, followed by headaches and distress caused by foul odors emanating from chemical substances.

Some 5,600 responses to the survey were collected by the company between August and September. The results of the survey focus on 1,200 respondents representing several age brackets.

By age group, many housewives in their 20s and 30s said their children suffered from atopic allergies, while for those in their 60s, respiratory illnesses such as coughing and asthma constituted a major concern.

Twelve housewives said they had to move out of their homes because the problem became so bad.

Many of the respondents cited adequate ventilation as one way to combat the syndrome, while others said they placed wood charcoal or used tea leaves, both of which are believed to absorb chemical substances and odors, around their homes.

Those in their 40s and 50s said they carefully selected building materials, paint and coating compounds when they were purchasing their houses.