Please note that this is a scanned copy of a paper originally published in 1994, so the text is not as clear as in documents created as pdf files. There is growing evidence that indoor surface pollution (ISP) is one of the causes of sick building syndrome. ISP includes contaminants such as dust, fibres and micro-organisms, which are deposited on building surfaces and in office furnishings. This paper addresses the relative importance for sick building syndrome of ISP and airborne pollution, and recommends ways to reduce ISP in offices. It will be of interest to researchers, building managers and occupational hygienists. 4 pages.