There has been a long-standing tradition of experimentation on laboratory animals and the behavioral effects of airborne pollutants. These studies provide a scientific basis for investigating many of the pressing issues on indoor-air pollution. Several different procedures are reviewed, along with representative data taken from the literature. Models are already available for quantitatively assessing the noxious properties of airborne chemicals. A number of physiological responses pertinent to the sick building syndrome have been shown to be produced by conditioning in laboratory animals. The possibility is suggested that similar conditioning may take place in affected humans.