Sick Building Syndrome is a relatively new health condition that is potentially caused by various indoor environmental dynamics. Inside an office building or commercial building, Sick Building Syndrome can be triggered by poor indoor air quality and even poor air circulation. And while causes aren’t always clear and understandable, suffice to say that many people suffer from SBS.
Today, more and more building owners are focused on sick building syndrome prevention, both for workers in the building and visitors or customers. The problem with SBS is that diagnosing can be difficult – there symptoms are wide-ranging and oftentimes the symptoms mimic other health conditions. If Sick Building Syndrome is suspected, this is reason enough to take action.
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME IS UNIQUE AMONGST ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESSES
When the symptoms of SBS emerge, it’s incumbent on building managers to undertake sick building syndrome prevention, and to address the source and extent of the problem. With SBS, building occupants and visitors experience acute health symptoms when inside a building. While no specific illness can be diagnosed, the symptoms tend to dissipate when leaving the building.
In some cases, individual complaints might be localized in a specific portion of a building. In other cases, occupants may be affected throughout the entirety of a building. In every case, symptoms that arise can be both bothersome and worrisome. With SBS, occupants and visitors will complain about a variety of symptoms and/or discomfort including:
Chemical Contamination
Chemical contamination can arise from such pollutants as vehicle exhaust, plumbing vents, and building exhaust. In more serious situations, chemical contaminants may even include radon and asbestos – both of which circulate because of poor building ventilation. There are also situations where Volatile Organic Compounds are in the air (adhesives, pesticides, and cleaning agents).
Biological Contaminants
Biological contaminants can prevail inside a building – everything from pollen, to fungus, to mold. In many cases, these contaminants breed in moist environments like humidifiers, heating ducts, and drainpipes. Insect contamination and bird droppings can also create biological debris that is unhealthy. Unfortunately, heating and air-conditioning systems can circulate the contamination.
Inadequate Ventilation
Today, with so many commercial buildings being airtight, air ventilation seems to have suffered. Inadequate ventilation can compromise the health and comfort of both occupants and visitors. And with heating and air conditioning going all year round, poor air ventilation can contribute to stagnant indoor air and the preponderance of airborne pollutants, contaminants, and chemicals.