The only way to eliminate the problem of SBS once and for all is to ensure that a building's air is properly filtered and circulated
RIVERDALE, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / October 22, 2016 / The term sick building syndrome, sometimes referred to as SBS, is used to describe situations in which a building's occupants experience acute negative health and comfort effects that appear to be associated with time spent in the building, but there is no specific identifiable cause or illness that can be found. In some cases, complaints may be associated with certain rooms or zones within the building, in others, they may be spread throughout the entire building. A key part of the definition of SBS is that the symptoms disappear once the individual has left the building.
The condition is often temporary, but some buildings have exhibited long term problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings around the world receive higher than normal complaints related to their indoor air quality. SBS problems are frequently the results of buildings that are operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with their original design or recommended operating procedures. Problems with the indoor air quality can also be the result of poor building design or activities carried out by building occupants.
Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms of SBS can vary quite a bit. Some of the most common complaints include headache, eye, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness and nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors.
Causes of Sick Building Syndrome
Although it is difficult to identify any singular cause of SBS, in most cases the phenomenon is associated with poor indoor air quality. Overall, it stems from inadequate ventilation within an area, or an entire building, that ultimately causes a buildup of contaminants and toxins in the air.
Indoor chemical sources - Particles, gases and chemicals are released within the environment from things like furniture upholstery, carpets, manufactured wood products, cleaning products, pesticides, copiers and printers, and many types of office supplies such as permanent markers and glues.
Outdoor chemical sources - Pollutants can be pulled into a building through open doors, attached garages or parking structures, loading docks, and even poorly located intake vents. When there is not sufficient ventilation, they become trapped and build up over time. Common outdoor contaminants found in buildings include chemicals from vehicle exhaust, cooking exhaust from internal or external kitchens, pesticides and chemicals released from materials at nearby construction or demolition sites.