What is Sick Building Syndrome?

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

What You Need to Know About Sick Building Syndrome

If you’ve ever felt unwell or uncomfortable in a particular building, you might be experiencing what’s known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). But what exactly is SBS, and how does it differ from Building-Related Illness (BRI)?

What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Sick Building Syndrome describes situations where occupants experience acute health effects linked to being in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be pinpointed. Symptoms might include headaches, throat irritation, dry cough, dizziness, and fatigue. Interestingly, these symptoms often improve once the person leaves the building. 

What is Building-Related Illness (BRI)?

In contrast, Building-Related Illness involves symptoms that can be diagnosed and directly traced to airborne contaminants in a building. Symptoms might include persistent cough, chest tightness, fever, and muscle aches, and these issues often require more extended recovery time.

How Sick Building Syndrome Impacts Health

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is critical to maintaining a healthy environment, yet many buildings suffer from issues that can compromise occupants’ health. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a range of health and comfort issues experienced by individuals in a building, with no specific illness or cause identified. Here’s a closer look at how SBS affects health and how Integrity Environmental Testing can help.

Indicators of SBS include:

  • Acute Discomfort: Symptoms such as headaches, eye, nose, or throat irritation, dry cough, skin irritation, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors.
  • Persistent Symptoms: When symptoms like cough, chest tightness, fever, and muscle aches are clinically defined and last longer, SBS may be the underlying issue.
  • Respiratory Issues: Increased symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions due to poor air quality.
  • Fatigue and Discomfort: Chronic fatigue, headaches, and discomfort are common complaints that can affect overall well-being.
  • Relief Outside the Building: Symptoms often improve or disappear once the person leaves the building.
  • Long-Term Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality can exacerbate existing health conditions and potentially lead to more serious health issues.

Common Contributors of Sick Building Syndrome

Understanding the causes of SBS is crucial for addressing the problem effectively. Here are some common contributors:

  • Inadequate Ventilation: Poor ventilation can trap pollutants indoors, especially when HVAC systems are not properly maintained or if ventilation rates are insufficient. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a minimum of 15 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air per person.
  • Chemical Contaminants: Indoor sources like adhesives, carpets, upholstery, and cleaning agents release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from stoves and heaters also contribute to indoor air pollution.
  • Biological Contaminants: Mold, bacteria, pollen, and viruses can proliferate in damp environments, affecting respiratory health and causing allergic reactions. These contaminants can breed in areas with accumulated water or insufficient cleaning.
  • Outdoor Pollutants: Pollutants from vehicle exhaust, plumbing vents, and nearby garages can infiltrate buildings through poorly located air intake vents or windows.

Let’s Talk Solutions

Sick Building Syndrome can have significant impacts on health, ranging from minor discomfort to serious health issues. Understanding the causes and taking proactive measures is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. If you suspect your building may be affected by SBS, Integrity Environmental Testing is here to help. Our comprehensive testing services and expert analysis will ensure that you have the information needed to address both biological and chemical contamination effectively.

Test First

  • Air Quality Testing: Biological testing and chemical VOCs testing may reveal the nature of the contamination and give you a legitimate path forward.
    • Whole Building Air Quality Testing: We conduct thorough testing of your entire property to detect airborne particles. Instant detection of contaminants like viruses, mold and bacteria, ensures a complete picture of your indoor air quality and gives you instant actionable knowledge.
    • Surface Testing: Surface testing technology helps identify contamination levels on surfaces throughout the building. This is particularly useful for pollutants that may not be captured through air sampling alone.
    • VOC Testing: While standard testing cannot pinpoint exactly what is giving off VOCs, we assess the levels and potential for danger of volatile organic compounds in your indoor environment.

Reduce Contamination

  • Removing or Modifying Pollutant Sources: Maintain HVAC systems, replace damaged materials, and use low-emission products.
  • Increasing Ventilation: Ensure HVAC systems meet or exceed current standards.
  • Air Cleaning: Use high-performance air scrubbers and filters to remove small particles, though this has limitations.
  • Education and Communication: Involve all building occupants in understanding and addressing IAQ issues.

Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art equipment and testing methods to deliver accurate, real-time results, enabling you to take immediate action to protect your health and improve your indoor environment. Contact us today to schedule your indoor air quality assessment and take the first step toward a healthier, safer environment.

Citations: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/sick_building_factsheet.pdf