Sick Building Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Can a building make you sick? It may be hard to believe, but it happens all the time.
People fall ill over the years, only to see a complete reversal in symptoms when they move to a new property. Employees start working from home and experience none of the daily headaches and coughing fits they deal with in the office.
Sound familiar? If you've noticed headaches, nausea, or poor concentration in your home or office, only to have those symptoms clear up when you leave, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) might be the culprit.
What is Sick Building Syndrome?
According to the EPA, Sick Building Syndrome describes a condition where occupants experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue or respiratory problems that appear to be linked to time spent in a specific room or building.
It is challenging to diagnose SBS, as symptoms vary on a case-by-case basis. Here’s what to look for:
Healthy tenants experience one or more symptoms: headaches, throat irritation, eye irritation, difficulty maintaining focus, nosebleeds, muscle pain, dry coughs and more.
They feel relief shortly after leaving the building.
No other causes for the symptoms can be identified.
What causes SBS?
Like its symptoms, Sick Building Syndrome's causes vary greatly from one case to another. The EPA groups the most common causes of SBS into three categories—chemical contamination, biological contamination, and poor air quality.
CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION
From car exhaust wafting from the garage to cleaning product fumes, chemical contaminants often contribute to respiratory problems and irritations.
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION
Viruses, mould, pollen—these contaminants tend to develop and thrive in areas that collect water, such as carpeting or insulation.
AIR QUALITY
Inadequate ventilation and poor circulation can lead to the accumulation of pollutants such as bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
What steps can we take to create healthier buildings?
Whether you’re planning a new build or tackling an existing space, there are several ways to eliminate the effects of SBS:
DURING CONSTRUCTION
● Store all adhesives, paints, and pesticides in well-ventilated zones
● Give building materials plenty of time to off-gas pollutants
● Audit every room to ensure adequate ventilation
IN OCCUPIED BUILDINGS
● Schedule routine maintenance and inspections
● Regularly test for contaminants like mould, asbestos, and radon gas
● Use VOC-free cleaning products to disinfect the space
With commercial and residential construction increasing, it's more important than ever to design spaces with intention. By prioritising environmental-friendly practices and standards during the planning and building phases, we can reduce the cases of Sick Building Syndrome and improve community health.