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 Air
it Out: Sick Building Syndrome
Sick Building Syndrome refers to a group of
symptoms that affect several workers in a particular
building. It is not caused by a specific or identifiable
illness. No one is immune – from the cleaning
staff to the CEO. Indicators of Sick Building
Syndrome include:
- Groups in the same building complain of symptoms
associated with acute discomfort such as headache,
eye, nose, throat irritation, dry cough, dry
or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea, difficulty
with concentrating, fatigue and sensitivity
to odors
- Cause of the symptoms is not known
- Most of the symptoms disappear once persons
affected leave the building
Often Sick Building Syndrome occurs because of
poor ventilation. Newly built structures are tightly
sealed and the ventilation systems are designed
so that they re-circulate a large portion of inside
air in an effort to save on rising energy costs.
If the system is not carefully designed or maintained,
fresh air may not reach building occupants. Both
new and old buildings have ventilation systems
that are designed with a component of re-circulated
air being inhaled by those who work there. The
problem is made worse by other pollutants from
furnishings, HVAC systems, modern office equipment
and supplies, humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
The US Department of Energy has noted that improving
buildings and indoor environments could reduce
healthcare costs, sick leave, and increase worker
performance resulting in an estimated productivity
gain of $30 billion to $150 billion annually.
There are no known permanent complications from
Sick Building Syndrome. Good ventilation is the
key to keeping toxic materials out of the air.
Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome include the
following:
- Pollutant source removal or modification
- Increasing ventilation rates and air distribution
- Air cleaning
- Education and communication
If you are interested in learning more about
Sick Building Syndrome, please contact us for
an in-office seminar. Other expert consulting
services that we can provide include:
- Screen case for merit
- Research on Sick Building Syndrome
- Medical Chart Review
- Identification and Location of Expert Witness
References:
Sick Building Syndrome. Retrieved July
2006 from http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec/25/ch306/ch306e.html
Indoor Air Facts No.4 (revised): Sick Building
Syndrome (SBS). Retrieved July 2006 from
http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/epaprintonly.cgi
Lung Disease at a Glance: Occupational Lung
Disease. Retrieved July 2006 American Lung
Association Site.
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.aspx?c=dvLUK900E&b=327043
For more information on this issue please
see Contact Us
and see how our services can work for you.
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