Sick Building Syndrome Explained

By P Hunter

Sick building syndrome is a a phenomenon where people in particular work environments have a range of non-specific, building-related symptoms. A report by the World Health Organisation determined that as much as 30 per cent of new and remodelled buildings around the world could cause sick building syndrome symptoms, with women apparently more susceptible to the affects.

Sick Building Syndrome symptoms?

Building occupants complain of symptoms such as:

– headaches and dizziness

– nausea (feeling sick)

– shortness of breath

– sensitivity to odours

– eye, nose and throat irritation

– skin irritation (skin rashes, dry itchy skin)

– aches and pains

– fatigue (extreme tiredness)

– loss of concentration

The symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome can appear on their own or combined with each other. Several sick occupants may report individual symptoms which do not appear to be connected, but they usually improve after leaving the building.

With particularly sensitive individuals, there can be long-term health effects. Women appear to be more likely to develop the symptoms than men. However, this may be due to more women being employed in offices rather than a higher susceptibility.

What types of buildings get Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome seems to be associated with certain types of buildings. Most cases occur in open-plan offices, although people sometimes develop the symptoms while in other buildings that are occupied by lots of people, such as schools, libraries and museums.

What causes Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome appears more likely to occur in buildings with old or poorly installed air-conditioning and ventilation systems that circulate air around the building. However, even modern buildings that are remodelled are also prone to this condition. Particularly where original air flows have be disturbed by erection of partitions and offices.

Since the 1970s, researchers have tried to identify what causes Sick Building Syndrome. As yet, no single cause has been identified. However, many specialist accept that Sick Building Syndrome is likely be the result of a number of different factors. Possible causes for Sick Building Syndrome may include:

-Poor ventilation with an insufficient volume of air change

-low humidity

-high temperatures or constant changes in temperature throughout the day

-airborne pollutants, such as dust, carpet fibres or fungal spores. Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are other types of biological contaminants

-poor standards of cleanliness in the working environment

– poor lighting that causes glare or flicker on visual display units (VDUs)

-working with display screen equipment for prolonged periods of time

– psychological factors, such as stress or poor staff morale

Advice for building managers

NHS Direct and other health sources make the following recommendations to mitigate against Sick Building Syndrome:

– Carry out an employee survey to find out whether symptoms are occurring more often than expected. It may also help to identify any obvious causes that can easily be fixed, such as adjusting the office temperature.

– Check the operation of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. In particular, the system that supplies fresh air should be checked. Increase the number of air exchanges per hour. Office building should have 6-10 air changes per hour, but this increases for buildings or rooms that prepare or serve food or where larger numbers of people congregate.

– Check the condition and cleanliness of air filters, humidifiers, de-humidifiers and cooling towers.

– Check heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system maintenance schedules. Ensure that they are being followed properly and recorded in you air conditioning asset log.

– Check the general cleanliness of the building, including checking that the vacuum cleaners are working properly, that they are regularly emptied and their filters are clean. Use HEPA filter vacuum cleaners that provide greater filtration of smaller particals.

– Roof shingle cleaning to remove algae and mold. Replacement of water-stained ceiling tiles and carpeting.

– Use paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides in well-ventilated areas, and use of these pollutant sources during periods of non-occupancy.

About the Author: Peter Hunter is a director at

Air Intelligence ltd

who are specialists in air conditioning and ventilation systems. They design and install

air conditioning systems in the berkshire area

of Great Britain. See for details.

Source:

isnare.com

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