Sick building syndrome is not a well understood indoor building-related sickness. Occupants of affected building complain of various symptoms whose cause is difficult to tell. It has been observed that improving the indoor air quality by increasing the rate of fresh air exchange with the outside air, minimizing use of toxic cleaning compounds, and getting rid of conditions that support mold growth eliminates or reduces sick building syndrome symptoms.

Treatment for Sick Building Syndrome

The following strategies can eliminate or reduce symptoms of sick building syndrome:

• Getting rid of biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, mold, algae, and insects.
• Eliminating dampness.
• Using adhesives, paints, pesticides, chemicals and solvents in well-ventilated areas
• Raise the number of air exchanges
• Suitable and periodic maintenance of ventilation, humidity and air condition systems
• Regularly cleaning or replacing filters; restrictions on smoking; getting rid of the pollutant source emissions to the out side; use of pollutant sources when the area is not occupied, and giving enough time for the materials in new or re-modeled areas to off-gas noxious substances before the building is re-occupied.
• Enhancing ventilation rates and distribution of air is a commercial way of decreasing indoor contaminant levels.
• Communicating and educating the building occupants are very important aspects in remedial as well as precautionary air quality management agendas. When the occupants of the building, the management, and the maintenance staff understand the cause and brutal consequences of the problems, they can effectively work together to put a stop to the problems and will be able to successfully solve them.

Prognosis for Sick Building Syndrome

Prognosis for sick building syndrome is good to moderate. Simple treatment and self care measures help manage the symptoms of sick building syndrome effectively. Also, following a good diet and exercise routine helps fight off the manifestations of SBS better. However, those who are extremely sensitive may be left with lasting effects and the outcome in such cases is fairly poor.

The term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) describes a wide range of disease symptoms experienced by building occupants. These symptoms appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The causes of Sick Building Syndrome can be ascribed to insufficient ventilation, chemical contaminants, along with biological pollutants. Biological pollutants such as bacteria, pollen, molds, and viruses cause symptoms of SBS.

There is also a gender disparity in reporting rates of sick building syndrome, given that, women report more symptoms than men. Women have a more reactive immune mechanism and are more susceptible to mucosal dryness. What’s more, women are more exposed to indoor environmental factors, since they have a desk bound job, while men may often have jobs outside of offices.

What Are The Causes of Sick Building Syndrome?

The precise causes and etiological factors of sick building syndrome remain unknown; however, the following are significant contributing factors for the condition:

• Faulty ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems.
• Pollutants released by out-gassing certain building materials, molds and volatile organic materials.
• Inadequate expulsion and ventilation of ozone, light industrial solvents, or an insufficiency of fresh-air intake and air filtration.
• Inadequate temperature and humidity
• Poor lighting
• Chemical pollutants and toxins from out-of-doors sources like: exhausts and fumes from vehicles, plumbing vents, and exhausts from the building, like, bathrooms and kitchens; indoor sources like: copy machines, adhesives, chemicals, cleaning solvents, carpeting, upholstery and etc.
• Tobacco smoke and burning products from fireplaces, stoves and unvented space heaters are also important sources of chemical pollutants.
• Bacteria, pollen, viruses, fungus, and molds are significant biological contaminants. These biological pollutants tend to breed and proliferate in pooled water that may have built up in drain pans, humidifiers, or where water has accumulated on carpets, ceiling tiles, and insulation.

ABOUT SICK BUILDING SYNDROME…

Symptoms of sick building syndrome (SBS) are complex. The syndrome is associated with indoor environment either at one’s place of work or residence. The sick building syndrome has been found to occur in about 30 % of new and remodeled buildings. Poor indoor air quality is the main contributor to the symptoms of sick building syndrome.

Often, the cause of sick building syndrome is difficult to identify though the occupant of a building will complain of acute health effects that seem to be related to the time they spend in the building. The problem may be restricted to one specific area or room, or could be prevalent throughout the whole building. It has been observed that symptoms of sick building syndrome usually occur when the building is maintained in a way that is not consistent with its original design or approved operating procedures, or when resident activities generate a problem.

Causes of Sick Building Syndrome

The actual cause of SBS is not known. However, the following are believed to play a role in development of sick building syndrome.

• Malfunctioning heating, ventilation and and air conditioning system.
• Dampness.
• Toxins from off-gassing building materials and volatile organic materials.
• Poor ventilation
• Toxins and noxious wastes from outside sources such as: vehicle fumes and exhausts, plumbing vents, and inside sources such as: carpeting, upholstery, cleaning agents and pesticides.
• Biological contaminants such bacteria, pollen, viruses and molds.

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

People suffering from sick building syndrome often complain of the following symptoms:

• irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
• dry or itchy skin, skin sensitivity
• giddiness
• dry, irritating cough
• nausea
• overtiredness and lethargy
• sensitivity to odors

Most of the times, the symptoms of sick building syndrome disappear once the affected person leaves the building. Then again, in sensitive individuals, the symptoms may be persistent and the pollutant could leave permanent effects.