Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a medical condition in which occupants of a building experience symptoms that seem to correlate with their time in the building. It is diagnosed when the SBS symptoms disappear after the individual that is affected leaves the building. SBS is associated with poor indoor air quality.

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

The complaints often include:

• Headache.
• Runny nose.
• Stomach upset.
• Scratchy throat.
• Fatigue.
• Lethargy.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Skin irritation.
• Watery eyes.

When the occupants are not in the building, the symptoms dissipate. Upon investigation, no specific illness can be identified, and a specific cause cannot be identified. Often the complaints are associated with a particular area of the building.

Effect of Sick Building Syndrome on Organizations

Organizations that have suffered from sick building syndrome have experienced:

• Increased absenteeism.
• Decreased employee morale.
• Reduced work efficiency.

Causes of Sick Building Syndrome

• Exposure to formaldehyde, acetic acid, volatile organic compound (VOC), other chemicals from interior items such as paints, furniture, carpet fibre.
• Exposure to volatile organic compound from adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products, pesticides, cleaning agents.
• Exposure to combustion byproducts.
• Exposure to synthetic fragrances in personal care products or in cleaning and maintenance products.
• Inadequate ventilation.

Prevention of sick building syndrome

• Ensure there is adequate ventilation.
• Clean up wet areas.
• Use of building materials that emit less volatile organic compound.
• Use interior furnishings made from natural materials.

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

References

1. ProFM Credential Program: Risk Management.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796751/#:~:text=Building%2C%20sick%2C%20syndrome-,INTRODUCTION,or%20cause%20can%20be%20identified. Accessed September 24, 2020