SICK BUILDING

SYNDROME
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Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a
medical condition where people in a
building suffer from symptoms of
illness or feel unwell for no apparent
reason
Sick building causes are frequently
pinned down to flaws in the heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems.

The symptoms tend to increase

in severity with the time people
spend in the building, and
improve over time or even
disappear when people are
away from the building.
Common chemical contaminants inside
the building are found in
Paint
Adhesives
Carpeting
cleaning agents
furniture
These chemicals can emit volatile
organic compounds (VOCs).

Common chemical contaminants

from outside of the building can
include exhaust from motor
vehicles and other industrial
plants in the area
 Signs and symptoms occupants complain of symptoms such as:
1. sensory irritation of the eyes, nose, or
Human exposure to bioaerosols has
throat
been documented to give rise to a
2.neurotoxic or general health problems
variety of adverse health effects
3.skin irritation
4.nonspecific hypersensitivity reactions
5.infectious diseases
6.odor and taste sensations Exposure to poor
7.lighting conditions has led to general
malaise.
One reason why SBS is not
discussed as frequently these
days may be that a more
specific term has emerged to
describe a similar problem.
Building related illness (BRI) is
now used to describe specific
symptoms that can be
attributed to a known
contaminant or irritant within
the building
Cause
1. inadequate ventilation,
2. deteriorating duct liners,
3. chemical contaminants from indoor or
outdoor sources,
biological contaminants,
air recycled using fan coils,
traffic noise,
poor lighting,
buildings located in a polluted urban
area.
Prevention

Toxin-absorbing plants

Replacement of water-stained ceiling tiles and carpeting.

Increasing the number of air exchanges

Proper and frequent maintenance of HVAC systems

Installation of HVAC Air Cleaning systems or devices to

remove VOC's, bioeffluents (people odors) from HVAC
systems conditioned air.

Only using paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides

in well-ventilated areas or only using these pollutant
sources during periods of non-occupancy.
 Place bedding in sunshine

Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter

vacuum cleaner to collect and retain 99.97%
of particles down

Increased ventilation rates that are above the

minimum guidelines.

Lighting in the workplace should be designed to

give individuals control, and be natural when
possible.

Relocate office printers outside the air

conditioning boundary