Sick Building Syndrome: Understanding Indoor Air Quality and Building Comfort

Sick Building Syndrome: Understanding Indoor Air Quality and Building Comfort

Most of us spend a significant amount of time indoors—at home, at work, in schools and in other buildings. That makes the quality and comfort of indoor environments an important consideration.

The term Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is used to describe situations in which people experience health or comfort symptoms that appear to be associated with time spent in a particular building, but no specific illness or single cause can be identified. Symptoms often improve after leaving the building.

What Are Common Symptoms Associated With Sick Building Syndrome?

People experiencing building-related discomfort may report symptoms such as:

• Headache or dizziness
• Fatigue
• Eye, nose or throat irritation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nasal congestion
• Sensitivity to odors
• General discomfort while inside the building

These symptoms are nonspecific and can have many possible causes. Experiencing them does not necessarily mean that a building has an indoor air quality problem.

What Can Contribute to Indoor Air Quality Problems?

There isn't necessarily one cause behind building-related complaints. Indoor environmental conditions can be influenced by several factors.

Ventilation

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems play an important role in introducing and distributing outdoor air and managing indoor conditions. Poorly designed, operated or maintained ventilation systems can contribute to indoor air quality concerns.

Indoor Pollutant Sources

Indoor environments may contain pollutants originating from building materials, furnishings, maintenance activities, cleaning products, combustion sources and other activities occurring inside or around a building.

Moisture and Dampness

Water leaks, excessive moisture and damp building materials can create conditions favorable to mold and other biological contaminants. Addressing moisture problems promptly is an important part of building maintenance.

Building Conditions

Temperature, humidity, lighting, noise and other environmental conditions can also affect occupant comfort. EPA notes that factors such as thermal discomfort, noise and psychological stress may produce or contribute to symptoms sometimes associated with poor indoor air quality.

Ways to Support a Better Indoor Environment

1. Maintain HVAC Systems

Follow appropriate maintenance schedules for heating, cooling and ventilation equipment. Filters, coils, drain pans and other components should be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations.

2. Address Moisture Problems

Repair leaks and investigate persistent dampness or visible mold rather than simply covering up the problem.

3. Maintain Appropriate Ventilation

Building owners and facility managers should make sure ventilation systems are operating as designed and supplying appropriate outdoor air.

4. Keep Buildings Clean and Well Maintained

Routine cleaning can help control dust, dirt, residues and other buildup. When selecting cleaning and maintenance products, consider their intended application, ingredients and directions for use.

Culleoka offers natural-based cleaning and facility maintenance solutions for homes, businesses, schools and other facilities.

[Explore Culleoka Natural-Based Solutions]

5. Investigate Recurring Complaints

When multiple occupants experience symptoms associated with a particular building or area, building owners or facility managers may need to investigate ventilation, moisture, pollutant sources and other environmental conditions. Persistent health concerns should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional. EPA recommends investigation of the building and particularly the design and operation of its HVAC systems when SBS is suspected.

Sick Building Syndrome vs. Building-Related Illness

There is an important distinction.

With Sick Building Syndrome, symptoms appear associated with time spent in a building, but a specific illness or cause has not been identified.

A building-related illness, by contrast, involves a diagnosable illness that can be attributed to a particular building contaminant or exposure.

Creating Healthier Indoor Spaces

Indoor environmental quality involves more than any single product. Ventilation, moisture management, HVAC maintenance, building materials, cleaning practices and ongoing facility maintenance can all play a role.

At Culleoka Company, our goal is to provide practical, natural-based solutions that can become part of a thoughtful approach to maintaining the places where people live, work, learn and gather.

Less Toxins. More Life.

God Bless,

Sonny Hobbs
Owner, Principal