Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Do you know if you are living or working in a sick building? Just as humans get sick, buildings are able to get sick also. This phenomena is know as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a term ‘used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in the building’ (n.p.).

What makes a sick building a sick building? Derived from the EPA, the following main causes of SBS are:

-          Inadequate Ventilation – It is important to note that many older buildings DO NOT have a means by which fresh air can be supplied to the indoors once windows and doors are closed, allowing for the buildup of toxic gases and high levels of Carbon Dioxide. In buildings with a central ventilation system, fresh air is brought in and pumped throughout the building, while simultaneously exhausting built up pollutants. An Air Exchange Rate (ACH) suitable for the indoor environment needs to be calculated and applied. E.g. 3-6 ACH for offices. That does not mean that ALL HVAC systems function seamlessly, ensuring that individuals who occupy the building receive an adequate amount of fresh air per person (15 CFM per person according to the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

-          Chemical Contaminants from both outside and inside – Many cleaning agents, perfumes, sanitzers, diffusers, etc. utilized indoors, release gases known as volatile organic compounds that can impact health. Alongside those chemicals, building components are known to off-gas. Outside chemical pollutants come from the infiltration of  VOCs from vehicle exhaust and commercial activity (including refuelling of gas service stations, and manufacturing activities).

-          Biological Contaminants – Mould is the most commonly known biological contaminant. It is very easy to assume that the mould remains on/behind the walls, in vents or ceilings, hence, unable to affect occupant health. Mould growth impacts human health through spores, microbial volatile organic compounds and mycotoxins. Other biological contaminants known are viruses, bacteria e.g. Legionella and pollen.

Known symptoms associated with SBS as outlined by the EPA are:

-          Headaches

-          Eye, nose and throat irritation

-          Dry cough

-          Dry or itchy skin

-          Dizziness

-          Nausea

-          Difficulty concentrating

-          Fatigue

-          And I will add, having worked in this field for so long, shortness of breath and chest pains.

When the buildings we occupy get sick, susceptible individuals like the immunocompromised, those who suffer from allergies, sinuses or asthma and the elderly and young children are most quickly impacted. This does not mean that the strong and capable are not prone to being impacted by poor indoor air quality!Indoor air pollutants (eg. Mycotoxins produced during mould growth) are known to deteriorate health and immunity over time. Because the impacts of SBS are little known, there is a tendency to attribute the associated symptoms to outside pollutants or individual health issues, as opposed to exploring a linkage to the indoor environment.

The biggest indicator that you occupy a sick building is feeling better when you are away from the impacted space(s).

If you suspect that you occupy a sick building, contact a professional to effectively diagnose the issue as identifying the pollutants, sources and pathways will help create a targeted, data-driven remedial approach for correction. Do not hesitate to take action to get the issues resolved.  Humans do not medicate without getting a diagnosis. The same approach should be taken with our indoor air quality. Get an indoor air quality assessment today!

Reference:

US EPA. Indoor Air Facts No, 4 (Revised): Sick Building Syndrome. Research and Development (MD-56), February 1991. Sourced from: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/sick_building_factsheet.pdf