Sick Building Syndrome |
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Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
SBS is a growing concern of environmentalists as well as building owners and managers. More and more prevalent, the malady is marked by vague occupant illness evidenced by symptoms associated with acute discomfort, including headache, nose, throat, eye, and skin irritation, cough, dizziness, or nausea. The condition usually intensifies during the hours spent inside a building and cannot be categorically linked to a clinically defined disease or specific chemical or biological contaminant. In all cases documented as being potentially related to the syndrome, the "victims" have felt relief soon after leaving the specific area or building. Complaints have varied from being confined to a specific area of a building, or widespread throughout an entire facility.
While the true causes of SBS remain unknown, scientists have determined that some of the following have been cited as contributing factors to the condition. Although individually the following elements may not affect the indoor environment, all may supplement its manifestation. Key areas of suspect are inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting parameters.
Chemical contaminants can be introduced from the outside through poorly located intake vents, windows and other openings, or from within the facility where indoor pollutants are present and unfiltered from the air.
Biological contaminants that also affect the indoor air environment are pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds. This form of contaminant can breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in drains, humidifiers, duct work, or any place where water can collect, including carpet or ceiling tiles. Biological contaminants can cause fever, chills, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches, and allergic reactions. In the Detroit area, we are familiar with a biological contaminant known as Legionnaire's Disease. A major cause of this type of contamination is inadequate ventilation. Rising concern over the cost of heating/air conditioning has motivated architects to design buildings more air tight with less outdoor air ventilation. Although improving energy efficiency is important, this focus has resulted in structures being erected with inadequate air circulation to maintain the health of building occupants. Many solutions have been created to improve or even reverse SBS. Each building must be researched on an individual basis to properly analyze each situation. Advanced Air Services has the resources and expertise required to fully assess your building and create a solution for any issues you may have.