Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a combination of ailments associated with an individual's place of work or residence due to poor indoor air quality.
Sick building causes are attributed to contaminants produced by off-gassing of building materials, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), molds and improper exhaust ventilation of chemicals being used within.
As we continue to transition into a more synthetic world, the concentration of chemical and biological contaminants that constantly surround where we live and work increase.
Sick buildings harbor dangerous pathogens that you inhale with every breath and cling to the largest organ on your body - your skin.
Causes of Sick Building Syndrome
- Chemical Contaminants
- Carpeting
- Upholstery fabrics
- Vinyl flooring
- Manufactured wood products (particle board)
- Plastics
- Electronic devices
- Copy machines
- Newspaper ink
- Paint & paint thinner
- Adhesives
- Varnishes
- Cleaning agents
- Pesticides
- Ozone
- Air fresheners
- Perfume
- Hair spray
- Cosmetics
- Nail polish & nail polish remover
- Felt tip pens
- Tobacco smoke
- Traffic exhaust or gasoline fumes
- Chlorine (swimming pools)
- Flame retardants on clothing and furniture
- Biological Contaminants:
- Mold
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Microbial or mite contamination in HVAC system
Sources:
- Stagnant water accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and drain pipes
- Water collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting or insulation
- Insects or animal droppings
- Employees, coworkers and clients
- Sick building syndrome symptoms
Building occupants complain of:
- Headache
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
- Hoarseness & dry cough
- Dry or itchy skin
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness and nausea
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Sensitivity to odors and chemicals
- Increased incidence of asthma attacks or appearance of asthma in non-asthmatics
- Personality changes such as depression, anxiety, rage or paranoia
- Bronchitis or pneumonia which do not respond to antibiotics
- Symptoms resembling Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Debilitating fibromyalgia (muscle cramps and joint pain)
- Shortness of breath upon mild exertion (walking)
- Tremors
- Heart palpitations
- Miscarriages
- Liver, kidney and Central Nervous System damage
- Cancer
- Cross-contamination to your car and home is inevitable
