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Protect Your Home
From
Sick Building Syndrome
The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Symptoms associated with sick building syndrome: headache, eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the building, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress or dissatisfaction, and other psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, studies show that
symptoms may be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.
Causes of Sick Building Syndrome:
Before the energy crunch in the 1970's, fresh air in buildings was not really an issue.When energy costs started to rise, we started making our buildings more energy efficient with better insulation and sealing techniques that made the building tighter, reducing the amount of fresh air into the buildings and increasing indoor pollution
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources:
Volatile organic compounds
(VOCs
), produced from carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, pesticides, and cleaning agents, including formaldehyde. Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high levels of VOCs, other toxic
compounds, and respirable particulate matter. Combustion products such as
carbon monoxide
, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves. The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. For example, pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts; plumbing vents, and building exhausts (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) can enter the building through poorly located air intake vents, windows, and other openings. In addition, combustion products can enter a building from a nearby garage. Biological contaminants: Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and drain pans, or where water has
collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Click link below for
Sick Building Syndrome Solutions
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