The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is used to describe situations in which occupants of large buildings 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. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. In contrast, the term "building-related illness" (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.
A 1984 World Health Organization Committee report suggested that up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality (IAQ). Often this condition is temporary, but some buildings have long-term problems. Frequently, problems result when a building is operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures. Sometimes indoor air problems are a result of poor building design or occupant activities.
Indicators of SBS include:
- Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.
- The cause of the symptoms is not known.
- Most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building.
Indicators of BRI include:
- Building occupants complain of symptoms such as cough; chest tightness; fever, chills; and muscle aches
- The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes.
- Complainants may require prolonged recovery times after leaving the building.
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.
What Are The Main Causes of Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) doesn’t happen out of nowhere.
There’s usually a mix of factors behind it, and understanding these can help prevent or resolve the problem.
Here are the most common culprits:
1. Poor Ventilation
When a building's ventilation system isn’t up to par, pollutants can build up.
Stagnant air leads to a higher concentration of indoor contaminants, like carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and allergens.
Poor airflow also means moisture doesn’t circulate properly, which can encourage mold and mildew.
2. Chemical Contaminants from Indoor Sources
Everyday materials like paints, adhesives, cleaning supplies, and furniture can release VOCs.
Formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful chemicals often "off-gas" (meaning they’re released) from new carpets, office furniture, and cleaning products.
Even printers and copiers can contribute to poor air quality by emitting ozone and particles.
3. Chemical Contaminants from Outdoor Sources
It’s not just indoor stuff!
Exhaust from nearby roads, construction sites, or even loading docks can seep into the building.
If your ventilation system pulls in outdoor pollutants, it’s essentially bringing the problem inside.
4. Biological Contaminants
Mold, bacteria, and viruses thrive in damp environments.
Leaky roofs, poorly maintained HVAC systems, or high humidity can lead to microbial growth.
And once those spores and bacteria are airborne, they can wreak havoc on respiratory health.
5. Human Activity
Let’s be honest — we bring a lot of the problems ourselves.
Heavy use of perfumes, hairsprays, or scented candles can release chemicals into the air.
Even the act of breathing (or coughing!) in crowded spaces can add to carbon dioxide levels and spread airborne irritants.
What Can Be Done About Air Quality In Large Buildings?
There are four basic requirements to maintain good air quality in large buildings:
1. Eliminate Tobacco Smoke
A smoke-free policy is the best way to protect the health of all employees. If that is not currently feasible, smoking should be allowed only in a separately ventilated area reserved exclusively for that purpose, where no nonsmoker is required to enter or pass through.
Your local American Lung Association can provide materials to help companies develop and implement no-smoking policies. Call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872).
2. Provide Adequate Ventilation
Guidelines for office buildings set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and air conditioning engineers (ASHRAE) require circulation of fifteen to sixty cubic feet of outside air per minute per person, depending upon the activities that normally occur in that room. If air circulation in large open spaces is hampered by partitions, raise the partitions approximately six inches off the floor.
To assure adequate ventilation in a modern building, adjustments can be made to the ventilating system. In older buildings, windows can be opened, ceiling fans can be installed to help circulate the outside air, and humidifiers or dehumidifiers can be added. Relative humidity should be kept between thirty and sixty percent.
3. Maintain The Ventilation System
Regularly clean and disinfect every part of a ventilating, heating, or cooling device or system, including humidifiers and dehumidifiers, air filters, air circulation pumps, and blowers.
4. Remove Sources of Pollution
It is important to keep up to date with the chemical components and health effects from exposure to equipment, furnishings, and supplies in your office. Change or remove sources that cause problems for workers.
Also, ask the building manager or other responsible person to:
- In new or renovated buildings, increase the ventilation rate for the first few weeks of occupancy. This will dilute possible emissions from new polluting sources.
- Alter or remove office equipment, furnishings, and supplies that continue to cause trouble for workers. Some formaldehyde sources, for example, can be eliminated by the use of a coating or sealer.
- Obtain assurances from the seller that new furnishings and equipment are free of irritating gases and can be returned if found to cause symptoms among workers.
- If the building contains an attached or underground garage, make sure the ventilating system operates so as to prevent auto exhaust fumes from entering the offices. Also, check air ducts for leaks.
- Locate loading docks or dumpster areas far from the building's air supply inlet vents.
- Check cleaning agents for dangerous components. If possible, use non-toxic materials. If not, ventilate offices during and after using cleaning agents.
If, in spite of these measures, workers continue to have symptoms, hire an environmental indoor air quality professional to test the air and identify the problem.
Can A House Produce Sick Building Syndrome?
Absolutely, your house can be just as much of a problem as a big office building.
Think about it: poor ventilation, chemical-laden cleaners, and hidden mold don’t care whether it’s your home or your workplace.
In fact, homes can sometimes be worse because we spend so much time there — especially if you work remotely or sleep with all the windows shut.
So, What Can You Do?
This is where prevention and technology come in.
First, start with good habits: crack a window now and then, clean your HVAC filters, and switch to non-toxic cleaning products.
But for serious air quality issues? That’s when you need some high-tech help, like a Rabbit Air purifier.
Why Rabbit Air Purifiers?
Rabbit Air purifiers are designed to tackle VOCs, allergens, and even mold spores. They use advanced HEPA filtration to pull out harmful particles while running so quietly, you’ll forget they’re even on.
The best part? You can customize the filters to match your specific needs, whether it’s odors, germs, or chemicals. Investing in an air purifier is like giving your lungs a vacation.
Parts of this article were published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. (1991). Indoor Air Facts No. 4 (revised): Sick Building Syndrome. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Radiation (ANR-445-W).
