Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome vs building-related illness

Causes

Inadequate ventilation

Energy-efficient buildings with sealed windows and reduced fresh air intake allow indoor pollutants to build up. Poorly maintained heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems make it worse. Raised carbon dioxide levels indicate poor ventilation and correlate with headaches and drowsiness.

Chemical pollutants

• volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, adhesives, carpets, furniture, cleaning products, air fresheners and copiers
• formaldehyde from pressed-wood products
• ozone from some printers and air purifiers
• pollutants drawn in from outside, such as vehicle exhaust near air intakes

Biological contaminants

• mold and dampness from leaks and condensation
• bacteria in humidifiers, ducts and cooling systems
• dust mites, pet dander and pollen

Physical factors

• temperature too high or too low
• low or high humidity
• poor lighting, glare and flicker
• noise
• poor ergonomics

Psychosocial factors

Work stress, low job control and poor relationships at work increase reporting of symptoms. These do not mean symptoms are imagined.

Symptoms

• headache
• eye irritation: dryness, itching, watering
• nose irritation: congestion, runny nose
• throat dryness and hoarseness
• dry, itchy skin or rashes
• tiredness and difficulty concentrating
• dizziness and nausea
• cough or chest tightness in some people

Symptoms typically worsen through the working day and improve in the evening, on weekends and on vacation.

How it is investigated

For individuals

A doctor will ask about symptoms, timing, other affected people and the building. They will look for specific conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, dry eye or contact dermatitis, which may need their own treatment. Peak flow diaries can help identify work-related asthma.

For buildings

Building managers or occupational hygienists may:

• survey occupants about symptoms and timing
• inspect HVAC systems, filters, air intakes and drainage
• measure carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity and VOCs
• look for water damage, mold and pollution sources
• check for carbon monoxide

Fixing the problem

• increase ventilation: bring in more outdoor air, meeting standards such as ASHRAE 62.1
• maintain HVAC systems: clean ducts, change filters regularly, fix leaks
• remove sources: use low-VOC paints and furnishings, ventilate during renovations, locate copiers in ventilated areas, avoid air fresheners
• control moisture: fix leaks promptly, keep humidity between about 30% and 50%, remove mold
• adjust temperature and lighting
• involve occupants: communicate about investigations and changes

What individuals can do

• take breaks outside and open windows where possible
• use lubricating eye drops for dry eyes and saline sprays for a dry nose
• stay hydrated
• report problems to building management or occupational health

Outlook

Symptoms usually resolve after leaving the building or once ventilation and pollution sources are corrected. Persistent symptoms after leaving suggest a specific building-related illness or another medical condition that should be investigated.

Frequently asked questions

What is sick building syndrome?

Sick building syndrome describes symptoms such as headaches, irritated eyes, nose and throat, dry skin and fatigue that people experience in a particular building and that improve after leaving, without a specific disease being found.

What are the symptoms of sick building syndrome?

Common symptoms include headache, dry or itchy eyes, stuffy or runny nose, sore or dry throat, dry skin, tiredness, poor concentration, dizziness and nausea. They usually worsen during time in the building.

What causes sick building syndrome?

Main causes are poor ventilation, chemical pollutants such as VOCs from furnishings and cleaning products, mold and dampness, poorly maintained HVAC systems, and uncomfortable temperature, humidity, lighting or noise.

How is sick building syndrome treated?

The building, not the person, is treated: improving ventilation, removing pollutant sources, fixing moisture problems and maintaining HVAC systems. Individuals can use eye drops, saline sprays and breaks outdoors for relief.

Is sick building syndrome a real condition?

Yes. While its causes can be hard to pin down, the symptoms are real and linked to indoor environmental quality. Agencies such as the EPA and NIOSH recognize it and provide guidance for investigating buildings.