Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Sick Building Syndrome: Testing, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://www.healthline.com/health/sick-building-syndrome

  Sometimes diagnosing SBS can be difficult because of the wide range of symptoms. […] The key to SBS is that your symptoms improve after leaving the building in question, only to come back when you return to the same location. […] If you notice recurring symptoms that seem to appear whenever you’re in a particular building, you may consider investigating sick building syndrome as the cause. […] Diagnosing SBS involves a process of elimination. Your doctor will rule out other conditions that could mimic sick building symptoms, such as a cold, asthma, or allergies. […] They will also ask you about your work and home environment. […] You may consider keeping a journal to record your symptoms. Write down when and where they start, as well as when they go away. Also, be as specific about your symptoms as you can.

• #2 The sick building syndrome

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2796751/

  The sick building syndrome comprises of various nonspecific symptoms that occur in the occupants of a building. This feeling of ill health increases sickness absenteeism and causes a decrease in productivity of the workers. As this syndrome is increasingly becoming a major occupational hazard, the cause, management and prevention of this condition have been discussed in this article. […] The sick building syndrome (SBS) is used to describe a situation in which the occupants of a building experience acute health- or comfort-related effects that seem to be linked directly to the time spent in the building. No specific illness or cause can be identified. The complainants may be localized in a particular room or zone or may be widespread throughout the building. […] Signs and symptoms of the sick building syndrome are as follows: Headache, dizziness, nausea, eye, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itching skin, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, sensitivity to odours, hoarseness of voice, allergies, cold, flu-like symptoms, increased incidence of asthma attacks and personality changes.

• #3 Sick building syndrome

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sick-building-syndrome/

  Sick building syndrome is the name for symptoms you get while you’re in a particular building. It usually happens in an office, but you can get it in any building. […] Symptoms of sick building syndrome get worse the longer you’re in a particular building and get better after you leave. […] Other people in the building may also have symptoms. […] If you think you have sick building syndrome speak to your manager or employer if you get symptoms at work. […] They should look into the problem and try to find a solution. […] It’s not clear exactly what causes sick building syndrome. […] Sick building syndrome mostly happens in open-plan offices.

• #4 Sick Building Diagnostics – IAQ Management Services, Inc.

  https://iaqmanagement.com/sick-building-diagnostics/

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a situation in which occupants of a building experience acute health effects that are apparently linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or single cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. […] Our goal is to assist you in identifying, understanding, and correcting any issues that may contribute to the effects of Sick Building Syndrome. Evaluation considerations include building performance, mechanical system condition/ performance, structural conditions, and occupant activities. […] Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort that may affect worker productivity and increase absenteeism. These symptoms include headaches, eye/nose/throat irritation, a dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness and nausea, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, allergy issues, and sensitivity to odors.

• #4 Sick Building Diagnostics – IAQ Management Services, Inc.

  https://iaqmanagement.com/sick-building-diagnostics/

  Our approach follows the EPA model of investigation: Perform interview of the key contacts and/or complainants. Review the history of your building. Perform a detailed evaluation of the building, occupant activities, and HVAC systems. Perform testing (Note: Problems are often identified and resolved without the need for costly testing). Report findings and submit mitigation recommendations.

• #5 Sick Building Syndrome – Steps to Minimize the Risk – Unger USA

  https://usa.ungerglobal.com/blog/why-facility-managers-must-address-sick-building-syndrome/

  As people spend about 90% of their time indoors, there is no doubt that the quality of these spaces, whether residential or commercial, directly impacts their health. […] Sick building syndrome is a situation where building occupants experience acute health symptoms, such as headaches, respiratory problems, itchy eyes and fatigue, that seem linked to time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. […] People impacted by sick building syndrome report symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and respiratory complications, all of which can be symptoms of more common viral infections. […] If symptoms become more prominent when in a particular building space, and diminish upon leaving, that could indicate Sick Building Syndrome. […] Additionally, SBS generally affects numerous individuals within the same facility at one time, as opposed to viral infections which tend to gradually move throughout the population over time.

• #5 Sick Building Syndrome – Steps to Minimize the Risk – Unger USA

  https://usa.ungerglobal.com/blog/why-facility-managers-must-address-sick-building-syndrome/

  In addition to conducting regular indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments and HVAC system inspections to evaluate potential problems, facility managers should be aware if multiple occupants report similar symptoms while in the building. […] Another signal that a facility is experiencing SBS is when symptoms are widespread but don’t match those of a contagious illness, or symptoms cluster in certain parts of the building. […] If concerned that SBS is the cause, facility managers can engage with environmental health experts to provide objective data around indoor air quality, ventilation and the presence of mold/allergens to determine if a contagious building or a contagious person is the underlying cause. […] Understanding the common causes of sick building syndrome is important for facility managers aiming to ensure a healthy indoor environment.

• #6 The sick building syndrome

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2796751/

  The cause of the symptoms is not known. It reduces work efficiency and increases absenteeism. Most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building, although lingering effects of neurotoxins can occur. […] The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes. The complainants may require prolonged recovery time after leaving the building. […] It is important to note that complaints may also result from other cause like a preexisting illness or other allergies, job-related stress or dissatisfaction and psychosocial factors. […] Evaluating the IAQ and identifying the contaminant by air sampling. […] Establishing a cause and effect relationship between symptoms and IAQ. […] Identifying the cause of the complaints so that appropriate corrective measures can be initiated.

• #6 The sick building syndrome

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2796751/

  Conducting a walk-through inspection of the problems areas and collecting information on the following: the Occupants, HVAC Systems for pollution pathways and Possible contamination sources. […] Increase the ventilation rates and air distribution. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems should be designed to meet ventilation standards in the local building codes. […] Removal or modification of the pollutant source can be carried out by a routine maintenance of HVAC systems, replacing water-stained ceiling tiles and carpets, using stone, ceramic or hardwood flooring, proper water proofing, avoiding synthetic or treated upholstery fabrics, minimizing the use of electronic items and unplugging idle devices, venting contaminants to the outside, storing paints, solvents, pesticides and adhesives in close containers in well-ventilated areas and using these pollutant sources in periods of low or no occupancy. […] Education and communication are important parts of any air quality management programme so as to work more effectively and efficiently to prevent and solve the health problems.

• #7 Building-related symptoms and issues | Linking building to health

  https://www.swegonairacademy.com/health-well-being-and-productivity/impact-on-health-and-well-being/building-related-symptoms-and-issues/

  A person may experience acute symptoms upon entering a building. However, the symptoms may disappear when the person leaves the building. These short-term symptoms are related to sick building syndrome (SBS). […] The symptoms don’t turn into other conditions or cause distress when you’re not in the building. […] The concept of SBS was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1983 as: 'a collection of nonspecific symptoms including eyes, nose and throat irritation, mental fatigue, headaches, nausea, dizziness and skin irritation, that seem to be associated with occupancy of certain workplaces’. […] Later, further information on the severity of the negative effects of the sick building syndrome (SBS) phenomenon was disclosed as: 'symptoms with a temporary connection to a particular building but with no specific or obvious cause’.

• #7 Building-related symptoms and issues | Linking building to health

  https://www.swegonairacademy.com/health-well-being-and-productivity/impact-on-health-and-well-being/building-related-symptoms-and-issues/

  The two primary differences between SBS and BRI are that SBS consists of a set of symptoms, of which the cause is unknown. With BRI, the cause of the illness is known. With SBS, the symptoms/illness will usually go away when the individual(s) leave the building. […] Indicators of SBS include: Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, such as; 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. […] Symptoms and illnesses related or attributed to indoor environments are common. […] Building-related symptoms can have a substantial impact on health. It is important for the clinician to recognize when symptoms are related to the patient’s workplace, as these should be treated as occupational illnesses. […] Building-related illness, in which an identifiable factor causes a specific illness, is much less common than sick building syndrome, in which there is no identifiable cause for nonspecific symptoms.

• #8 Sick Building Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Fixes

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/building-related-symptoms-7561949

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) happens when people feel unwell in a specific building, usually due to factors like poor air quality or inadequate ventilation. […] Diagnosing sick building syndrome can be challenging because its symptoms are nonspecific and may overlap with other health conditions. […] To diagnose SBS, a healthcare provider will begin by asking about your lifestyle, work, and home environment, as well as the frequency and severity of your symptoms. […] There is no specific test for SBS. Diagnosis is based on eliminating other conditions and confirming that symptoms occur only in certain environments, such as your home or workplace. […] Your provider will conduct tests to rule out other possible causes, such as allergies, before considering building-related factors. […] Since symptoms typically develop in a specific building, tracking when symptoms appear can help identify a potential link. […] You can assist with this process by keeping a journal of the symptoms you experience, when you feel them, and when they seem to get better.

• #9 Sick Building Syndrome: What It Is and Tips for Prevention — Occupational Health & Safety

  https://ohsonline.com/articles/2016/10/01/sick-building-syndrome.aspx

  You also might want to consider having your ducts cleaned, or at least inspected. If they contain mold, dirt or vermin, increasing the airflow through them actually might exacerbate your sick building problem. […] „Sick building syndrome” is the name given to a collection of illnesses and symptoms that afflict multiple occupants of particular buildings. The symptoms include sniffles; stuffy noses; itchy eyes; sinus infections; scratchy throats; dry, irritated skin; upset stomachs; headaches; difficulty concentrating; and fatigue or lethargy. The key factors in diagnosing sick building syndrome are a rapid recovery and the disappearance of symptoms after an affected individual leaves the building. […] There is no specific medical test to diagnose sick building syndrome. Physicians usually treat the symptoms individually, but the real identification of a „sick building” is subjective. Telltale clues include increased absenteeism among the building occupants, a large number of occupants complaining about vague but similar symptoms, and a common history of symptom resolution when people are not in the building.

• #10 Sick Building Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, Treatment and More

  https://www.medicinenet.com/sick_building_syndrome/article.htm

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) is controversial. […] The vast majority of clinicians, whether they agree or disagree that sick building syndrome exists as a medical entity, agree on one major point; there are no tests that can reliably diagnose the alleged sick building syndrome. […] How do you recover from sick building syndrome? There are no proven treatments for sick building syndrome. […] The complications of this alleged syndrome include increasing symptoms, interference with job productivity, job loss, the necessity of relocation, extensive and expensive building testing (materials and airflow testing), and many medical tests to try to achieve a definitive diagnosis. […] Because there is no known cause(s), no way to perform a definitive diagnosis, and doubt by many professionals that a sick building syndrome even exists, in general, the prognosis is unclear. […] It is difficult to prevent a syndrome if its cause(s), diagnostic tests, treatments, and existence are not clear to a large segment of doctors.

• #11 How Federal Employees Can Navigate Sick Building Syndromecalendar

  https://www.pinesfederal.com/legal-blog/how-can-federal-employees-navigate-sick-building/

  Because SBS symptoms can range from the neurological to the respiratory, the condition is often misdiagnosed. Many assume they merely have the cold, flu, or some type of bug, especially if multiple employees in an office simultaneously exhibit symptoms. […] Determining if the symptoms you are regularly experiencing is the result of SBS will take some trial and error and careful observation over an extended period of time. Once you begin to experience chronic symptoms, you will likely need to consult with a healthcare professional and rule out obvious culprits like the flu, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. […] If you have eliminated common possibilities like allergies or the flu and have tracked that symptoms tend to resurface when you return to work, you are likely suffering from SBS.

• #12 Sick Building Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Tests & Prevention

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/sick_building_syndrome/article_em.htm

  When assessing a building for possible sick building syndrome, it is best to start with a walk around to assess the occupants in the area affected, the condition of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and identify pollution sources and contamination sources. […] There is no known treatment for this condition. Avoidance and elimination of the underlying causes of the problem, to the extent possible, may help relieve symptoms. […] The symptoms and signs associated with sick building syndrome should resolve soon after leaving the building. […] Maintaining the HVAC system to ensure that it functions properly and does not become contaminated is important in preventing sick building syndrome.

• #13 Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Investigations | Water Treatment Services

  https://watertreatmentservices.co.uk/sick-building-syndrome-investigations/

  In this practical guide the indoor air quality specialists at WTS look at techniques for identifying and investigating sick building syndrome or SBS in offices and other workplace environments. The guide looks at what SBS is and what symptoms to look out for, key factors known to be associated with the syndrome, techniques for investigating SBS, and what steps can be taken to prevent it in the future. […] Currently sick building syndrome isnt a recognised, diagnosable health condition. It tends to be a catch-all term used to describe these sorts of issues connected with offices and other workplace environments. […] If your staff start complaining about some of the symptoms which are linked to sick building syndrome then start investigating right away. […] Start by looking at the most likely causes of the problem and make simple changes to see whether things improve. Indoor air quality testing may also help to identify the issues, especially if poor ventilation or airborne contaminants are identified.

• #13 Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Investigations | Water Treatment Services

  https://watertreatmentservices.co.uk/sick-building-syndrome-investigations/

  A basic method for investigating sick building syndrome would be: Check for obvious problems, Ask staff members to report symptoms, Review working process and procedures, Get professional experts in to help. […] If acting on complaints from individual staff members still doesnt help, the next step is to carry out a full review of how you are managing, maintaining and cleaning the building. […] It is the job of our indoor air quality and built environment specialists to investigate the overall quality and performance of your workplace and suggest any necessary improvements.

• #14 Sick Building Syndrome – International Brotherhood of Teamsters

  https://teamster.org/sick-building-syndrome-0/

  Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is the common name for a host of physical complaints experienced by a large percentage of building occupants. Common symptoms include headache; eye, nose and throat irritation; dry or itchy skin; dizziness; nausea; and sensitivity to odors. […] When complaints escalate to illnesses with coughing, chest tightness, fever, chills and muscle aches, occupants or workers are suffering from a building-related illness. It may take long periods of time to recover from these illnesses. […] Air sampling for contaminants might seem to be the logical response to the employee complaints, but it seldom provides information about possible causes. […] Any sampling strategy should be based on a comprehensive understanding of how the building operates and the nature of the complaints.

• #14 Sick Building Syndrome – International Brotherhood of Teamsters

  https://teamster.org/sick-building-syndrome-0/

  Solving this problem usually will include combinations of the following: Pollutant source removal or modification is an effective approach to resolving an IAQ problem when sources are known and control is feasible. […] Increasing ventilation rates and air distribution often can be a cost effective means of reducing indoor pollutant levels. […] Education and communication are important elements in both remedial and preventive indoor air quality management programs.

• #15 Sick Building Syndrome – Maine Indoor Air Quality Council

  https://maineindoorair.org/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. […] There is no single manner in which these health problems appear. […] Because of the nature of Sick Building Syndrome, there is no single test that can confirm or refute problems. […] The goal of a building investigation is to identify and solve indoor air quality complaints in a way that prevents them from recurring and which avoids the creation of other problems. […] An indoor air quality investigation procedure is best characterized as a cycle of information gathering, hypothesis formation, and hypothesis testing. […] Although air sampling for contaminants might seem to be the logical response to occupant complaints, it seldom provides information about possible causes. […] Solutions to sick building syndrome usually include combinations of the following: […] Education and communication are important elements in both remedial and preventive indoor air quality management programs.

• #16

  https://www.biocleanny.com/air-quality-testing-sick-building-syndrome

  Sick building syndrome is a new concern of homeowners, office workers, and building owners everywhere. What is sick building syndrome? And how can you identify and fix it? […] Sick building syndrome is a condition caused by exposure to poor indoor air quality over time. Usually, this manifests in people living or working in a building with poor air quality. Because many symptoms are similar to allergies, sick building syndrome can be hard to pin down. However, if multiple people have similar symptoms from spending large amounts of time in the same buildings, sick building syndrome could be the cause. […] In addition to these possible symptoms, a huge warning sign for sick building syndrome is that the patient recovers after leaving the building for an extended period of time. […] To be sure of your building’s unique air quality issues, the best thing to do is to get a professional air quality test. Air quality tests can detect the presence of many contaminants, such as mold, asbestos, radon, tobacco smoke, and more. Each problem might have a slightly different solution, so an air quality test lets you proceed with confidence. […] If you suspect you have poor ventilation or contaminants, we can find the exact cause of sick building syndrome and work with you to fix it.

• #17 How Do You Test for Sick Building Syndrome? – Learn – AirCare Hawaii

  https://aircarehawaii.com/blog/how-do-you-test-for-sick-building-syndrome

  How Do You Test For Sick Building Syndrome? […] Testing is vital to uncovering these hidden issues. […] When we receive a call about a suspected sick building syndrome, our first step is to listen to your concerns. Understanding the symptoms reported by occupants guides our investigation. […] Once we gather preliminary information, we conduct a thorough indoor air assessment. […] In our testing process, we take air samples from various rooms and areas of the building. […] After completing our air testing and analysis, we will provide you with a detailed report that outlines our findings. […] If you suspect sick building syndrome in your home or workplace, dont hesitate to reach out to us.

• #18 Sick Building Syndrome Testing for Orange County Properties

  https://www.socalremoval.com/what-is-sick-building-syndrome/

  When people feel sick while in a building and the symptoms go away once they exit the premises the building’s indoor air quality could be making people ill. […] The first thing you should do if people are getting sick from being in your building is to get the indoor air quality tested. […] An environmental specialist who is trained in indoor air testing can measure the toxins in the air and determine exactly what is circulating in your indoor environment. […] If occupants of your home or workplace are experiencing any of the above symptoms and the symptoms subside or go away after those affected exit the building you need to get the air quality tested by an Indoor Environmentalist. […] A experienced specialist can accurately diagnose what’s causing SBS and what the source of the problem is.

• #19 Sick building syndrome: Symptoms and causes

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sick-building-syndrome

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a collection of symptoms people can experience inside certain buildings, such as headaches, fatigue, or skin irritation. […] Identifying a definitive cause of SBS is challenging. Some potential contributing factors include: low indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, which can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants such as mold or dust, chemical contaminants from building materials, cleaning products, or furnishings, physical factors, such as noise, vibrations, electromagnetic fields, and ergonomics, high humidity levels or water damage that promotes mold growth, inadequate or inconsistent temperature control, insufficient natural light or exposure to artificial lighting, presence of insects and rodents and use of pesticides and raticides. […] There is no specific test for SBS for the building itself or the individuals experiencing symptoms. However, there are ways to assess an indoor environment for contributing factors.

• #20

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/rlp.2008.20

  Many possible causes of SBS have been suggested, with the majority of explanations focusing on air quality within the building and the systems that are used to ventilate the building. […] Evidence for a correlation between ventilation rate and SBS symptoms is at best patchy. […] There is fairly strong evidence that there is a correlation between temperatures at and above 23C and the prevalence of symptoms. […] The subject of indoor air quality (IAQ) is far too in-depth to be covered in detail here and therefore a brief discussion of IAP will be given. […] It is clear that there are many combinations of sources of pollutants, and in addition, the sources may not be independent. […] Noise can contribute to SBS, but in differing ways. […] Lighting has the potential to affect health and comfort.

• #20

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/rlp.2008.20

  The complex way in which these factors interact to produce feelings of thermal comfort and dryness may be responsible for some of the complaints of SBS. […] Regular cleaning and maintenance of items such as air-conditioning, building fabrics and lighting creates a sense of wellbeing among employees. […] If the occupant suffering from SBS-related symptoms does make some attempt to question the working environment and this request is ignored, it is likely that the symptoms will become exaggerated resulting in increased levels of absenteeism. […] There is evidence that, although SBS does not cause serious damage to health, it does result in potentially problematic consequences. […] If unhealthy environmental conditions persist, or remain unsolved, often the employees want to leave and go to a healthier working environment. […] The increasingly attractive working from home trend means that organisations will have to improve standards in office accommodation so that they are of a similar standard to those found at home.

• #21 Respiratory Symptoms and Skin Sick Building Syndrome among Office Workers at University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Associations with Indoor Air Quality, AIRMED Project

  https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/17/10850

  According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, SBS may affect approximately 30% of workers in new and renovated buildings worldwide resulting in significant loss of productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased employee turnover. […] Several building-related factors, including inadequate heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, humidity, noise, indoor air pollutants (IAP) (e.g., nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde), and biological agents, are all possible determinants of SBS. […] Although the causes of SBS appear to be multifactorial in this complex environment, the majority of risk factors are related to indoor air quality (IAQ). […] The presence of allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with increases in both upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms.

• #21 Respiratory Symptoms and Skin Sick Building Syndrome among Office Workers at University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Associations with Indoor Air Quality, AIRMED Project

  https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/17/10850

  Increasing weekly regular working hours significantly increased the odds of nasal and lower respiratory tract symptoms. […] Increasing indoor RH by 1% above the average was associated with a significant reduction in nasal and throat symptoms. […] Changes in AT of 1 °C above the average were associated with an increase in nasal symptoms. […] High formaldehyde levels significantly increased the odds of upper airway SBS. […] High CO2 levels were also related to increased nasal SBS. […] Our study demonstrated that IAQ was a significant determinant of respiratory and dermal SBS among office workers in a healthcare building. […] We suggest that the appropriate AT levels in air-conditioned offices be lower than 23 °C to 24 °C and indoor RH be controlled between 60% and 70% as stated in the current recommendations.

• #22 An Update on Sick Building Syndrome

  https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/701739_7

  This activity is intended for primary care clinicians, pulmonologists, occupational clinicians, and other clinicians who care for patients with sick building syndrome. […] The goal of this activity is to review features of sick building syndrome, potential causes and remedies, and ways to recognize and prevent the condition. […] Identify volatile organic compounds associated with indoor air pollution and sick building syndrome (SBS). […] Self-reported allergy (e.g. hay fever) is associated with a higher prevalence of SBS. […] Some studies indicate an association between tobacco smoking and SBS, whereas others did not find any association. […] Tendency to somatization and neuroticism has been shown to be associated with SBS. […] Two recent studies have reported association between psychosocial work environment and SBS.

• #22 An Update on Sick Building Syndrome

  https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/701739_7

  Another study showed that residents in single-family houses reported less SBS than residents in multifamily houses, although measurements suggested a less favourable indoor environment in single-family houses. […] One study on SBS from Japan concluded that sufficient sleep, moderate alcohol consumption for men and fewer working hours for women might alleviate SBS symptoms.

• #23 psychology and the sick building syndrome

  https://ergo.human.cornell.edu/AirQuality/iaqslides96/ahpaper.html

  Buildings with a high prevalence of SBS cases are labelled „sick” buildings, although there is no standardized method for gauging symptom prevalence and no agreement on the criteria which can discriminate between „sick” and „healthy” buildings. […] Regrettably, there is no consensus on the number, pattern, severity, or frequency of symptoms which define an SBS case, on how to measure symptoms, over what time period, or even what symptoms should be measured. […] Investigations of IAQ and the SBS usually use unstandardized, self-administered questionnaires to gauge the prevalence of symptoms and IAQ complaints. […] Research shows that IAQ problems and reports of the SBS generally are not caused simply by exposure to poor IAQ, but rather they occur because of the combined effects of various physical environment and non-environmental factors.

• #24 The sick building syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma – PubMed

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9783873/

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) is usually defined as an increased occurrence of non-specific symptoms among populations in determined buildings. […] Such a definition should make the term SBS impossible to use as a diagnosis applied to individual persons. […] The study demonstrates that the diagnostic use of SBS suffers from serious weaknesses. […] It is therefore suggested that the term sick building syndrome should be abandoned.

• #25 Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms Outcomes

  https://greenductors.com/blog/air-quality/sick-building-syndrome-symptoms/

  SBS is diagnosed when more than 20% of a buildings occupants complain of discomforting health effects for no apparent reason. […] Researchers still haven’t identified a single cause for SBS. […] The simplest thing is to start by increasing the ventilation speed, removing sources of pollution, and performing air purification. […] SBS treatment steps to be taken by employers: Reduce chemical cleaning products.

• #26 Sick building syndrome – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sick_building_syndrome

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition in which people develop symptoms of illness or become infected with chronic disease from the building in which they work or reside. […] While sick building syndrome (SBS) encompasses a multitude of non-specific symptoms, building-related illness (BRI) comprises specific, diagnosable symptoms caused by certain agents (chemicals, bacteria, fungi, etc.). These can typically be identified, measured, and quantified. […] There are usually four causal agents in BRI: immunologic, infectious, toxic, and irritant. […] For instance, Legionnaire’s disease, usually caused by Legionella pneumophila, involves a specific organism which could be ascertained through clinical findings as the source of contamination within a building.

• #27 4 Ways to Combat Building-Related Illness and Sick Building Syndrome

  https://www.hepacart.com/blog/4-ways-to-combat-building-related-illness-and-sick-building-syndrome

  Sick building syndrome, also known as building-related illness, can be linked to indoor air pollutants. […] To differentiate between sick building syndrome (for which causes are hard to pin down) and diagnosed illnesses with a proven link to indoor air pollutants, such as asthma attacks caused by high formaldehyde concentrations, researchers called the latter „building-related illness.” […] Symptoms of what many still call sick building syndrome include sniffles, stuffy noses, nosebleeds, itchy eyes, scratchy throats, headaches, nausea, dry skin, and fatigue. […] Nonspecific building-related illness is diagnosed by process of elimination. The doctor encourages the patient to keep a journal for recording symptoms so that conditions such as a cold, asthma, and allergies can be ruled out.

• #27 4 Ways to Combat Building-Related Illness and Sick Building Syndrome

  https://www.hepacart.com/blog/4-ways-to-combat-building-related-illness-and-sick-building-syndrome

  Treating symptoms should be considered a stopgap measure, of course, as the facility manager tracks down and corrects possible causes within the indoor environment, such as inadequate air circulation, pollutants, poor lighting, and noise. […] The EPA describes indoor air quality investigation as a „cycle of information gathering, hypothesis formation, and hypothesis testing” that begins with a walkthrough inspection. […] Indoor air quality and illness related to it is a complex subject that must be understood and addressed by building occupants, facility managers, and healthcare workers.

• #28 Sick Building Syndrome | Building Related Illness | Healthy Buiding Science

  https://healthybuildingscience.com/2015/10/02/sick-building-syndrome-and-building-related-illness/

  Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness are two distinct diagnoses. […] Sick Building Syndrome includes the following symptomology: complaints of acute discomfort (e.g., headache; eye, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness and nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sensitivity to odors, and rash), unknown cause of symptoms, most symptoms vanish shortly after occupants leave the building. […] A rule of thumb states unless 20% or more of occupants are suffering Sick Building Syndrome symptoms, it is not SBS. […] Building Related Illness is, by definition, different than Sick Building Syndrome. […] Symptoms and patterns are as follows: complaints of specific symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, and muscle aches, symptoms can be clinically defined, cause of symptoms is known, complaints can continue after having left the building.

• #29 Sick building syndrome (SBS) | Britannica

  https://www.britannica.com/science/sick-building-syndrome

  sick building syndrome (SBS), term applied to a situation in which some or all the people occupying a building (usually working or living in it) experience non-specific health effects such as headache; dizziness; nausea; irritated eyes, nose, or throat; dry cough; or skin irritation. […] Investigation of SBS requires first ascertaining whether the complaints are actually due to poor IAQ; if so, the investigation will gather information about the buildings ventilation, heating and air conditioning system, possible sources of internal contaminants, and possible pathways for exterior pollutants to enter the building. […] The most common solutions to SBS include removing a known source of pollution, increasing ventilation rates and air distribution, and adding air cleaning devices. […] SBS is difficult to study because its symptoms are commonplace and could have many causes, such as allergies or stress, and may be influenced by psychological factors, such as dislike of a job or workplace. […] In addition, some clinicians believe that SBS is not a meaningful term and should be abandoned, while others have argued that investigations into SBS should include evaluation of psychological and social as well as physical, environmental, and biomedical factors.

• #30 Sick Building Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/sick-building-syndrome-pro

  Symptoms may be worse in the winter months in northern climates. […] Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that employers should carry out an employee survey to see if the occurrence of symptoms is higher than expected. […] Treating the underlying problems has to address all physical and psychological aspects of the workplace.

• #31 What is „Sick Building Syndrome”? – RHP Risk Management

  https://rhprisk.com/what-is-sick-building-syndrome/

  RHP Risk Managements Certified Industrial Hygienists and public health professionals offer customized recommendations based on your buildings IAQ and tools to maintain a healthy and productive workforce. […] Our experts develop actionable plans and controls for managing, mitigating, and controlling health risks in the workplace through the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental and occupational hazards.

• #32 Sick Building Syndrome

  https://www.oehsinc.com/training/sick-building-syndrome/

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition in which people develop symptoms of illness or become infected with chronic disease in the building in which they work or reside. […] In contrast, the term „building related illness” is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants. […] Often, the cause of the symptoms is not known. most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building. Others may require prolonged recovery times after leaving the building. […] The term SBS is also used interchangeably with „building related illness symptoms,” which orients the name of the condition around patients’ symptoms rather than a „sick” building. […] While sick building syndrome (SBS) encompasses a multitude of non-specific symptoms, building-related illness (BRI) comprises specific, diagnosable symptoms caused by certain agents (chemicals, bacteria, fungi, etc.). These can typically be identified, measured, and quantified.

• #33 Understanding Sick Building Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions — wellness design consultants

  https://biofilico.com/news/sick-building-syndrome-symptoms-solutions

  Regular inspections and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems help identify issues early and ensure that they are functioning efficiently. […] Education and training are crucial components of SBS prevention. Raising awareness about indoor air quality and the potential health risks empowers both building management and occupants to take proactive steps in creating a healthier indoor environment. […] By understanding the causes and symptoms of sick building syndrome, and by implementing effective prevention and control measures, we can reduce the risk of sick building syndrome and create healthier and more productive indoor environments.

• #34

  https://www.cundall.com/ideas/blog/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-sick-building-syndrome

  Back in the 1980s, researchers and air quality experts started identifying a link between people becoming unwell after prolonged periods inside a specific building, and the quality of the air inside the building. They called it Sick Building Syndrome, and in the 1990s new standards were developed around air quality and ventilation to attempt to reduce the impact of poor-quality buildings on human health. […] By the 2000s, the science on indoor environment quality (IEQ) was becoming accepted across the commercial office sector, healthcare, education and hospitality. Design standards and building codes began to integrate requirements around IEQ. […] Now we arrive at a collective aha moment: the evidence shows that auditing current IEQ in a building and taking steps to improve it also means a building becomes healthier for everyone, all the time. […] Achieving optimal IEQ and its associated health and productivity benefits should start with a solid foundation that includes a comprehensive monitoring and management plan.

• #35

  https://www.cundall.com/zh/ideas/blog/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-sick-building-syndrome

  Back in the 1980s, researchers and air quality experts started identifying a link between people becoming unwell after prolonged periods inside a specific building, and the quality of the air inside the building. They called it Sick Building Syndrome, and in the 1990s new standards were developed around air quality and ventilation to attempt to reduce the impact of poor-quality buildings on human health. […] Achieving optimal IEQ and its associated health and productivity benefits should start with a solid foundation that includes a comprehensive monitoring and management plan. […] Now we arrive at a collective aha moment: the evidence shows that auditing current IEQ in a building and taking steps to improve it also means a building becomes healthier for everyone, all the time.

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