Materiały źródłowe

• #1 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. […] 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.

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

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

  Sick building syndrome is a condition that occurs when a number of a building’s occupants have a constellation of nonspecific symptoms without a specific identifiable cause, including nausea; irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; mental fatigue; headaches; skin irritation; and dizziness. […] Sick building syndrome should not be confused with building-related diseases, which have a specific identifiable cause of the symptoms. […] There are many theories as to what causes sick building syndrome. Commonly cited causes are inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor sources, and chemical contaminants from outdoor sources. […] Inadequate ventilation is one the most often cited reasons. […] Common chemical contaminants inside the building are found in paint, adhesives, carpeting, cleaning agents, and upholstered furniture. […] Common chemical contaminants from outside of the building can include exhaust from motor vehicles and other industrial plants in the area.

• #3 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). […] Sick building syndrome is used as a term to refer to symptoms of acute health and/or comfort effects for which no specific cause can be found but that can be attributed to time spent in a particular 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’. […] SBS and BRI are associated with acute or immediate health problems. […] Symptoms and illnesses related or attributed to indoor environments are common. […] Building-related illnesses with known causes are much less common than sick building syndrome, in which there is no identifiable cause for nonspecific symptoms.

• #4 Sick building syndrome (SBS) | EBSCO Research Starters

  https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/construction-and-building/sick-building-syndrome-sbs

  SBS is generally distinguished from building-related illnesses that are caused by to specific indoor contaminants that can be definitively diagnosed. […] Public health officials have advised that seemingly minor complaints by office workers should be accepted as serious, and, if SBS is suspected, investigation should begin to determine if the buildings indoor air quality is acceptable and to identify the cause of the suspected outbreak.

• #5

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

  The symptoms characterising SBS are commonplace in the general population, but it is the pattern of their expression that points to the diagnosis of SBS. […] Goldman (1996) also believes that the symptoms characterising SBS, first noted in the 1950s, appeared to be correlated with the development of post-war, energy efficient, airtight buildings, at a time when the architects’ main brief was to keep costs low. […] It is important to understand that a consideration of the physical environment should also be given attention. […] The general nature of the symptoms means that they will be reported to some degree in all buildings. […] It is found, however, that the level of symptoms varies between buildings, and buildings where symptom rates were high do tend to have a number of common features as mentioned previously (Goldman, 1996).

• #6

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

  One reason for the lack of an accurate cause or cure for SBS is that the majority of investigations into SBS only look at part of the problem. […] If the problem were purely physical, a solution would have been found to eradicate the problem, so it is logical to reason that SBS is not purely a physical problem. […] There is evidence that, although SBS does not cause serious damage to health, it does result in potentially problematic consequences.

• #7 Sick building syndrome: causes and prevention | Metrikus

  https://www.metrikus.io/blog/sick-building-syndrome-and-the-workplace

  Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms are thought to cost the British economy around 24.6 million annually in lost working days. […] Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition where the occupants of a building or other enclosed indoor environment begin to experience health or comfort-related symptoms that disappear upon leaving the space. […] While the exact underlying causes of SBS are difficult to identify, research suggests that it’s most likely caused by a combination of factors related to the health of your building. […] Probable causes include: poor ventilation with an insufficient volume of air change, low humidity, high temperatures or constant changes in temperature throughout the day, airborne pollutants, such as dust, carpet fibres or fungal spores, poor standards of cleanliness in the working environment, poor lighting that causes glare or flicker on visual display units. […] These sources could all potentially contribute to poor air quality. If several of these factors are at work at the same time, there’s undoubtedly going to be a negative impact on both the health and productivity of your employees.

• #8 Sick Building Syndrome | Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Environmental Health

  http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/safety/sick-building-syndrome.htm

  Most of the time, however, no specific cause for the symptoms can be found in the building. Some experts speculate that, in many of these cases, poor indoor air quality may play a role. […] A number of factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality in an office setting, inadequate ventilation being among the most important. Poor ventilation clearly compromises the health of a building’s occupants. […] The occupants of buildings and their work activities can also impact indoor air quality. Environmental tobacco smoke contains a variety of toxic air contaminants and cleaning agents emit volatile organic compounds like toluene and benzene. […] Analyzing air samples to determine air quality seems like a logical way to evaluate „sick building” complaints, but it seldom provides useful information.

• #9 Sick Building Syndrome – PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, HCHO, RN – Air Masters

  https://www.airmasters.ca/2018/03/06/sick-building-syndrome/

  The Environmental Protection Agency defines Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) as 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. […] Sick Building Syndrome can stem from a number of various causes, but there are four main groups. Studies done by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) measured how often these sources contribute to poor air quality indoors. […] Inadequate ventilation (52% of cases) This is often an HVAC issue, as the system fails to distribute air properly throughout the building. […] Chemical toxins originating from indoors (16% of cases) Indoor sources are actually to blame for a large majority of the air pollution in a building. Adhesives, manufactured wood, and even emissions from equipment such as copy machines can contain dangerous toxins including formaldehyde.

• #10 The sick building syndrome

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

  The following are some of the factors that might be primarily responsible for SBS: […] Chemical contaminants […] From outdoor sources: Contaminants from outside like pollutants from motor vehicle exhaust, plumbing vents and building exhausts (bathrooms and kitchens) can enter the building through poorly located air intake vents, windows and other openings. […] From indoor sources: The most common contaminant of indoor air includes the volatile organic compounds (VOC). The main sources of VOC are adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products, pesticides, cleaning agents, etc. […] Biological contaminants […] The biological contaminants include pollen, bacteria, viruses, fungus, molds, etc. […] Inadequate ventilation […] The ventilation was reduced to 5 cfm/person. This reduced ventilation rate was found to be inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of building occupants.

• #11 What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

  https://www.setra.com/blog/what-causes-sick-building-syndrome

  After understanding the basis of sick building syndrome, recognizing the root causes for the syndrome is the next step for prevention or treatment. By properly identifying the root causes, suitable countermeasures can be constructed. Causes for sick building syndrome can be classified into three categories: […] Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other organic compounds can be emitted from heating products such as kerosene, gas space heaters, and stoves […] Insufficient outside air, poor filtration of internal air, and contaminated duct work […] ASHRAE recommends a minimum of 15 ft3/min (CFM) of outdoor air per person, and 20 CFM per person in office spaces […] If an intake air vent is poorly located, supply air could come from restrooms or kitchen exhausts, plumbing vented air, dumpster odors and from nearby parking garages or traffic

• #12 Lentis/Sick Building Syndrome – Wikibooks, open books for an open world

  https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Lentis/Sick_Building_Syndrome

  Inadequate ventilation rates increases the likelihood of SBS. Inadequate ventilation can be attributed to: lack of compliance with applicable codes and standards, such as those published by ASHRAE; installation or maintenance problems; and not accounting for ventilation during remodeling or space use changes. […] Biological contaminants include pollen, bacteria, viruses, and mold, and can cause fever, chills, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches, and allergic reactions. […] Indoor air pollution can come from sources such as adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, copy machines and cleaning products. These sources emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can produce acute reactions in people even at low or moderate levels. […] Outdoor air pollutants such as vehicle exhaust, combustion byproducts, or tobacco smoke enter buildings through air intake vents, windows or other openings. These pollutants then become a form of indoor air pollution and can exacerbate SBS symptoms.

• #13 Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness – Green Building Supply

  https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/blogs/learn/sick-building-syndrome-related-illness?srsltid=AfmBOoo5bO_RD2I1h1KxL801xMEPnCU9gZyv7VEfoVF5oNv_8jBv2JbI

  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. […] The following have been cited as causes of or contributing factors to sick building syndrome: […] Inadequate ventilation, which may also occur if heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building, is thought to be an important factor in SBS. […] Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. […] The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. […] Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants.

• #14 The sick building syndrome

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

  Psychological factors […] Excessive work stress or dissatisfaction, poor interpersonal relationships and poor communication are often seen to be associated with SBS. […] The symptoms of SBS are commonly seen in people with clerical jobs than in people with managerial jobs because professionals or managers have better working conditions. The symptoms are more common in females than in males probably because more females are in secretarial jobs, they are more aware of their health or a lesser dose of pollutants is required to manifest the effects. The symptoms are more common in air-conditioned buildings than in naturally ventilated buildings and are more common in a public sector building than in a private sector building.

• #15

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

  Therefore, it is clear to see that the cost of reduced productivity, replacement staff and litigation make prevention unarguably better than cure. […] Evidence for a correlation between ventilation rate and SBS symptoms is at best patchy. […] Generally, air-conditioned buildings have higher rates of symptoms than naturally ventilated buildings. […] It is clear that there are many combinations of sources of pollutants, and in addition, the sources may not be independent. […] The potential range of pollutants in the office environment is therefore enormous. […] Job stress and dissatisfaction are probably more important causes of symptoms than physical and chemical factors in the indoor environment. […] The prevalence of symptoms appears to be highest among clerical staff, with their more routine work, than among professional staff.

• #16

  https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/sick-building-syndrome/

  Sick Build Syndrome (SBS) is a condition in which a person suffers from adverse health effects or becomes infected with chronic disease from the building in which they work or reside. […] However, it should be noted that no specific illness or cause of it can be identified. […] Sick building syndrome has no known cause, however, known causes of illness such as lead poisoning, formaldehyde fumes, and many others have been associated with individual buildings. […] Common products such as paint, insulation, rigid foam, Particle Board, plywood, duct liners, exhaust fumes and other chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources, and biological contaminants can be trapped inside by an AC system. […] Bacterial spores, fungal spores, mold spores, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants and can all cause allergic reactions or illness described as SBS.

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

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

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a name for a condition thats thought to be caused by being in a building or other type of enclosed space. Its attributed to poor indoor air quality. However, the precise cause is unknown. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, poor indoor air quality can be found in about 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings. […] The term sick building syndrome is used when the exact cause of your symptoms cant be identified. However, there are a variety of possible causes you can ask your doctor about. […] The culprits behind SBS may include: buildings with poor ventilation, such as schools, offices, and public spaces; high levels of dust; tobacco smoke; rooms with poor lighting; outdated computer displays that cause eye strain; the presence of mold or fungus; formaldehyde (mostly found in wood furniture and floors); asbestos; chemicals in the air from cleaning products; pesticides; carbon monoxide; ozone from the use of printers and fax machines; high levels of stress at school or work; low workplace morale; heat or low humidity; noisy work environments; insect or animal droppings. […] Given the variety of factors that can cause SBS, its difficult to pinpoint one single cause.

• #18 Sick Building Syndrome: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment – Southern Iowa Mental Health Center

  https://simhcottumwa.org/sick-building-syndrome-what-it-is-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/

  Various factors can affect office air quality: […] Actions of people inside the building, like smoking, can introduce harmful substances. […] Use of cleaning products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene and benzene, which affect air quality. […] Building materials and furnishings can emit pollutants. […] Electronics like computers and photocopiers can produce pollutants like ozone, further affecting indoor air quality. […] Individuals affected by SBS typically experience a range of nonspecific symptoms, according to an article by Dr. Edward Horvath, director of occupational health in the department of general internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. […] Diagnosing SBS can be challenging, because its symptoms are specific to a particular space and often resemble those of other health issues.

• #19

  https://www.dare-me.co.uk/sick-building-syndrome-causes-and-solutions

  SBS is a significant issue for both employers and commercial building owners, who have a legal requirement to ensure employees and building occupants are kept safe. Despite this, IEQ can often be overlooked as no root cause for SBS has been identified. Instead, it seems that a number of factors may attribute to its occurrence. […] Potential contributory factors include: Insufficient Ventilation: Poor ventilation, which can occur if heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are not effectively distributing air throughout a building, can prove damaging to occupants health and is believed to play a role in SBS. […] Extreme Temperatures Humidity Levels: Occupants that experience extreme temperature variations throughout the working day are more likely to experience SBS. In addition, those who encounter very low humidity levels will often experience discomfort and likely feel better once they have exited a building. […] Poor Lighting: Inadequate artificial lighting within buildings with no exposure to natural lighting is thought to be linked to SBS. […] Building Materials: A buildings materials may release toxic gases and vapours across their lifecycle, which can be harmful if inhaled.

• #20 Sick Building Syndrome

  https://www.iloencyclopaedia.org/part-i-47946/systematic-conditions/item/493-sick-building-syndrome

  The presence of multiple potential sources, the consistency of VOC health effects and SBS symptoms, and the widely recognized problems associated with ventilation systems make VOCs an attractive aetiological agent. […] Several studies suggest that the presence of reactive volatile organic compounds, such as aldehydes and halogenated hydrocarbons, are associated with increasing levels of symptoms. […] In all studies where it has been examined, work stress was clearly associated with SBS symptoms. […] The examination should be directed at identification or exclusion of a significant component of building related illness (BRI). […] SBS is a phenomenon that can be experienced by an individual, but is usually seen in groups; it is associated with engineering deficiencies and is likely caused by a series of pollutants and pollutant categories.

• #21 How Sick Building Syndrome Affects Your Home | Airius PureAir

  https://www.airius.co.uk/all-resources/how-can-sick-building-syndrome-affect-your-home/

  The most common causes, however, do tend to be the spread of chemical contaminants within the building. […] These might originate from the outdoors such as from vehicle exhaust fumes and plumbing vents which enter the property through windows and other openings. […] Alternatively, these chemical contaminants might originate from indoor sources even from the use of everyday substances in the home such as cleaning products, adhesives, and upholstery disinfectants. […] In addition to these causes, biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and spores can also pose health risks.

• #22 Sick Building Syndrome Causes | IQAir

  https://www.iqair.com/us/newsroom/sick-building-syndrome-and-airborne-contaminants?srsltid=AfmBOooKvjf1wJvRMZz6bQEDQaIFaOfka49LFOvdkfAa5jWoLV_Mv6_J

  When building occupants are becoming ill from their environment but the exact cause is unknown, its called Sick Building Syndrome. […] Airborne contaminants are usually at the root of Sick Building Syndrome, although the specific cause of the problem may not initially be known. […] Two primary categories of airborne pollutants are usually involved: Biological contaminants and Chemical contaminants. […] Biological contaminants are often the result of excessive moisture or high humidity. […] These contaminants can carry bacteria, viruses, and compounds that can trigger allergies or cause infections in humans. […] Chemical contaminants are gas-phase contaminants. […] The most common indoor sources of chemical contaminants are cleaning products and pesticides, which can release potentially dangerous chemicals like VOCs.

• #23 What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

  https://www.setra.com/blog/what-causes-sick-building-syndrome

  Outdoor air can be a source of indoor air pollution, for example pollutants from motor vehicle exhaust can enter through air intake vents, windows, and openings […] Photo copiers and printers can emit ozone during usage […] Volatile organic compound, and fibers including formaldehyde can be emitted into the air from carpeting, upholstery, adhesives, copy machines, pesticides and cleaning agents […] Examples of biological contaminants include mold, bacteria, pollen and viruses […] They breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers, drain pans or where water has collected on ceiling tiles and insulation […] This is an uncommon problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet spot (such as a duct), and begin growing […] Mold can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, as well as irritate eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, regardless of whether individuals are allergic or not.

• #24 Sick Building Syndrome

  https://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/indoorair/sick.htm

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) occurs when the occupants of a building experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a building. There is usually no specific illness or cause identified. […] While specific causes of SBS remain unknown, the following have been cited as contributing factors to sick building syndrome: Inadequate temperature, humidity, lighting, or ventilation. Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources, such as pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, and building exhausts (bathrooms and kitchens). Chemical contaminants from indoor sources, such as, adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents and pesticides. Environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from stoves, fireplaces and unvented space heaters can also be sources of chemical contaminants. Biological contaminants such as pollen, bacteria, viruses and molds. These contaminants can breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in humidifiers, drain pans, and ducts, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, insulation, or carpet. One bacterium that can enter indoor air, Legionella, has caused both Pontiac Fever and Legionnaire’s Disease.

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

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

  Evidence suggests cisgender women may be three times more likely than cisgender men to experience SBS. […] A group of molds called Fusarium produce toxins that can be harmful to health and are closely linked to SBS. […] The overall outlook for building-related symptoms is good if steps are taken to improve the environment in the building in question or if you are no longer occupying that space. […] If the issue lies with air quality or other fixable issues within the building, having the building manager or landlord take care of those problems can also eliminate symptoms for employees that develop building-related symptoms.

• #26 What Is Sick Building Syndrome and Why Should You Care? – Air Filters for Clean Air

  https://cleanair.camfil.us/2017/08/04/sick-building-syndrome/

  Chemical pollutants emissions from office equipment and other products such as cleaning materials can create a noxious environment, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified as significant contributors to adverse health. […] Biological pollutants this includes airborne bacteria, viruses, pollen, mite feces and pet dander. Standing water in buildings or wet surfaces can also create mold and mildew that compromises indoor air quality. […] The latest studies on Sick Building Syndrome has found that mold that growth in buildings can become airborne and produce mycotoxins that are easily inhalable or swallowed, stated Kevin Wood, Camfil USA Vice President Sales Marketing. These mycotoxins can burrow deep into the lungs and respiratory tracts and cause serious ailments. […] Mycotoxins are poisonous compounds that are produced by the fungus. When ingested, they can weaken the immune system and irritate the nasal passages, worsening breathing ailments such as asthma. […] Understanding the causes and symptoms of SBS, can not only help workers and building managers take steps to resolve the problem, but also drive home the importance of good indoor air quality in commercial buildings.

• #27 Possible Causes for Sick Building Syndrome | Newswise

  https://www.newswise.com/articles/possible-causes-for-sick-building-syndrome

  LUBBOCK — A study by Texas Tech Medical Center researchers has pinpointed two fungi as possible causes for sick building syndrome. […] In the complaint areas, the study found that the two types of fungi — Penicillium and Stachybotrys — were significantly more common in indoor air and building surfaces. […] A high prevalence of Penicillium molds were found under damp carpets, walls and under vinyl wall coverings. These spores can enter the upper and lower-respiratory tract, causing respiratory problems. […] „Now that the organisms found in connection with sick building syndrome have been identified, we should be able to find them, eliminate them, and restore the buildings to healthier conditions,” Straus said.

• #28 Sick building syndrome – Wikipedia

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

  Adult SBS symptoms were associated with a history of allergic rhinitis, eczema, and asthma. […] A 2015 study concerning the association of SBS and indoor air pollutants in office buildings in Iran found that, as carbon dioxide increased in a building, nausea, headaches, nasal irritation, dyspnea, and throat dryness also rose. […] Inadequate ventilation will exaggerate small problems (such as deteriorating fiberglass insulation or cooking fumes) into a much more serious indoor air quality problem. […] From the assessment done by Fisk and Mudarri, 21% of asthma cases in the United States were caused by wet environments with mold that exist in all indoor environments, such as schools, office buildings, houses, and apartments. […] Additionally, studies showing that health effects with dampness and mold in indoor environments found that increased risk of adverse health effects occurs with dampness or visible mold environments.

• #29 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’s not clear exactly what causes sick building syndrome. […] It’s probably due to a combination of things, such as: poor ventilation or poorly maintained air conditioning systems, dust, smoke, fumes or fabric fibres in the air, bright or flickering lights, problems with cleaning and layout, such as crowded desks. […] Sick building syndrome mostly happens in open-plan offices.

• #30

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/jba.2009.20

  An environment that is either too hot or too cold causes a physical reaction for occupants. […] Noise levels within the building can add further stress to occupants, whether the noise is of a low or high level, constant or intermittent, and so on. […] The NHS states that research on the cause of SBS has been ongoing since the 1970s, but no single cause has been identified.

• #31 What Is Sick Building Syndrome? – Filti

  https://filti.com/sick-building-syndrome/?srsltid=AfmBOoo8E7M6zQlPNiZr-qVYoBdY43CysBYXreGPRrshI99Y2C4xD2Lz

  Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are the most common indoor air pollutants. VOCs are primarily found in adhesives, upholstery, carpets, copy machines, manufactured wood goods, insecticides, cleaning chemicals, etc. […] Bacteria, fungi, molds, pollen, viruses, and other biological pollutants are examples of biological contaminants. […] Because of the oil crisis in 1970, building designs were made to be more airtight, to enhance the building’s energy efficiency, which meant there was less exterior air ventilation. […] Microwaves, TVs, and computers create electromagnetic radiation that ionizes the air. […] SBS is frequently related to excessive work stress or discontent, poor interpersonal interactions, and poor communication. […] Symptoms of sick building syndrome usually improve as you leave the dangerous building in question. Persistent symptoms improve if you’ve either eliminated your exposure or addressed risks within the building. Clean air is essential, and with long-term exposure to poor indoor air, the chance of lung disorders such as asthma can increase.

• #32 What Is Sick Building Syndrome And How To Avoid It? | Disruptive Technologies

  https://www.disruptive-technologies.com/explore/what-is-sick-building-syndrome-and-how-to-avoid-it

  High levels of indoor CO2 concentrations impact cognitive performance and have been associated with SBS. […] Even in modern, energy-efficient buildings, CO2 can be elevated to levels that are harmful to the health and well-being of their tenants. High levels of CO2 can lead to SBS symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, so its imperative that a building has ways to detect and reduce high concentrations of CO2 before they reach dangerous levels.

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

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

  Sick building syndrome (SBS) describes a situation whereby people experience symptoms of ill health that seem to be linked to spending time in a building but where no specific cause can be identified. […] The cause of sick building syndrome is thought to be at least in part due to changes in building and ventilation design triggered by the energy crisis in the 1970s. […] A subsequent study found that whilst sick building syndrome was associated with poor supervisor support and perception of poor physical environmental conditions at work, an association with poor air quality was also present, even when allowances were made for the psychosocial environment. […] Sick building syndrome is related to both personal and environmental risk factors. Risk factors for SBS include: Poor ventilation, High room temperature, Ineffective cleaning routines, Poor lighting, Smoking in the workplace, Air conditioning, Low humidity, Psychological factors such as stress or poor staff morale.

• #34

  https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/sick-building-syndrome/

  Specific work-related stressors are related with specific SBS symptoms. Workload and work conflict are significantly associated with general symptoms (headache, abnormal tiredness, sensation of cold or nausea). […] Sick building syndrome can also occur due to factors of the home. Laminate flooring can cause more exposure to chemicals and more resulting SBS symptoms compared to stone, tile, and cement flooring. […] Recent redecorating and new furnishings within the last year were also found to be associated with increased symptoms, along with dampness and related factors, having pets, and the presence of cockroaches.

• #35 Sick Building Syndrome Causes and Prevention

  https://www.akcp.com/index.php/2021/02/18/sick-building-syndrome-causes-and-prevention-2/

  Inadequate ventilation […] The ventilation was reduced to 5 cfm/person. This reduced ventilation rate is inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of building occupants. […] The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes. […] It is important to note that complaints may also result from other causes like a preexisting illness or other allergies, job-related stress or dissatisfaction, and psychosocial factors. […] The symptoms are more felt by the females than in males probably because more females are in secretarial jobs. […] The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes. […] The cause, management, and prevention of this condition can be achieved with the guidelines of ASHRAE.

• #36 Sick Building Syndrome | BrightHR

  https://www.brighthr.com/ca/articles/leave-and-absence/sick-building-syndrome-sbs/

  Some other causes of sick building syndrome comprise of psychological factors an individual may be going through. […] Some studies show a slight relation between the time spent in front of visual display units (VDU) and sick building syndrome. […] Some other general causes of sick building syndrome include overcrowding, heat or low humidity, and animal droppings. […] Sick building syndrome can have a direct impact on a business’s performance. […] When employees experience SBS symptoms whenever they’re at your business premises, they’re less likely to work efficiently. […] The likelihood of your employees staying with your business for longer than a few months is low. […] Some acute symptoms of sickness building syndromes, like chest tightness, nausea, frequent headaches, and respiratory symptoms, may be severe enough to prevent your employees from coming to work regularly.

• #37 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. […] These effects may be localized to a part of the building or be present throughout and are usually assumed to be caused by poor indoor air quality (IAQ). […] SBS was first identified in the 1970s, and a 1984 report by the World Health Organization suggested that up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings may have problems with IAQ sufficient to cause health symptoms. Inadequate building ventilation is the most common cause; the appearance of SBS in the mid-1970s has often been attributed to decreased ventilation standards for commercial buildings to increase energy efficiency, following the Arab oil embargo of 1973.

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

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

  During the first energy crisis in the 1970s, builders and building owners took steps to reduce energy consumption in office buildings. […] Building dcor also contributes to the issue. Many paints, carpet fibers, furniture, and even wallboard off-gas noxious fumes, sometimes for years after installation. […] The result is a chemical stew in the air that makes people ill with sick building syndrome. […] There is no specific medical test to diagnose sick building syndrome.

• #39 Sick-Building Syndrome

  https://www.webmd.com/men/features/sick-building-syndrome

  Pat was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, an ailment that had already killed a young, athletic male co-worker. She is convinced the building she worked in caused her illnesses. […] The causes are many. In the 1970s, there was a movement amongst builders and regulatory authorities to button-up buildings to save on fuels for heating and air conditioning. Many buildings became virtually air-tight. […] According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, some polluting factors include indoor combustion (heaters, ranges, smoking) and buildup of carbon monoxide and inhalable particles; volatile organic compounds such as benzene, styrene, and other solvents; and airborne-allergens and pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, and protozoans.

• #40

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

  This paper aims to discuss the causes, consequences and means of ameliorating sick building syndrome (SBS). […] The approach adopted is to review and analyse the potential causes of SBS in terms of heating and ventilation systems, temperature, indoor air pollutants, noise, lighting, hygrothermal factors and psychological factors. […] Much research has been carried out to try and establish conclusively the cause(s) of SBS. Unfortunately, this has not yet been achieved (White, 1993; Staus, 2004). […] 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. […] Other factors that have been implicated are noise, artificial lighting, control by occupants, cleaning of the workplace, stress and psychological effects (among others).

• #41 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. […] For decades, sick building syndrome has referred to a group of disorders collectively experienced by certain occupants of a building, with symptoms disappearing once they leave the building. […] 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.” […] Both specific and non-specific building-related illnesses occur in modern, air-tight, energy-efficient buildings dependent on HVAC systems rather than open windows for circulation of air. […] Illnesses caused or aggravated by specific indoor pollutants include: Legionella infection, Occupational asthma, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Inhalational fever.

• #42 An update on sick building syndrome – PubMed

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19532093/

  Purpose of review: The aim is to describe recent insight into risk factors for symptoms included in the sick building syndrome (SBS) and to give an insight into preventive work to reduce SBS. […] Recent findings: New studies have added evidence for the role of personality traits and psychosocial work environment, reactive chemistry and the inflammatory properties of indoor particles for SBS. Field studies using physiological methods and measurements of oxidative stress can lead to better understanding of the cause of SBS. […] Summary: SBS is related to both personal and environmental risk factors. In the office environment, SBS may have important economical implications. More focus is needed on the indoor environment in schools and day care centres, hospitals and nursing homes for elderly. Improvements of the home environment may be the most cost-effective way to reduce the burden of indoor exposure. The link between indoor and outdoor air pollution should not be neglected, and the role of energy saving and climate changes will be an important future issue.

• #43 Sick Building Syndrome: Indoor Air Quality Explained – IAQ.Works

  https://iaq.works/terms/sick-building-syndrome-indoor-air-quality-explained/

  Each of these factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality, which in turn can lead to the development of SBS. […] Preventing Sick Building Syndrome involves addressing the underlying causes of poor indoor air quality. […] Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is also crucial, as these systems can become a source of pollutants if not properly maintained. […] The design of a building can play a significant role in preventing Sick Building Syndrome. […] Building materials can also impact indoor air quality. […] Regular maintenance of a buildings HVAC system is crucial in preventing Sick Building Syndrome. […] Understanding the causes of SBS and taking steps to improve indoor air quality can help to prevent this syndrome.

• #44 Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness – Green Building Supply

  https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/blogs/learn/sick-building-syndrome-related-illness?srsltid=AfmBOoo5bO_RD2I1h1KxL801xMEPnCU9gZyv7VEfoVF5oNv_8jBv2JbI

  These elements may act in combination, and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting. […] SBS and BRI are associated with acute or immediate health problems; radon and asbestos cause long-term diseases which occur years after exposure, and are therefore not considered to be among the causes of sick buildings.

• #45

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/jba.2009.20

  The cause of SBS is usually directed to several factors that work in combination and build up to a point at which people within the area start to be physically affected. The main cause of SBS is believed to be related to the quality and effectiveness of the internal ventilation system. […] Poor ventilation rates and ineffective circulation of air is held as the main cause of SBS. […] The main contributors to SBS include the following. […] VOCs are carbon-based (organic) compounds that have a high vapour and low water solubility, and therefore evaporate at ambient temperatures within a building. […] Internal sources of pollution mainly consist of the synthetic materials within furnishings and the fabric of the building that may release volatile organic contaminants (VOCs). […] External emissions such as car exhaust fumes and other industrial pollutants add to the poor indoor air quality, as they gain entry via intended and non-intended openings within the building fabric.

• #46 Sick Building Syndrome Causes | IQAir

  https://www.iqair.com/us/newsroom/sick-building-syndrome-and-airborne-contaminants?srsltid=AfmBOooKvjf1wJvRMZz6bQEDQaIFaOfka49LFOvdkfAa5jWoLV_Mv6_J

  Indoor contaminants can affect air quality alone or in combination with one another. […] Because the variables are so vast, Sick Building Syndrome can be extremely difficult to diagnose. […] All of these symptoms can be related to indoor air quality. […] Building managers and facilities managers should learn to recognize the potential sources and symptoms of sick building syndrome and be ready to take corrective action quickly when needed.

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

  https://maineindoorair.org/sick-building-syndrome/

  Inadequate ventilation, which may also occur if heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building, is thought to be an important factor in SBS. […] Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. […] Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. […] Biological contaminants: Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. […] These elements may act in combination, and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting. […] Even after a building investigation, however, the specific causes of the complaints may remain unknown.

• #48 Sick Building Syndrome | Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Environmental Health

  http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/safety/sick-building-syndrome.htm

  More than half of all Americans spend their working time in offices or office-like setting thatat least on the surfacelook like healthy environments. Ironically, up to 60 percent of office workers report at least one health problem attributable to their workplace. […] The most common problems blamed on the office environment include headaches, eye, nose or throat irritation, cough, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. When such complaints affect a significant number of workers in a particular site, the problem is often referred to as „sick building syndrome” or „building-related illness”. […] In a small number of cases, clearly identifiable causes can be identified: biological contaminants (like mold) in the air that trigger allergic reactions; elevated carbon monoxide levels that cause headaches and nausea; and chemical fumes that cause eye, nose and throat irritation.

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