Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) refers to a situation where people experience various symptoms while inside a building, including headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and respiratory issues, which improve or disappear once they leave. More specifically, the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine defines SBS as “a group of mucosal, skin, and general symptoms that are temporally related to working in particular buildings.” The Journal also states that why it is the occupants who experience these symptoms, it is the house or building that is the underlying cause.
Sick Building Syndrome can affect anyone who spends significant time in the affected building, particularly if the building’s air quality is compromised. Addressing SBS involves identifying and correcting sources of pollution, improving ventilation, and maintaining clean air filters.
If you’re concerned about Sick Building Syndrome in your building, Lex Air in Carrollton, TX, can help. Our team specializes in assessing indoor air quality and implementing effective solutions to create a healthier environment. Contact us today at (972) 217-8955 to ensure your home or commercial property is safe and comfortable!
Sick-Building Syndrome Symptoms
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms include headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, respiratory issues, and general discomfort. People affected might experience these symptoms while inside a particular building, and they may notice they drastically improve or disappear completely when they leave.
Other common signs include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and nausea. These symptoms are often linked to poor indoor air quality, insufficient ventilation, or the presence of contaminants such as mold or chemicals. If you or others in your building are experiencing these symptoms regularly, it might be time to address potential air quality issues to create a healthier and more comfortable environment.
What Causes Sick-Building Syndrome?
Sick Building Syndrome can be caused by several factors, including the following:
- Inadequate ventilation often leads to a buildup of indoor pollutants and poor air quality.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from products like paints and cleaning agents can also contribute to symptoms.
- Outdoor air pollution may enter through poor sealing or ventilation systems, affecting indoor air quality.
- Biological contaminants such as mold and mildew can thrive in buildings with high humidity or poor maintenance.
Addressing these issues by improving ventilation, controlling moisture, and reducing VOCs in your home can help reduce the risk of Sick Building Syndrome. For help identifying the culprit and implementing indoor air quality improvement solutions, contact the IAQ pros at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating today!
Inadequate Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation occurs when a building’s air conditioning systems fail to provide sufficient fresh air exchange with the outside environment. This can happen due to poor system design, malfunctioning equipment, or blocked vents.
When ventilation is insufficient, indoor pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biological contaminants accumulate, leading to poor ventilation rates and indoor environmental quality. This buildup can cause various symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome, such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues.
Improving ventilation through regular maintenance and ensuring proper air circulation can help alleviate these problems and enhance the overall comfort and health of building occupants.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemical contaminants released from indoor sources such as adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, and manufactured wood products. These compounds contribute to indoor air pollution and building related illness by off-gassing into the environment, especially in buildings with poor ventilation.
Exposure to VOCs can lead to a number of different symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome, including headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory issues. Additionally, environmental tobacco smoke can exacerbate the effects of VOCs, further impacting health.
Addressing VOCs involves improving ventilation and selecting low-emission materials to reduce their presence and enhance indoor air quality.
Outdoor Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution, particularly from sources like motor vehicle exhaust, can also significantly impact indoor air quality and contribute to Sick Building Syndrome. Air pollutants from vehicles and other sources can seep into buildings through gaps in windows, doors, and ventilation systems.
Once inside, these chemical contaminants from outdoor sources mix with indoor air, potentially causing a range of health issues such as respiratory irritation, headaches, and general discomfort. To combat this problem, it’s important to enhance building seals and improve ventilation systems to limit the entry of outdoor pollutants and maintain a healthier indoor environment.
Biological Contaminants
Biological contaminants, such as pollen, bacteria, and molds, are significant contributors to Sick Building Syndrome. These contaminants thrive in indoor environments with issues like water-stained ceiling tiles, poor lighting, and inadequate HVAC systems. For instance, molds often grow in damp areas caused by leaks or water damage, while bacteria can proliferate in dirty HVAC systems. Poor indoor temperature control and unsuitable building materials can also worsen these problems, and high levels of carbon monoxide from things like faulty heating systems can heighten health issues even more.
Exposure to these biological agents and pollutants can lead to building-related diseases, such as respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and general discomfort. Like with other air quality concerns, addressing these issues involves improving ventilation, maintaining a clean HVAC system, and managing indoor moisture to create a healthier living space.
Impact of HVAC Systems on Indoor Air Quality
HVAC systems greatly influence indoor air quality and can affect symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Poorly maintained or outdated HVAC systems can exacerbate SBS symptoms by circulating contaminated air, including dust, mold, and volatile organic compounds. Inadequate ventilation and dirty air filters can further contribute to indoor air pollution.
As such, a well-maintained HVAC system with clean filters and proper ventilation can alleviate SBS symptoms by improving air circulation, reducing contaminants, and ensuring a more comfortable indoor environment. Regular maintenance and upgrades to HVAC systems are essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and reducing SBS-related issues.
How To Test for Sick-Building Syndrome
Testing your house or building for Sick Building Syndrome involves identifying both physical and psychological factors affecting occupants. Common symptoms include:
- Skin irritation
- Chest tightness
- Throat irritation
- Nonspecific symptoms like headaches and fatigue
Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the building’s indoor environment, checking for mold, poor ventilation, and chemical contaminants. Use air quality tests to measure pollutants and guarantee proper functioning of HVAC systems and document any cases of building-related illnesses among occupants.
If you’re not sure where to start, a Carrollton HVAC professional on our team can conduct an air quality assessment and help identify areas of concern and room for improvement. Simply call to set up your appointment today!
How To Cure Sick-Building Syndrome
Unfortunately, Sick Building Syndrome is not something that can be cured with a pill or a good night’s sleep. The only way to combat it is to address the root of the problem.
You’ll want to start by identifying if there is a specific illness among the building’s occupants and look for clearly identifiable causes such as poor air quality or mold. With the help of an IAQ specialist like those at Lex Air, you can then pinpoint areas of concern and create a plan to address them. These plans often include improving ventilation, installing air purification systems like air scrubbers and dehumidifiers, prioritizing regular cleaning and maintenance practices, and upgrading old or outdated heating or air conditioning systems.
Increasing Ventilation
Increasing ventilation is a key strategy to address whatever building-related disease that may be affecting you. This is because well-ventilated areas help dilute indoor pollutants and reduce levels of carbon dioxide, which can accumulate in enclosed spaces. As a result, improving air circulation helps maintain better indoor air quality and can alleviate symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.
Regularly refreshing the air by opening windows, using ventilation systems, and employing air purifiers can contribute to a healthier environment, reducing the impact of Sick Building Syndrome and enhancing overall comfort.
Air Scrubbers and Dehumidifiers
Air scrubbers and dehumidifiers are effective tools for addressing Sick Building Syndrome. Air scrubbers help by filtering out airborne pollutants like dust, mold spores, and chemicals, thereby improving indoor air quality. They work by trapping contaminants in specialized filters, which reduces their concentration in the air. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, help manage indoor humidity levels, which helps prevent mold growth and reduces the proliferation of allergens.
Together, these devices help create a healthier environment by removing harmful particles and maintaining optimal humidity, which can alleviate symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
To tackle Sick Building Syndrome, keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance is key. By frequently dusting and washing surfaces, you prevent the accumulation of pollutants like dust and mold. It’s also important to fix any leaks or water damage promptly to stop mold growth.
Maintaining your HVAC system—such as by cleaning air ducts and changing your filters—also helps ensure the air stays cleaner. These simple steps can create a healthier indoor environment and can reduce the symptoms associated with SBS.
HVAC Upgrades
Many buildings with Sick Building Syndrome can greatly benefit from HVAC upgrades. Updating these systems can significantly improve indoor air quality by enhancing air filtration and ventilation. A more modern, energy-efficient HVAC system helps manage pollutants more effectively and maintains better control over temperature and humidity, which can reduce symptoms like headaches and respiratory issues.
Additionally, regular maintenance and timely upgrades to commercial HVAC systems support better occupational safety, increase overall comfort, and alleviate the effects of Sick Building Syndrome.
How To Prevent Sick-Building Syndrome
To prevent Sick Building Syndrome in homes, commercial buildings, and office spaces, property owners should focus on improving the environment. To effectively improve indoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends maintaining good ventilation, controlling indoor pollutants, and using natural materials where possible.
You’ll also want to make sure the building has adequate natural light and is kept clean to reduce dust and mold growth. Regularly maintaining HVAC systems to keep air quality in check and designing specific rooms to support good airflow and manage indoor temperature are also advisable steps to prevent SBS. By confronting these factors, families, building occupants, and office workers alike can enjoy a healthier environment that supports their overall health and well-being.
How Lex Air Conditioning Can Help in the Fight Against Sick-Building Syndrome
Our team at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating is dedicated to addressing Sick Building Syndrome by improving indoor air quality in Carrollton, TX homes and commercial buildings. Our team of heating and air conditioning engineers can assess and enhance your HVAC systems to better control temperature, ventilation, and humidity. We can also conduct an investigation of your space to find other potential causes of SBS and come up with an appropriate solution. Whether it’s improving air circulation in a particular room or upgrading your entire system, we focus on solutions that reduce pollutants, increase comfort, and keep our customers safe, happy, and healthy.
By choosing Lex Air, you’re taking a significant step towards a healthier home or work environment. Contact us today at (972) 217-8955 or send us a message online to discuss how we can help you improve the air you breathe.
