What is Sick Building
Syndrome?
Coined in the 1970s, the term "sick building syndrome",
describes the presence of common symptoms amongst a significant
population of the occupants of a particular building; the symptoms
being present when they are in the building but absent when
out of the building. There are a number of theories as to the
cause but the evidence suggests that it is the result of long-term
contact with low-levels of chemicals, such as in an office with
poor ventilation. As a result of this exposure, some people
develop sensitivity and have reactions to the chemicals even
at low levels that most people can tolerate.
There are multiple and seemingly unrelated symptoms which range
from specific symptoms such as itchy eyes, skin rashes, and
nasal allergy symptoms, to more vague symptoms such as fatigue,
aches and pains, and sensitivity to odours.
The US Environmental Protection Agency reported that sick building
syndrome is probable when the following circumstances are found:
-
Symptoms are related
to the amount of time spent in a particular building or part
of a building
-
Symptoms relieve
when the affected individuals are not in the building
-
Symptoms recur seasonally
(heating, cooling)
-
A significant proportion
of the occupants have noted similar complaints
Sick building syndrome manifests
as multiple symptoms dependent on individuals and is not a specific
building related illness (a term used for situations in which
signs and symptoms of diagnosable illness are readily identified
and can be attributed directly to specific airborne building
contaminants or pathogens). The cause(s) of symptoms in cases
of sick building syndrome are often hard to identify and in
many cases a range of factors appear to contribute.
Although the problem of sick building syndrome has long been
recognised, there are limited statistics regarding the extent
of the problem.
A report by the World Health Organization (1984) suggested,
“…up to 30% of new and renovated buildings worldwide
may generate excessive complaints related to indoor air quality….
this high rate may be associated with modern construction materials
that release irritating volatile organic chemicals”.
In another US report, 24% of office workers, questioned at random,
reported poor air quality in their work place and 20% believed
this impaired their ability to do their job effectively.
Once a sick building has been “diagnosed” measures
need to be taken to ensure the cause(s) are removed to make
it safe for the occupants.
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