Sick Building Syndrome - What Is It?

Attention business proprietors: Have you been receiving complaints from your employees about headaches, nausea, or fatigue while working in the office? Are building managers constantly called to address HVAC system concerns by tenants, even when there seems to be no apparent issue? If so, it's possible that your employees and tenants are suffering from Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

Sick building syndrome in UAE

The term "Sick Building Syndrome" is sometimes used inconsistently and is often confused with the subsequent topic, Building-Related Illness. In this article, we adhere to the official EPA definition: "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." Typically, individuals experiencing Sick Building Syndrome tend to feel better shortly after leaving the building.

Indicators of Sick Building Syndrome

As per the EPA, the primary indicator of Sick Building Syndrome is occupants in the building reporting non-life-threatening symptoms 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."

Nevertheless, it is not imperative for every individual in the building to experience these symptoms for an issue to be identified. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), "Some people may be more sensitive than others or have pre-existing health conditions. Some people may be exposed to more contaminants in the building than others and they may experience symptoms earlier than other people, or experience more severe symptoms." For example, someone with allergies sitting in close proximity to a moldy air conditioning vent is more likely to experience symptoms than someone without allergies sitting across the room. The crucial point is to take employee and tenant reports of health effects seriously, irrespective of whether everyone is undergoing the same symptoms to the same extent.

What Triggers Sick Building Syndrome?

Given that the causes of Sick Building Syndrome remain unidentified by definition, the primary responsibility for a building manager is to identify the potential cause. Once the underlying cause of Sick Building Syndrome is pinpointed, it transforms from a generic condition into a specific and resolvable issue. A survey conducted by NIOSH in 203 indoor spaces with complaints of Sick Building Syndrome revealed the following common causes, listed in order of prevalence:

1. Inadequate ventilation: Leads to "low levels of multiple contaminants."

2. Indoor contaminants: Examples include fumes from pesticides or office equipment.

3. Infiltration of outdoor contaminants: Such as vehicle exhaust.

4. Unknown causes

5. Humidity: Many issues perceived as poor office air quality stem from high or low humidity rather than contaminants.

6. Building materials: Construction materials may emit volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, and fiberglass particles can become airborne irritants.

7. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Described by the American Lung Association as lung inflammation resulting from an allergic reaction to organic material.

8. Cigarette smoke: The study was conducted during a time when smoking was more prevalent in offices.

9. Noise or lighting: Elevated noise levels or improper lighting can induce stress, eye fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms.

10. Scabies: Fortunately, these skin-burrowing arachnids were only identified in a single workplace.

SBS can also be caused by various other factors, ranging from complex issues like HVAC temperature imbalances to simpler problems like poorly designed ergonomic desk chairs. As evident, not every case of Sick Building Syndrome is linked to air quality, and a diverse range of potential culprits exists.

Even in the presence of a problem, not all individuals in the office will necessarily experience symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome. (Image credit: Getty / praetorianphoto)

Actions Building Managers Can Take to Address SBS

1. Engage in communication with building occupants to identify their symptoms and pinpoint specific locations within the building where these symptoms are prevalent. This initial dialogue can offer insights into whether the issue is widespread or localized.

2. Conduct a thorough walkthrough of the affected area to identify any apparent air quality issues, such as blocked vents, visible mold, or improperly stored volatile materials.

3. Establish a potential cause based on the observed evidence.

4. Address the identified cause to assess whether it leads to symptom alleviation. It may be necessary to explore multiple hypotheses before finding a successful solution.

5. If initial attempts to resolve the problem prove unsuccessful, consider conducting air quality testing in the office. Refer to our earlier breakdown of testing methods for more information. A professional test can uncover additional contaminants that require specialized mitigation.

Is Sick Building Syndrome Valid?

Sick Building Syndrome is recognized by authoritative bodies such as the EPA and the CCOHS. However, it is crucial to recognize that SBS describes the subjective experiences of building occupants rather than a specific disease. Consequently, when no definitive air quality issue is identified, an employee's encounter with SBS may be more psychological than physical. A UK study suggested that "The physical environment of office buildings appears to be less important than features of the psychosocial work environment in explaining differences in the prevalence of symptoms."

It's important to note that this doesn't imply that Sick Building Syndrome is not real. As highlighted by an investigation into SBS cases in Finland, "The split between psychological and physical is flawed." If, despite thorough investigation, employees continue to experience SBS symptoms, your company may need to address concerns related to employee morale and corporate culture. Demonstrating care for their well-being by improving office air quality can be a significant step in enhancing morale.

SBS - Sick building syndrome

Seeking guidance from air quality experts can prove invaluable in resolving Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) concerns. (Image credit: Getty / Yuri_Arcurs) A man and woman sitting together, reviewing data at a conference table in their office.

Irrespective of whether an employee or tenant exhibits symptoms of SBS, the objective remains to identify the root cause and take corrective measures. This not only benefits the affected individuals but also contributes to the overall well-being of your company.

For professional assistance in tackling indoor air quality issues, reach out to ActivePure today.