Sick building syndrome

Sick building syndrome
Name	Sick building syndrome
Synonyms	Building-related illness, Tight building syndrome
Symptoms	Headache, dizziness, nausea, eye/nose/throat irritation, fatigue
Complications	Reduced productivity, increased absenteeism
Onset	Often linked to time spent in a specific building
Duration	Symptoms often resolve after leaving the building
Causes	Inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants, biological contaminants
Risks	Office work in sealed buildings, poor maintenance
Diagnosis	Based on symptom pattern and building investigation
Prevention	Improved ventilation, source control, maintenance
Treatment	Removal from source, remediation of building

Sick building syndrome. It is a condition where occupants of a building experience acute health and comfort effects that appear linked to time spent within that structure, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The term gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s with the rise of energy-efficient, sealed office buildings. These health complaints are often widespread among occupants and typically improve after individuals leave the building.

Definition and overview

The World Health Organization first described the phenomenon in 1982, noting it as a collection of nonspecific symptoms reported by a significant number of building occupants. Unlike Building-related illness, which involves a diagnosable disease like Legionnaires' disease or Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, this syndrome lacks a clear single causative agent. The concept became particularly relevant following the 1973 oil crisis, which led to reduced ventilation rates in new construction to conserve energy. Landmark buildings like the Portland Public Service Building have been studied in relation to occupant health complaints, highlighting the role of modern architectural design.

Causes and contributing factors

Inadequate ventilation is a primary factor, often due to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that do not meet standards set by organizations like the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Chemical contaminants from indoor sources are major contributors, including volatile organic compounds emitted from carpets, adhesives, photocopiers, and cleaning agents like Formaldehyde. Outdoor pollutants such as motor vehicle exhaust from garages can also enter the building. Biological contaminants include mold, pollen, and bacteria that can proliferate in stagnant water within humidifiers or drain pans. The widespread use of materials like Asbestos and lead paint in older buildings can also contribute to poor indoor environmental quality.

Symptoms and health effects

Reported symptoms are diverse and nonspecific, often involving mucous membrane irritation such as in the eyes, nose, and throat. Neurological symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are common. Some individuals report nausea, chest tightness, and sensitivity to odors. The health effects typically do not lead to permanent illness but can significantly impact productivity and increase absenteeism in workplaces like those studied by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The symptoms often resemble those of other conditions, making individual diagnosis challenging.

Diagnosis and assessment

Diagnosis relies heavily on identifying a pattern of symptoms among multiple occupants of a specific building, often coordinated by professionals from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or environmental consultants. A thorough building investigation includes evaluating the HVAC system performance, measuring levels of carbon dioxide as an indicator of ventilation adequacy, and screening for contaminants like radon or particulates. Industrial hygiene surveys may assess temperature, relative humidity, and air movement. Questionnaires, such as those developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, are used to correlate symptom prevalence with time spent in different zones of the building, such as the World Trade Center offices prior to 2001.

Prevention and mitigation

Prevention strategies focus on source control, improved ventilation, and air cleaning. This includes selecting low-emission materials during construction or renovation, as promoted by standards like those from the Green Building Council for LEED certification. Increasing ventilation rates and ensuring proper maintenance of systems like those at the Sears Tower are critical. Effective mitigation may involve removing contamination sources, such as replacing water-damaged carpets, and using air purifiers. Regular maintenance to prevent mold growth and proper use of pesticides are also essential. Education of building managers and occupants, as practiced by facilities like the Johnson Space Center, plays a key role in ongoing prevention.

Legal and regulatory aspects

Legal implications often arise under occupational health statutes enforced by agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the United States or the Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom. Building owners and employers may face liability for failing to provide a safe workplace, as established in precedents involving companies like DuPont. Regulations such as the Clean Air Act influence indoor air quality standards indirectly. In some jurisdictions, "right-to-know" laws require disclosure of hazardous materials. Notable litigation has occurred following outbreaks of illness in buildings such as certain EPA regional offices, shaping policies and prompting stricter adherence to ventilation guidelines from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Category:Occupational diseases Category:Indoor air quality Category:Syndromes