Sick house symptoms. Sick Building Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Indoor Air Quality Issues

10.08.202327.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common symptoms of sick building syndrome. How can indoor air quality be improved in office buildings. What factors contribute to poor air quality in buildings. How is sick building syndrome diagnosed and treated. What preventive measures can reduce the risk of sick building syndrome.

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Understanding Sick Building Syndrome: An Overview

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition associated with spending time in a building or enclosed space, typically attributed to poor indoor air quality. While the exact cause remains unknown, SBS is characterized by a range of symptoms that occupants experience while inside certain buildings. These symptoms tend to improve or disappear after leaving the building.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 30% of new and remodeled buildings may have poor indoor air quality. This statistic highlights the prevalence and importance of addressing SBS in modern structures.

Key Characteristics of Sick Building Syndrome

Symptoms are associated with time spent in a specific building
Multiple occupants experience similar symptoms
No specific cause or illness can be identified
Symptoms alleviate upon leaving the building

Common Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome manifests through a variety of symptoms that can affect different parts of the body. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for identifying potential cases of SBS.

Most Frequently Reported Symptoms

Mucous membrane irritation (eyes, nose, throat)
Headaches
Unusual tiredness or fatigue
Dry or itchy skin
Difficulty concentrating
Nausea
Dizziness

Is there a specific pattern to SBS symptoms? Yes, the hallmark of SBS symptoms is their tight temporal association with building occupancy. Affected individuals typically experience rapid symptom onset when entering the building and quick resolution, often within minutes to hours, upon leaving the premises.

Differentiating Sick Building Syndrome from Building-Related Illnesses

While sick building syndrome and building-related illnesses (BRI) both stem from indoor environmental issues, they differ in several key aspects. Understanding these differences is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Characteristics of Building-Related Illnesses

Specific medical conditions with identifiable causes
May result in substantial medical morbidity
Less common than SBS
Include conditions like asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and rhinosinusitis

How do SBS and BRI differ in terms of prevalence and severity? SBS is generally more prevalent and characterized by subjective, reversible symptoms. In contrast, BRIs are less common but can lead to more serious medical consequences. However, it’s worth noting that BRIs are often accompanied by SBS symptoms among coworkers, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.

Factors Contributing to Poor Indoor Air Quality

Numerous factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality, which is believed to be the primary cause of sick building syndrome. Identifying and addressing these factors is crucial for improving building environments and reducing the risk of SBS.

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Inadequate ventilation systems
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources (e.g., adhesives, carpeting, cleaning products)
Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources (e.g., vehicle exhaust, plumbing vents)
Biological contaminants (e.g., bacteria, molds, pollen)
Electromagnetic radiation
Poor lighting
Thermal comfort issues

What role does ventilation play in indoor air quality? Adequate ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of pollutants and contribute to SBS symptoms. Properly designed and maintained HVAC systems can help remove contaminants and regulate temperature and humidity levels, reducing the risk of SBS.

Diagnosing Sick Building Syndrome

Diagnosing sick building syndrome can be challenging due to its subjective nature and the lack of specific diagnostic tests. However, certain approaches can help identify potential cases of SBS.

Steps in SBS Diagnosis

Gather detailed patient history, including symptom patterns and building-related information
Conduct physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions
Perform environmental assessments of the building
Analyze occupant complaints and symptom patterns
Consider epidemiological studies if multiple occupants are affected

Why is diagnosing SBS often difficult? The lack of specific biomarkers or diagnostic tests for SBS makes it challenging to definitively diagnose the condition. Additionally, symptoms can be similar to other health issues, requiring careful differentiation. Diagnosis often relies on a combination of occupant reports, environmental assessments, and the exclusion of other potential causes.

Treatment and Management of Sick Building Syndrome

While there is no specific cure for sick building syndrome, various approaches can help manage symptoms and improve indoor environments. Treatment typically focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of poor indoor air quality.

Strategies for Managing SBS

Improve ventilation systems
Remove or reduce sources of indoor air pollution
Use air cleaning devices
Implement regular building maintenance
Educate occupants on indoor air quality issues
Consider relocating sensitive individuals

Can SBS symptoms be completely eliminated? In many cases, addressing the underlying causes of SBS can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms. However, some individuals may remain sensitive to indoor environments even after improvements are made. Ongoing monitoring and management of indoor air quality are often necessary to maintain a healthy building environment.

Preventing Sick Building Syndrome

Prevention is key when it comes to sick building syndrome. Implementing proactive measures can help maintain good indoor air quality and reduce the risk of SBS.

Preventive Measures for SBS

Design buildings with adequate ventilation systems
Use low-emitting building materials and furnishings
Implement regular cleaning and maintenance protocols
Control humidity levels to prevent mold growth
Conduct regular indoor air quality assessments
Educate building occupants on maintaining good indoor air quality
Establish clear policies for reporting and addressing indoor environmental concerns

How effective are preventive measures in reducing SBS risk? When implemented comprehensively, preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of SBS. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and prompt addressing of environmental issues are crucial for maintaining healthy indoor environments. However, it’s important to note that complete elimination of all potential risk factors may not always be feasible, and ongoing vigilance is necessary.

The Impact of Sick Building Syndrome on Occupational Health

Sick building syndrome can have significant implications for occupational health, affecting both employee well-being and workplace productivity. Understanding these impacts is crucial for employers and building managers to address SBS effectively.

Occupational Health Consequences of SBS

Reduced worker productivity
Increased absenteeism
Higher healthcare costs
Potential legal liabilities
Negative impact on employee morale

How does SBS affect workplace productivity? Studies have shown that SBS can lead to a significant decrease in worker productivity. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating can impair cognitive function and work performance. Additionally, increased absenteeism due to SBS-related symptoms can further impact overall workplace productivity.

Addressing sick building syndrome requires a multifaceted approach involving building design, maintenance, and occupant education. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for SBS, building owners and occupants can work together to create healthier indoor environments. Ongoing research continues to shed light on this complex issue, paving the way for more effective solutions in the future.

NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search – 20031618

Sick building syndrome and building-related illness.

Authors

Kreiss K

Source

Environmental and occupational medicine, 4th edition. Rom WN, Markowitz SB, eds. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006 Dec; :1373-1380

Link

https://shop.lww.com/Environmental-and-Occupational-Medicine/p/9780781762991

NIOSHTIC No.

20031618

Abstract

Since the late 1970s, consultants and public health agencies at the local, state, and federal levels have been barraged with requests for investigative assistance to determine the origins of and solutions to complaints of office workers regarding their indoor environments. The most frequent constellation of building-associated complaints is called sick building syndrome. It consists of mucous membrane irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; headache; unusual tiredness or fatigue; and, less frequently, dry or itchy skin. The hallmark of these symptoms is their tight temporal association with building occupancy and their rapid resolution, within minutes to hours, when affected office workers leave implicated buildings. Sick building syndrome is distinguished from more medically serious building-related illness by its subjective nature, reversibility, and high prevalence within implicated buildings and across the nonindustrial building stock in North America and Europe. Building-related illnesses include asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, inhalation fever, rhinosinusitis, and infection. In contrast to sick building syndrome, these building-related illnesses are less common and may result in substantial medical morbidity. Building related asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and rhinosinusitis are usually accompanied by sick building syndrome symptoms among coworkers. Whether similar etiologies contribute to sick building syndrome and these building-related illnesses is still speculative.

Keywords

Risk-factors; Industrial-environment; Industrial-exposures; Ventilation-systems; Air-contamination; Air-quality; Indoor-air-pollution; Workplace-studies; Closed-building-syndrome; Respiratory-system-disorders; Bronchial-asthma; Office-workers; Respiratory-hypersensitivity; Epidemiology; Indoor-environmental-quality

Publication Date

20061201

Document Type

Chapter

Editors

Rom WN; Markowitz SB

Fiscal Year

2007

ISBN No.

9780781762991

NIOSH Division

DRDS

Source Name

Environmental and occupational medicine, 4th edition

State

Sick Building Syndrome: Testing, Treatment, and Prevention

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Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on September 18, 2018

What is sick building syndrome?

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a name for a condition that’s thought to be caused by being in a building or other type of enclosed space. It’s 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.

Sometimes diagnosing SBS can be difficult because of the wide range of symptoms. These can also mimic other conditions, such as the common cold. The key to SBS is that your symptoms improve after leaving the building in question, only to come back when you return to the same location. If you notice recurring symptoms that seem to appear whenever you’re in a particular building, you may consider investigating sick building syndrome as the cause.

SBS symptoms can affect your skin, respiratory, and neurological systems. You may mistakenly self-diagnose yourself with a cold or flu.

Among the possible symptoms are:

throat irritation
breathing difficulties
tightness in the chest
runny nose
allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing
burning sensations in the nose
dry, itchy skin rashes
headaches
dizziness
difficulty concentrating
forgetfulness
fatigue
irritability
nausea
body aches
fever
chills

If you have allergies or a current respiratory illness, you may notice an increased severity in your symptoms. For example, people with asthma might be at a higher risk for asthma attacks due to SBS.

It’s also important to note that SBS affects everyone differently. While everyone who spends time in a particular space might go through some of the above symptoms, these can vary. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Others may experience symptoms after leaving the building in question — this may be due to repeated or long-term exposure.

The term “sick building syndrome” is used when the exact cause of your symptoms can’t 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, it’s difficult to pinpoint one single cause. You might be able to work with your employer to eliminate possible risk factors. This way, you can get to the source of the problem.

Diagnosing SBS involves a process of elimination. Your doctor will rule out other conditions that could mimic sick building symptoms, such as a cold, asthma, or allergies. They will also ask you about your work and home environment.

You may consider keeping a journal to record your symptoms. Write down when and where they start, as well as when they go away. Also, be as specific about your symptoms as you can.

The symptoms of sick building syndrome most often get better once you leave the hazardous building in question. Persistent symptoms improve once you’ve either eliminated your exposure, or when hazards inside the building are removed. In some cases, long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to lung diseases, such as asthma.

Unfortunately, you may not be able to tell if an indoor space has poor air quality factors that can make you feel sick. Still, you may be able to take preventive measures to reduce your risk of SBS.

You can help decrease your own risk factors for sick building syndrome by:

taking regular breaks outside of the building by eating lunch outdoors, for example
opening your windows to get some fresh air, if possible (you may want to avoid this during high levels of outdoor pollen, though)
giving your eyes a break by looking away from your computer
standing at your desk or walking around your office
using caution with any indoor chemicals, such as bleach and insecticides

Last medically reviewed on September 8, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Indoor air facts: Sick building syndrome. (n.d.).
epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-facts-no-4-sick-building-syndrome
Joshi SM. (2008). The sick building syndrome.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796751/
Sick building syndrome. (2014).
nhs.uk/conditions/Sick-building-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
The inside story: A guide to indoor air quality. (n.d.).
cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Home/The-Inside-Story-A-Guide-to-Indoor-Air-Quality/

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Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on September 18, 2018

Sick at home syndrome: how to avoid negative consequences? | Raadio 4

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24.10.2018

Surely you know the feeling when at home or at work there is a feeling of fatigue, apathy and malaise. Perhaps these are symptoms of “Sick Building Syndrome”. What to do – change jobs, move? It is unlikely that these options are easy to implement.

Experts suggest installing air purifiers, regularly ventilating the room, getting plants with large leaves in pots, or, if the air is too dry, you can install a humidifier. Can these measures solve the problem of “sick” premises?

According to Olga Center, doctoral student at the TalTech Faculty of Economics, Sick Building Syndrome characterizes a health condition in which people who spend time in a certain building feel unwell. At the same time, there are no visible reasons for this.

“This term was adopted by the World Health Organization as early as 1982. According to the organization, symptoms can worsen if a person spends a lot of time in a “sick” building and disappear as soon as the person leaves it. This syndrome leads to significant loss productivity and quality of life for those affected. The organization notes that the most common symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome are: eye irritation, nasal irritation, difficulty breathing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, bleeding. for example: irritation of the upper respiratory tract, difficulty swallowing The person may experience dry, itchy or irritated skin, a rash may be less specific symptoms such as headache, irritability, low concentration If Sick Building Syndrome occurs, it is necessary to begin to deal with its likely This can be helped by thorough cleaning of the premises, ensuring good ventilation of the building, improving comfort factors: establishing the optimal temperature, humidity and lighting, lowering the noise level,” Olga Center said, noting that there are also chemical pollution that affect well-being of the person in the building.

“These contaminants can be both external and internal. Internal are poor quality materials such as carpeting, furniture, work chairs, textiles or cleaning products that cause various secretions that affect the human respiratory tract. Let’s not forget about gas and heating appliances that cause carbon monoxide.There is also biological pollution.These are bacteria, dust and mold. Dust is a big problem in offices, because in many rooms there is not so much attention to cleaning dust.Another factor is electromagnetic radiation.It is advisable to equip keep your place as far away from the socket as possible. You can’t keep a laptop on your lap, because it also emits radiation, which can affect the reproductive organs of both men and women,” said Olga Center, adding that in Tallinn, for example, there are companies that provide services that allow you to determine how much a room is harmful to human health.

“Specialists in such firms come to the indicated premises, they bring their equipment, examine all the necessary data, explain and advise. You can also buy the necessary devices on the Internet and conduct the necessary research. There is nothing difficult in this, just look at the numbers, which should be within the norm and by the numbers that the device shows. And after the comparison, you can understand how harmful the room is or not,” said Olga Tsenter, a doctoral student at the TalTech Faculty of Economics.

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Memo on Coronavirus Prevention Measures — GAUZ GKB 2

90 102 Instructions for the prevention of a new coronavirus infection for patients

Symptoms of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are similar to those of regular (seasonal) flu:

fever
headache
weakness
cough
shortness of breath

90 152 muscle pain

nausea
vomiting
diarrhea

7 steps to prevent coronavirus infection:

0176 entertainment events, transport during rush hour;
2. Use a disposable medical mask (respirator) in public places,
changing it every 2-3 hours.
3. Avoid close contact and stay in the same room with people who
have visible signs of SARS (cough, sneezing, nasal discharge).
4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after returning from the street, contact with
strangers.
5. Disinfect gadgets, office equipment, and surfaces you touch.
6. If possible, limit close hugs and handshakes when greeting.
7. Use only personal hygiene items (towel,
toothbrush)

5 RULES for suspected coronavirus infection:

1. Stay at home. If you feel worse, call
a doctor, inform him about the places of your stay for the last 2 weeks,
, possible contacts. Strictly follow
doctor’s recommendations.
2. Minimize contact with healthy people, especially the elderly and those aged
chronic diseases. It is better for one person to take care of the sick.
3. Cover your mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. In their absence, sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
4. Use personal hygiene items and disposable tableware.
5. Keep the room wet with disinfectant and
ventilate frequently.

Put on a mask – protect yourself from influenza and SARS

In anticipation of the seasonal rise in the incidence of influenza and other respiratory viral infections, Rospotrebnadzor reminds us of the advisability of using a disposable medical mask as an effective measure to prevent infection and spread of infection.
Influenza viruses are transmitted from person to person primarily through droplets of respiratory secretions that form when infected people talk, sneeze or cough. With air, these droplets can get on the surface of the mucous membrane of the
upper respiratory tract of people who are close to the virus shedder.
Also, infection can occur as a result of direct or indirect contact of a healthy person with the respiratory secretions of an infected person.
The use of a disposable medical mask prevents drops of respiratory secretions, which may contain viruses, from entering the body of a healthy person through the nose and mouth.
Wear a mask when caring for a family member with influenza.
If you have signs of a respiratory illness and need to see a doctor, wear a mask in advance to protect others in the waiting area.
Wear a mask when in crowded places during flu season.
Use the mask once, reuse of the mask is not allowed.
Change mask every 3 hours or more.
If the mask becomes damp, it should be replaced with a new one.
After using the mask, discard it and wash your hands.
Disposable medical mask, when used correctly, is a safe and effective method of preventing illness and preventing the spread of influenza.

In order to prevent the spread of cases of diseases caused by the new coronavirus in the Russian Federation, the following precautions must be observed:

RULE 1: WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP

Clean and disinfect surfaces using household detergents.
Hand hygiene is an important measure to prevent the spread of influenza and coronavirus infection. Washing with soap removes viruses. If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, use alcohol-based or disinfectant wipes.
Cleaning and regular disinfection of surfaces (tables, doorknobs, chairs, gadgets, etc.) removes viruses.

RULE 2. KEEP DISTANCE AND ETIQUETTE

Viruses are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by airborne droplets (when sneezing, coughing), so it is necessary to keep a distance of at least 1 meter from sick people.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands. Influenza virus and coronavirus are spread in these ways.
Wear a mask or other available protective equipment to reduce the risk of illness.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues, which should be discarded after use.
Avoiding unnecessary travel and visiting crowded places can reduce the risk of illness.

RULE 3. LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

A healthy lifestyle increases the body’s resistance to infection. Follow a healthy regimen, including proper sleep, consumption of foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, physical activity.

RULE 4: PROTECT YOUR RESPIRATORY WITH A MEDICAL MASK

Among other preventive measures, the wearing of masks occupies a special place, thanks to which the spread of the virus is limited.
Medical masks for respiratory protection are used:
– when visiting crowded places, traveling by public transport during an increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections;
– when caring for patients with acute respiratory viral infections;
– when communicating with persons with signs of an acute respiratory viral infection;
– at the risk of infection with other infections transmitted by airborne droplets.

HOW TO WEAR A MASK CORRECTLY?

Masks are available in different designs. They can be disposable or can be used multiple times. There are masks that last 2, 4, 6 hours. The cost of these masks is different, due to different impregnation. But you can not wear the same mask all the time, thereby you can infect yourself twice. Which side inside to wear a medical mask is unprincipled.
To protect yourself from infection, it is extremely important to wear it correctly:
– the mask must be carefully fastened, tightly cover the mouth and nose, leaving no gaps;
– try not to touch the surfaces of the mask when removing it, if you touch it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol;
– a wet or damp mask should be changed to a new, dry one;
– do not reuse a disposable mask;
– The used disposable mask should be immediately discarded.
When caring for a sick person, after contact with the sick person, the mask should be removed immediately. After removing the mask, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly.
The mask is appropriate when you are in a crowded place, in public transport, and when caring for the sick, but it is not practical in the open air.
It is good to breathe fresh air while outdoors and do not wear a mask.
However, doctors remind that this single measure does not provide complete protection against the disease. In addition to wearing a mask, other preventive measures must be observed.

RULE 5. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE THE FLU, CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?

Stay at home and seek immediate medical attention.
Follow your doctor’s instructions to stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids.

WHAT ARE THE FLU/CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS?
In some cases, there may be symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS
Viral pneumonia is the leading complication. Viral pneumonia worsens rapidly, and many patients develop respiratory failure within 24 hours, requiring immediate respiratory support with mechanical ventilation.
Promptly started treatment helps to alleviate the severity of the disease.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY IS ILL WITH FLU /
CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?
Call a doctor.
Give the patient a separate room in the house. If this is not possible, keep a distance of at least 1 meter from the patient.
Minimize contact between sick people and loved ones, especially children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
Ventilate the room frequently.
Maintain cleanliness by washing and disinfecting surfaces as often as possible with household cleaners.
Wash your hands frequently with soap.
When caring for a sick person, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or other protective equipment (kerchief, scarf, etc.).
Only one member of the family should care for the sick person.

Mobile device disinfection rules and in a variety of places), can be one of the main sources of bacteria and viruses – causative agents of various infections.

Why is this happening? There are several main reasons:

– a mobile phone is often passed from hand to hand, and the owner of the phone does not always take it with freshly washed hands;

– when talking, a mobile phone is brought very close to the face;

– many owners of gadgets simply never clean them for fear of damage;

— many people take mobile phones with them to the toilet – the place is very “rich” in various pathogens.

The mobile phone can play a particularly important role as a carrier of influenza, other viral respiratory infections and, in particular, the coronavirus infection COVID-19.

How to avoid infection?

First: practice strict hand hygiene – after visiting public places and the toilet, always wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, then dry them with a disposable paper towel. It is highly advisable to have antiseptic wipes or liquid products (gels, sprays, etc.) with you. So you can always keep your hands clean even if you can’t wash them.

Second: regularly treat the phone itself with antiseptic agents, especially where the body of the gadget comes into contact with the face. If there is a cover, then during processing it must be removed and processed separately (or it is better to do without it altogether).

Alcohol-based wipes and gels are best for fighting influenza and SARS (and coronaviruses). The popular antiseptic chlorhexidine is more intended to protect against bacteria, but in a pinch it can also be used.

The phone should be processed after each visit to public places, public transport, etc. And always in the evening, after the end of the working day.

WHO standard recommendations for the general population to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection:

Clean/wash hands frequently using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
Cover your mouth and nose with your hand or tissue when coughing and sneezing – discard used tissue immediately and wash hands;
Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of fever and cough;
If you have a fever/fever, cough, difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and report your travel history to the hospital;
When visiting markets in areas where cases of novel coronavirus are currently being reported, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces that have come into contact with animals;
Raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided.