Understanding Sick Building Syndrome: Signs You May Be at Risk

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) affects many people who spend long hours indoors, yet it often goes unrecognized. If you frequently experience unexplained headaches, fatigue, or irritation while inside a particular building, you might be at risk. This post explores what Sick Building Syndrome is, how to identify its signs, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Signs of Sick Building Syndrome in indoor spaces

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome refers to a situation where occupants of a building experience acute health or comfort issues linked directly to time spent inside the building. Unlike illnesses caused by specific pathogens, SBS symptoms often disappear after leaving the building. The cause usually relates to indoor air quality, ventilation problems, or exposure to chemical contaminants.

Common sources include:

• Poor ventilation systems that fail to circulate fresh air

• Chemical pollutants from cleaning agents, paints, or office equipment

• Biological contaminants like mold, bacteria, or dust mites

  
  

Understanding these sources helps in recognizing whether your environment might be contributing to your symptoms.

Common Signs You May Be at Risk

People affected by Sick Building Syndrome often report a range of symptoms that appear during the workday or time spent indoors and improve when away from the building. Watch for these signs:

• Headaches that develop or worsen indoors

• Persistent fatigue or difficulty concentrating

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat

• Dry or itchy skin

• Dizziness or nausea

• Increased frequency of respiratory infections

  
  

If you notice these symptoms regularly in a specific building, it’s a strong indicator that the indoor environment might be the cause.

Who Is Most Vulnerable?

While anyone can experience SBS, certain groups are more sensitive:

• People with allergies or asthma

• Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions

• Children and elderly adults

• Workers in buildings with poor maintenance or outdated HVAC systems

  
  

For example, employees in older office buildings with sealed windows and limited fresh air intake often report higher rates of SBS symptoms.

How Indoor Air Quality Affects Health

Indoor air quality plays a crucial role in SBS. Buildings with inadequate ventilation trap pollutants inside, increasing exposure to harmful substances. For instance, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from office furniture or cleaning products can irritate mucous membranes. Mold growth in damp areas releases spores that trigger allergic reactions.

Regular monitoring of air quality and maintaining HVAC systems can reduce these risks significantly.

Practical Steps to Reduce Your Risk

If you suspect your building may cause SBS symptoms, consider these actions:

• Improve ventilation by opening windows or using air purifiers with HEPA filters

• Request regular maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure proper airflow and filtration

• Use low-emission cleaning products and materials to reduce chemical pollutants

• Keep indoor plants that can help filter air naturally, such as spider plants or peace lilies

• Take breaks outside to get fresh air and reduce continuous exposure

  
  

Employers and building managers should also conduct indoor air quality assessments and address any identified issues promptly.

When to Seek Professional Help

If symptoms persist despite improving your environment, consult a healthcare professional. They can rule out other causes and provide guidance on managing symptoms. Additionally, environmental specialists can perform detailed inspections to identify hidden sources of contamination.

Final Thoughts on Sick Building Syndrome