Sick Building Syndrome

To: Kevin

From: Akhil Bhardwaj

Date: Nov 27, 2013

Subject: Sick Building Syndrom

In today’s ever changing world humans have become very fragile and are prone to many diseases and illnesses of which many can be detected and cured easily whereas many remain undetected. In the early 1960’s in midst of great inventions doctors and psychologists found a certain type of syndrome in people. These people had various problems of fatigue, depression, dizziness, nausea, irritation etc. and after extensive research in the year 1980 WHO (World Health Organization) coined the syndrome as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

Sick Building Syndrome is a situation in which occupants of a building experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Frequently, these problems would occur when a building is operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures also many a times indoor air problems are result of poor building design or occupant activities. Also crowded and unsanitary homes   always abet tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Gaslight, central heat produce both methane and carbon dioxide poisoning and toxic pigments in paints and wallpaper, bad ventilation poor design were also a cause of sickness in people. SBS also reduces worker productivity and absenteeism. Most people having the syndrome feel relief after leaving the building.

Many factors have been cited to contribute to Sick Building Syndrome. These factors may act together or may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity or lighting.

• Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: - Outdoor air that enters the building can also be a cause of indoor pollution. Pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts, building exhausts, and plumbing vents can enter the building through poorly located air intake vents windows and other openings.
• Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: - most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building like adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, cleaning agents, pesticides may emit volatile organic compounds. Environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from stove have acute health effects.
• Biological contaminants: - Biological contaminants are the most dangerous of all as they include pollen, bacteria, viruses and mold spores. These can breed in stagnant water that could be accumulated in humidifiers, drain pans, duct works, ceiling tiles and even insulation and carpets. These biological contaminants can cause serious health issues like fevers, chills, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches and allergic reactions.
• Inadequate ventilation: - Many houses are designed airtight with less outdoor ventilation in order to improve energy efficiency. These reduced ventilation and air changes are found to be inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of a building.

There are many ways in which we could avoid these situations. The best solution to Sick Building Syndrome is the combination of the following:

• Increasing ventilation rates: - A well cross ventilated house brings in more fresh air to breathe and also does not let any bad odors caused by bacteria to stay. Increasing ventilation rates and air distribution can be a cost effective way of reducing indoor pollutant levels. When there are strong pollutant sources, local exhaust ventilation may be appropriate to exhaust contaminated air directly from the building. Local exhaust ventilation is recommended to remove pollutants that accumulate in specific areas like rest rooms, copy rooms and printing facilities etc.
• Removal of pollutant source: - Removal or modification of pollutant source is an effective way to resolve SBS situations. Routine maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, periodic cleaning or replacement of filters, venting contaminant source emissions to the outdoors, storage of paints adhesives etc. in well ventilated areas and use of these pollutant sources during the periods of non-occupancy can reduce the chances of Sick Building Syndrome drastically.
• Control of contaminants through air cleaning: - Air cleaning can be a useful adjunct to source control and ventilation. Particle control devices like typical furnace filters and high performance air filters can capture both small and big particles. Some gaseous pollutants can be removed by absorbent beds and indoor plants. Regular vacuuming and installation of air cleaning systems can collect and retain up to 99.97% of particles.
• Education and communication about indoor air quality management: - Education and communication are important elements in both the remedial and preventive indoor air quality management programs. When the occupants’ management and the maintenance team have fluent and uninterrupted and undistorted communication they would be able to act more effectively and efficiently. Proper knowhow of what causes SBS situation and what would be the consequences of improper treatment will also increase the urgency of timely maintenance.

Sick Building Syndrome can develop anywhere and it can have drastic and permanent effects on the health of people. It can be caused by things least expected and surroundings which we might find are safe. This can also effect on worker productivity and absenteeism further effecting the financial aspects of person other than health. All these situations can be avoided by following proper methods of cleanliness, regular maintenance and effective and fluent communication. The above mentioned solutions are justified as that would make better surroundings for workplace, lesser health issues and increased worker productivity and less absenteeism which ultimately proves beneficial for all.