'Sick Building Syndrome'
Keep Your Building and Employees Healthy!

Buildings, not just people, can be sick, but what about the people inside that building...are they sick too? "Sick Building Syndrome" (SBS) occurs when long-time occupants of large buildings experience acute health issues linked to buildings. The complaints of illness may be localized in a particular room or area, or throughout the building.

A 1984 World Health Organization Committee report suggested that up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality (IAQ).

Indicators of SBS include:
  • Acute headache
  • Eye, nose or throat irritation
  • Dry cough
  • Dry or itchy skin
  • Dizziness and nausea
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to odors.
It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the building, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress or dissatisfaction, and other psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, studies show that symptoms may be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.