Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is also known as tight building syndrome. Over the years, through advances in architecture, commercial properties, serviced offices and other buildings have become more airtight or sealed.
Sick Building Syndrome is a medical condition caused by poor indoor air quality, interior, exterior and biological contamination. The condition causes you to feel poorly and uncomfortable when indoors; with the symptoms getting worse the longer you are in a particular room or building.
Some ambiguity surrounds SBS as the symptoms are broad and a specific illness cannot be pinpointed. You may not know what is causing you to feel unwell or why your symptoms linger.
A lot of the symptoms can be other illnesses. Even though SBS is not seen as a clinical illness, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has acknowledged it since 1982.
If many occupants in a serviced office share symptoms such as headaches, itchy eyes, nose or throat, excessive dry cough, nausea, fatigue or trouble concentrating, then the cause may be sick building syndrome.
If these symptoms subside once the individual leaves the building, then it is a strong indicator that he or she is suffering from SBS. However, if a specific chemical or biological contaminant is found to be the cause of discomfort, then the diagnosis may be augmented to building-related illness.
There are several factors that experts have identified as potential causes for sick building syndrome. Depending on the specific case, these causes can act in concert or independently. It is estimated that 30 percent of all new or remodelled buildings exhibit an indoor environment that is favourable for the manifestation of sick building syndrome.
There are a number of potential solutions to sick building syndrome. For the best results, a combination of several solutions may be necessary. But many find the best way seems to be common sense. Open a few windows and let fresh air in to your serviced office or commercial property.
