Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in Ill-Lit and Ill-Ventilated Buildings

Abstract

The quality of the indoor and outdoor has a significant impact on the quality of air that we breathe in our habitable spaces like homes and offices. The buildings especially that are ill-lit or ill-ventilated cause various illnesses, i.e. asthma, allergy, reduced efficiency, lack of energy, known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The SBS, combined with other environmental issues, has a direct or indirect impact on the health of the workers, workplace comfort level, and productivity. However, not much effort is put into buildings to keep the cost of the buildings in check. The fact is both low-cost and high-cost buildings are equally prone to SBS if not dealt with at the design stage from the beginning. This paper aims to address this recurring problem of SBS in ill-lit and ill-ventilated buildings by exploring various systems taken from results from a structured questionnaire given to the users.

Sick building syndrome and its impacts on health, well-being and productivity: A systematic literature review

“…12 In most cases, research has been conducted in work environments 13 highlighting low efficiency, financial losses, absenteeism, 14 decreased productivity, health and comfort. 15…”

“…12 In most cases, research has been conducted in work environments 13 highlighting low efficiency, financial losses, absenteeism, 14 decreased productivity, health and comfort. 15 Some relevant examples addressing the relationship between the built environment and SBS symptoms can be found in the literature. McGill et al, 16 in the United Kingdom, identified that homes with problems in thermal comfort, air quality, mould presence and inadequate ventilation were responsible for SBS-related symptoms.…”