Sick building syndrome – the real facts – what is known, what can be done

Abstract

Lists groups to be considered at the start of a building project in order to improve internal air quality. Provides several symptoms of sick building syndrome, as described by the World Health Organisation, and details some regulations and certain recommendations as to the original design. Considers some common indoor and outdoor pollutants, and concludes that the workforce should contribute to a healthy environment by reporting to management when dissatisfied.

Sustainable workplaces and building user comfort and satisfaction

“…With the move to air-conditioned buildings over the last 50 years or so and more recently, energy-efficient buildings, the environmental conditions for Sick Building Syndrome have been created. Symptoms of illness relating to sick building syndrome include eye, nose and throat irritation; dry skin and mucous membranes; skin rash; mental fatigue; headaches and airway infections; cough; hoarseness, wheezing, itching, hyper-sensitivity; nausea and dizziness (Rooley, 1997). These symptoms will generally disappear shortly after leaving the building.…”

“…It is a suspected carcinogen, an irritant (particularly of the eyes) and an asthmogen (Rooley, 1997). It has been classified as a mutagen and in Germany, indoor formaldehyde concentrations in air have often been found to be higher than the legal German tolerance value (Giese et al, 1994).…”

“…Allergen sensitisation occurs when the body is exposed to an allergen resulting in an altered capacity to react to that substance. Further exposure can lead to immunoreaction such as asthma, rhinitis, alveolitis, dermatitis or eczema (Rooley, 1997). Some allergens found in offices are (ibid):…”

“…He et al (2007) found VOCs to be emitted in varying amounts by the lubricating oil in mechanical parts of office printers. These include substances such as Benzene and Formaldehyde, which in low concentrations can cause skin irritation and dry throats but in higher concentrations are linked to cancer (Guo et al, 2004;Wolverton et al, 1989;Rooley, 1997). Guo et al (2004) carried out a study of indoor environments in Hong Kong to risk assess exposures to individual VOCs in different environments, including offices.…”

“…Formaldehyde is a colourless gas and is present in urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), particle board, adhesives, some textiles (Rooley, 1997), resins used in woodbased products and a variety of other widely used products (Williams, 1998). It is a suspected carcinogen, an irritant (particularly of the eyes) and an asthmogen (Rooley, 1997).…”