Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome (SBS) occurs when the occupants of a building experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a building. There is usually no specific illness or cause identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. Frequently, problems result when a building is maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures, or when occupant activities create a problem (1).

The symptoms of SBS include headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; a dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. With SBS, no clinically defined disease or specific chemical or biological contaminant can be determined as the cause of the symptoms. Most of the complainants feel relief soon after leaving the building (1).

While specific causes of SBS remain unknown, the following have been cited as contributing factors to sick building syndrome(1).

• Inadequate temperature, humidity, lighting, or ventilation.
• Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources, such as pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, and building exhausts (bathrooms and kitchens).
• Chemical contaminants from indoor sources, such as, adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents and pesticides. Environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from stoves, fireplaces and unvented space heaters can also be sources of chemical contaminants.
• Biological contaminants such as pollen, bacteria, viruses and molds. These contaminants can breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in humidifiers, drain pans, and ducts, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, insulation, or carpet. One bacterium that can enter indoor air, Legionella, has caused both Pontiac Fever and Legionnaire's Disease.

The following are some very informative external links pertaining to Sick Building Syndrome:

• EPA Fact Sheet - Sick Building Syndrome
• Ohio State University Factsheet: Sick Building Syndrome
• EPA - Do you suspect your office has an indoor air problem?
• Sick Buildings References - A good list of publications that deal with SBS
• Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals - Sick Building Syndrome
• Psychology and the Sick Building Syndrome

References

1. Sick Building Syndrome, Environmental Health Center, National Safety Council, June 18, 1997. URL: http://www.nsc.org/ehc/indoor/sbs.htm

This page was prepared by B.T. Johnson, November 1997. UCD EXTOXNET FAQ Team.