What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

                 In this post we will see what is meant by sick building syndrome (SBS). What are the causes of SBS. and things related to it..

What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) ?

                Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is defined as “a condition in which a group of people are exposed to a set of conditions that cause health problems”. In other words, if people working in your office or apartment experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue after spending time at your place, this could be considered as being SBS-affected. You have probably heard about this before, but not everyone knows what causes SBS. What actually happens inside your body while you are affected by SBS?

        The term SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) has been around for decades but only gained significant attention in the late 1990’s. This was due to the fact that many buildings were being constructed with poor ventilation systems, inadequate lighting, lack of air circulation, and other factors. What people did not realize was that these conditions could actually cause long-term health problems. Over time, people who work in this environment can develop different health issues such as fatigue, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, and even respiratory illnesses. So what are some ways we can reduce the potential risk of developing a sick building? These tips may help!

The first step towards improving your indoor air quality is to ensure proper ventilation. A common misconception is that open windows and fans are enough; however, this does not guarantee good air quality. If the area where you spend most of your time is poorly ventilated, then this is likely an issue. You need to check the HVAC system frequently to ensure that you have proper airflow. In addition to this, ensure that any ductwork is free of blockages.

Another way to improve your indoor air quality is by ensuring adequate lighting. Some areas of the country are known for having darker and drearier environments than others. When it comes to lighting, keep in mind that natural light is best. Artificial lights tend to create shadows and reflections that can produce glare. This can lead to eye strain and headaches. Additionally, if you notice any flickering lights, make sure to turn them off immediately.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the level of indoor air pollutants that are present in a given environment. If these pollutants accumulate over time they can cause adverse health effects on people who spend time indoors. IAQ issues can range from minor inconveniences or concerns to serious problems that could lead to illness or death. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), sometimes referred to as Sick-Building Syndrome, is the name used for a number of symptoms experienced by some occupants of a building after spending extended amounts of time inside those buildings. The condition was first described in the early 1970s and has been studied since then; however, there is no universally accepted definition, nor is there any clear evidence regarding the causes of SBS. Some authors have suggested that the term "building-related illness" may be a better description when compared to "sick building syndrome."

Common Causes: 

Poor ventilation, poor humidity control, high levels of chemical irritants, and microbial contamination. These conditions create a microenvironment where dust mites thrive, mold grows, and bacteria breed. As a result, occupants are exposed to allergens, toxic chemicals, viruses and other pathogens, and airborne particles.

Symptoms:

Typical symptoms include headache, fatigue, chest tightness, cough, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, and dizziness. Other symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, burning eyes, skin rashes, and respiratory distress. There is limited scientific research into the connection between SBS and specific diseases like asthma and cancer. However, there is sufficient data showing that long-term exposure to contaminants increases the risk of chronic illnesses.

Prevention: 

Minimizing the exposure to indoor pollutants through improved ventilation and proper maintenance practices should significantly reduce the risks associated with SBS. Additionally, reducing the use of volatile organic compounds, harsh cleaning agents, and tobacco smoke can help to minimize the overall concentration of indoor contaminants.

Treatment: 

The treatment of SBS is often symptomatic and supportive. In cases of milder symptoms, treatment options may include the administration of decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) to relieve congestion, inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), and nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone). Severe symptoms may require hospitalization and emergency procedures (e.g., intubation).

                Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition that results from a combination of factors which include building design, materials used, and occupant health. The typical symptoms are nasal congestion, eye irritation, headache, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Other symptoms can include dry skin, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In extreme cases, SBS can lead to death. Commonly, SBS affects people in low-ceilinged rooms, poorly ventilated spaces, or areas where mold is present. SBS may occur in any type of indoor space but is often associated with schools, hospitals, and office buildings. Most commonly, SBS occurs due to poor air quality and ventilation conditions. However, many other environmental and human factors play a role as well.

A healthy body requires air movement to promote good circulation and remove toxins. When the air flow is restricted and/or pollutants accumulate, the body becomes stressed and uncomfortable. This creates the potential for sickness. Indoor air quality is defined as the amount and types of substances, known as contaminants, found inside a building. These can include dust mites, bacteria, viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon gas, formaldhyde, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, pollen, and various chemicals. All these components cause a build-up of particles and gases

Access Full Free HVAC Course by clicking on the link below 👇👇👇

Full Free HVAC Course - Click Here!!!!