SICK BUILDING SYNDROME BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

The chemistry of sick building syndrome.

When working in certain buildings some workers suffer temporarily from a group of symptoms including:

• lethargy/tiredness;

• irritability;

• lack of concentration/mental fatigue;

• headaches;

• nausea/dizziness;

• sore throats;

• dry eyes and skin;

• skin rash;

• asthma;

• blocked/runny nose.

The condition is usually non-specific and seldom traced to a single cause. This has been termed sick building syndrome. Despite much research, little has been proven but the building features associated with the condition are:

• hermetically sealed, airtight shell;

• mechanical heating, ventilation and air-conditioning;

• use of materials and equipment that emit a variety of irritating and sensitizing toxic fumes and/ or dust;

• fluorescent lights;

• application of energy conservation measures;

• lack of individual control over environmental conditions;

• landscape plants;

• VDUs;

• draughts.

Whilst the causative agent(s) have not been established it is thought to be multifunctional and possibilities include physical factors (humidity, temperature, lighting), static electricity, electromagnetic radiation, air ion concentrations, fungi, noise, psychological stress, and chemicals.

Chemicals which are not those involved in the normal work processes can become trapped within the building, albeit at concentrations below those known to cause ill-health effects, if: 

• liberated from materials of construction or furnishings; or

• they could enter from outside.

Temporary problems of building pollution may occur during construction and engineering activities, refurbishment, painting and decorating, and cleaning in internal, or sometimes external, areas. The sources are, generally, more easily traced.