Is your building making you sick?
Headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues – these could be signs of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This condition affects people who spend time in specific buildings and can significantly impact their health and well-being.
As an office manager or business owner, addressing SBS is crucial. It not only affects employee comfort and health but also impacts productivity and ultimately, your bottom line.
Table of Contents
What Is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?
The World Health Organization (WHO) coined the term ‘Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)’ in 1983. It refers to a condition in which individuals experience health problems directly linked to the time spent in a specific building.
Symptoms and Effects of Sick Building Syndrome
SBS manifests through a variety of non-specific symptoms, often mimicking allergies or common illnesses. These can include:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation: Dryness, itching, burning sensation
- Respiratory problems: Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
- Fatigue: Lack of energy, tiredness
- Skin irritation: Dryness, rashes
However, unlike typical allergies, SBS symptoms significantly improve or vanish upon leaving the building. Plus, symptoms may only manifest in specific areas within the building, further differentiating them from general allergies.
Stay vigilant for these common signs of SBS in your building:
- Clustering of symptoms: Multiple employees reporting similar issues, particularly when leaving the building improves their condition.
- Environmental clues: Stale air, visible mould, unpleasant odours, or excessive dust.
Sick Building Syndrome Is Caused By…
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) doesn’t have a single, definitive cause. Instead, it often arises from a combination of factors contributing to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). These factors can be broadly categorised as:
1. Chemical Contaminants
Indoor Sources
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from common household products like cleaning agents, paints, and furniture
- Smoke from cooking, cigarette smoking (even if not actively happening), and the use of unvented appliances like space heaters
Outdoor Sources
- Vehicle exhausting fumes that enter through poorly located air intake vents or windows
- Nitrogen oxide from traffic, ozone, and other pollutants present in outdoor air
2. Biological Contaminants
- Pollen, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and especially mould thriving in humid environments.
These contaminants can easily spread in buildings with inadequate ventilation or high occupant density.
3. Psychological Factors
While not directly causing physical symptoms, stress, poor workplace relationships, and negative communication can contribute to the perception and experience of SBS. An unhealthy work environment can impact physiological responses and exacerbate other factors contributing to SBS.
4. Poor Ventilation
Inadequate or improper ventilation allows pollutants, including VOCs and carbon dioxide, to accumulate indoors. This build-up can trigger discomfort and illness, especially when combined with other contaminants.
Understanding the interplay between these various factors is crucial for identifying and addressing the root cause of SBS in any specific building.
Important to Remember:
- Don’t rely solely on generalisations: Factors like ventilation and building type don’t guarantee the presence or absence of SBS.
- Individual susceptibility plays a role: SBS can affect anyone. Individual factors like susceptibility and specific building conditions are crucial considerations.
- Ventilation alone isn’t the answer: Both naturally ventilated and air-conditioned buildings can be managed for good air quality.
- Every case is unique: Symptoms and causes can vary, requiring individual investigation for each building.
If you suspect SBS in your building, it’s crucial to seek professional expertise. A qualified environmental professional can conduct a thorough assessment, identify the root cause, and recommend effective solutions.
Potential consequences of neglecting SBS include:
- Respiratory problems: Long-term mould exposure can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, and wheezing.
- Neurological and liver damage: VOCs emitted by certain building materials and furnishings can cause these issues with prolonged exposure.
How to Prevent Sick Building Syndrome
Protect your employees and yourself from SBS with these proactive steps:
1. Discover the Culprit
Start by identifying the root cause of SBS symptoms through environmental assessments and air quality testing. This will guide your efforts in effectively addressing the issue.
2. Cleanse the Air
Increase ventilation by opening windows regularly and consider installing or optimising ventilation systems. Additionally, utilise HEPA air purifiers to remove airborne contaminants and dehumidifiers to control moisture levels and prevent mould growth.
3. Revamp Your Workspace
Adjust lighting to optimise brightness and temperature for eye comfort. Introduce plants to improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance the environment. Modify your workspace layout to promote better air circulation and address potential crowding issues.
4. Minimise Toxins
Limit the use of harsh cleaning products and opt for eco-friendly alternatives. Choose furniture and building materials with low VOC emissions to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, limit the use of pesticides within the building and establish proper disposal procedures for hazardous materials.
5. Address Water Damage
Promptly address any leaks or water damage to prevent significant mould growth, a major contributor to SBS.
6. Prioritise Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Regularly maintain ventilation systems and air filters. Minimise the use of harsh cleaning products and choose eco-friendly options. Whenever possible, opt for low-VOC furniture and building materials.
By taking these steps, you can create a healthy and productive environment for everyone in your building. Remember, prevention is key to combating SBS and ensuring everyone’s well-being.
Creating a Healthier Workplace
Beyond addressing SBS, consider these measures for overall employee well-being:
- Stress reduction techniques: Offer workshops or promote activities like mindfulness practices that can help employees manage stress levels.
- Encourage breaks and physical activity: Regular breaks and promoting activity, even by facilitating light exercise breaks, can counter the negative effects of sedentary work and improve employee well-being.
- Monitor and address symptoms promptly: Encourage open communication and be responsive to employee concerns regarding their health and comfort within the building.
The Benefits of a Healthy Workplace
By taking proactive steps to combat SBS, you’re not just creating a healthy and productive environment for your employees, you’re also investing in the success of your business. A healthy workforce experiences reduced absenteeism, increased engagement, and improved cognitive function, all of which contribute to a thriving business.
How CleanCo Can Help You Create a Healthier Workplace
Don’t let SBS compromise your employees’ health and your business’ success. Partner with a qualified commercial cleaning company — CleanCo Commercial Cleaning! Our experts have the specialised knowledge and equipment to:
- Deep clean your building, including office cleaning of desks, workstations, and common areas, to remove dust, allergens, and other contaminants that contribute to poor IAQ.
- Implement comprehensive cleaning protocols that prioritise eco-friendly products and minimise the use of harsh chemicals.
- Clean office chairs and keyboards thoroughly, ensuring a hygienic work environment.
- Perform general office cleaning tasks, including vacuuming carpets, cleaning windows, and wiping down surfaces, to maintain a clean and hygienic work environment.
By combining professional assessment and comprehensive cleaning services, you can effectively combat SBS and create a healthier, more productive work environment for your employees.
Ready to Combat SBS?
Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss how we can help you create a healthier and more comfortable workplace for everyone.