To: Kevin

From: Akhil Bhardwaj

Date: Nov 27, 2013
Subject: Sick Building Syndrom
In todays ever changing world humans have become very fragile and are
prone to many diseases and illnesses of which many can be detected and
cured easily whereas many remain undetected. In the early 1960s in midst
of great inventions doctors and psychologists found a certain type of
syndrome in people. These people had various problems of fatigue,
depression, dizziness, nausea, irritation etc. and after extensive research in
the year 1980 WHO (World Health Organization) coined the syndrome as Sick
Building Syndrome (SBS).
Sick Building Syndrome is a situation in which occupants of a building
experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a
building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Frequently, these
problems would occur when a building is operated or maintained in a manner
that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating
procedures also many a times indoor air problems are result of poor building
design or occupant activities. Also crowded and unsanitary homes always
abet tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Gaslight, central heat
produce both methane and carbon dioxide poisoning and toxic pigments in
paints and wallpaper, bad ventilation poor design were also a cause of
sickness in people. SBS also reduces worker productivity and absenteeism.
Most people having the syndrome feel relief after leaving the building.
Many factors have been cited to contribute to Sick Building Syndrome. These
factors may act together or may supplement other complaints such as
inadequate temperature, humidity or lighting.

Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: - Outdoor air that enters

the building can also be a cause of indoor pollution. Pollutants from
motor vehicle exhausts, building exhausts, and plumbing vents can
enter the building through poorly located air intake vents windows and
other openings.
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: - most indoor air pollution
comes from sources inside the building like adhesives, upholstery,
carpeting, copy machines, cleaning agents, pesticides may emit
volatile organic compounds. Environmental tobacco smoke and
combustion products from stove have acute health effects.
Biological contaminants: - Biological contaminants are the most
dangerous of all as they include pollen, bacteria, viruses and mold

spores. These can breed in stagnant water that could be accumulated

in humidifiers, drain pans, duct works, ceiling tiles and even insulation
and carpets. These biological contaminants can cause serious health
issues like fevers, chills, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches and
allergic reactions.
Inadequate ventilation: - Many houses are designed airtight with less
outdoor ventilation in order to improve energy efficiency. These
reduced ventilation and air changes are found to be inadequate to
maintain the health and comfort of a building.

There are many ways in which we could avoid these situations. The best
solution to Sick Building Syndrome is the combination of the following:

Increasing ventilation rates: - A well cross ventilated house brings in

more fresh air to breathe and also does not let any bad odors caused
by bacteria to stay. Increasing ventilation rates and air distribution
can be a cost effective way of reducing indoor pollutant levels. When
there are strong pollutant sources, local exhaust ventilation may be
appropriate to exhaust contaminated air directly from the building.
Local exhaust ventilation is recommended to remove pollutants that
accumulate in specific areas like rest rooms, copy rooms and printing
facilities etc.
Removal of pollutant source: - Removal or modification of pollutant
source is an effective way to resolve SBS situations. Routine
maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems, periodic cleaning or replacement of filters, venting
contaminant source emissions to the outdoors, storage of paints
adhesives etc. in well ventilated areas and use of these pollutant
sources during the periods of non-occupancy can reduce the chances
of Sick Building Syndrome drastically.
Control of contaminants through air cleaning: - Air cleaning can be a
useful adjunct to source control and ventilation. Particle control
devices like typical furnace filters and high performance air filters can
capture both small and big particles. Some gaseous pollutants can be
removed by absorbent beds and indoor plants. Regular vacuuming
and installation of air cleaning systems can collect and retain up to
99.97% of particles.
Education and communication about indoor air quality management: Education and communication are important elements in both the
remedial and preventive indoor air quality management programs.
When the occupants management and the maintenance team have
fluent and uninterrupted and undistorted communication they would

be able to act more effectively and efficiently. Proper knowhow of

what causes SBS situation and what would be the consequences of
improper treatment will also increase the urgency of timely
maintenance.

Sick Building Syndrome can develop anywhere and it can have drastic
and permanent effects on the health of people. It can be caused by
things least expected and surroundings which we might find are safe.
This can also effect on worker productivity and absenteeism further
effecting the financial aspects of person other than health. All these
situations can be avoided by following proper methods of cleanliness,
regular maintenance and effective and fluent communication. The above
mentioned solutions are justified as that would make better surroundings
for workplace, lesser health issues and increased worker productivity and
less absenteeism which ultimately proves beneficial for all.

References:
www.nsc.org
www.google.ca
www.who.int
Community-cost concentration committee on indoor air quality
management.
International energy agency(IEA).