![]() Since the main cause of SBS is poor indoor air quality, a smart way to prevent it is by scheduling routine HVAC maintenance. If you notice patterns with employees who work in the same area or if you notice similar symptoms, you can better eliminate risk factors. It’s helpful to work with your employees to get to the source of the problem. These toxins can also come from pest droppings and dander. Many times stagnant water accumulates and allows biological toxins to accumulate in air ducts, humidifiers, carpeting, or the ceiling. ![]() Outdoor sources are particularly dangerous if you have poorly located vents.īiological toxins include things such as bacteria, mold, pollen, and other viruses. Some examples include cleaning agents, pesticides, tobacco smoke, gas stoves, and vehicle exhaust. These pollutants that affect your building’s indoor air quality can include both indoor and outdoor sources. In other cases, the system might be lacking proper maintenance. In some cases, your HVAC system might not be adequate to meet the needs of your facility. Poor indoor air quality can occur if your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is not distributing air properly. Poorly Installed and/or Poorly Maintained HVAC Equipment The air quality of your building can be compromised by a number of factors. Research has shown that poor indoor air quality is the leading cause of SBS. Most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building. Your facility may have sick building syndrome if these indicators are present:īuilding occupants complain of symptoms such as: headaches eye, nose, or throat irritation dry cough dry or itchy skin dizziness nausea difficulty concentrating fatigue and sensitivity to odors. We’ll go over how to recognize the signs and symptoms of SBS, as well as the steps you can take to prevent it. SBS can decrease the health and happiness of your employees, increase absences, and reduce overall productivity. The term “sick building syndrome” is used to describe “situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building” ( EPA). If your building has SBS, employees-even the hardworking ones-will inexplicably come down with cold-like symptoms that go away once they leave the building. We’ve all experienced those inter-office bugs that travel through buildings during cold and flu season, but sick building syndrome (or SBS) is another matter entirely.
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