In today’s world, where people spend most of their time indoors, air quality has become a top priority for health and well-being. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various minor and major health-related conditions, particularly for individuals who work in offices and other enclosed spaces. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is one such condition that is believed to result from being inside a building or other enclosed spaces for an extended period.
Different online news portals such as Al-Arabiya News and Khaleej Times have recently reported a spike in illness from different office locations across the UAE. As commercial buildings, apartments, multi-complexes, and schools continue to proliferate, SBS has become a serious and widespread concern. In this blog, we’ll explore what SBS is, its causes, and how to prevent it.
What exactly is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a medical situation in which the occupants of a building experience different types of health- or comfort-related illnesses that are directly linked to the time spent by them inside a building with poor air quality. The feeling of ill health associated with SBS can lead to increased sickness absenteeism and decreased employee productivity.
As such, it is crucial to understand the causes of SBS and take proactive steps to prevent and address it to ensure the health and well-being of building occupants.
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What are the major symptoms of sick-building syndrome?
Building occupants can experience a wide range of symptoms associated with sick building syndrome. The health concerns that are most commonly observed and easily identifiable include:
- Different types of irritation with eyes, nose, throat, etc
- Sensitivity to odors
- Dry cough
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue
- Dry or itchy skin
- Difficulty concentrating
What are the main causes of sick-building syndrome?
Pinpointing a single cause for sick building syndrome (SBS) is difficult due to the variety of factors that can contribute to the condition. While chemical and biological contaminants are technically considered causes of SBS, poor air quality is the most significant contributor to both temporary and long-term SBS.
Chemical contaminants from different indoor sources
In commercial and office buildings, there are various items such as carpet cleaners, upholstery, different types of adhesives, machinery, cleaning agents, and so on, that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) leading to acute reactions in building occupants. However, inadequate ventilation can prevent these VOCs from dissipating, resulting in poor indoor air quality.
Chemical contaminants from different outdoor sources
Pollutants from building exhausts and motor vehicle exhausts are major contributors to outdoor air pollution, and they can enter a building through various air intake vents. As a result, these pollutants can cause poor indoor air quality and ultimately lead to sick building syndrome.
Accumulation of biological contaminants from different sources
Bacteria, viruses, molds, and pollen are among the biological contaminants that can accumulate in a building, particularly in stagnant water that accumulates in carpeting, ceilings, HVAC systems, and other areas. These biological contaminants can significantly contribute to poor indoor air quality, resulting in adverse health effects associated with sick building syndrome.
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Poor building structural design for ventilation and air passage
Poor building structural design can contribute to improper building ventilation. Lack of proper ventilation allows pathogens and irritants to concentrate to high levels, causing discomfort and illness. Besides, disease-spreading bacteria can more easily breed and accumulate in improperly ventilated areas. This can negatively affect indoor air quality, causing SBS.
How can Sick Building Syndrome be prevented effectively?
Poor air quality is the primary cause of SBS, and addressing it can be challenging. There are proper steps that should be taken to improve the air quality and help prevent this syndrome. It requires the building owners and facility managers to take necessary actions that prioritize air quality by reducing contaminants and pollutants in the building and improving the whole ventilation system.
Some of the preventive steps that can be taken are:
- The contaminants within an HVAC system that passes through air ducts are the most significant contributor to poor indoor air quality. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems by identifying and eliminating any potential sources of contaminants within the HVAC or duct system is the most effective solution to improve the quality of indoor air
- Make sure the air filters are frequently cleaned or replaced in order to make sure the building is filtered efficiently. These filters can help in removing contaminants before they spread throughout the building
- Also, if you can use low-VOC cleaning agents, it can ensure that your commercial buildings and offices are always clean and hygienic with fresh air quality
NPSM Specialized Cleaning offers professional HVAC cleaning services as well as air duct cleaning in Dubai and all across the UAE. Schedule your appointment and make sure you keep your office, building, and your beloved ones healthy and fit.