What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?
Exact causes of sick building syndrome are difficult to define but are likely to involve a combination of physical, environmental and job related factors. Common characteristics are likely to include:
- High temperature or excessive variations in temperature during the shift.
- Very low or very high humidity levels.
- Low level of user control over ventilation, heating and lighting.
- Chemical pollutants such as ozone (photocopiers and laser printers); volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) from items such as new furniture, carpeting and painted surfaces.
- Dust particles or fibers in the air, including ultra-fine dust particles that maybe emitted in significant quantities from certain printers and photocopiers. These particles are similar in size to cigarette smoke and have the ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sick Building Syndrome?
The symptoms of sick building syndrome are wide ranging and vary between people, they usually include:
- Skin problems – dry, itchy, rashes
- Respiratory tract irritations – coughing, dry, itchy or sore nose or throat, stuffy or runny nose
- Eye irritations – dry, itchy, weepy eyes
- Neurological – headaches, lethargy, irritability, poor concentration.
- Sick building syndrome symptoms apparently do not cause permanent damage but can have significant impact on those affected and place large costs on the organization in terms of:
- Absenteeism and staff turnover
- Staff efficiency
- Time and money spent dealing with complaints
- Staff morale
