Hello Ian.
Last week you mentioned Radon in the home. Is this the same as Sick Building Syndrome? TH Muff.
Reply.
The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is used to describe situations in which people inside a building experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be just in a particular room or area, or may be widespread throughout the building. Sick building syndrome can affect both old and new houses and offices.
People in the affected buildings complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to smells. The cause of the problem cannot be pinpointed but the strange thing is that most people subjected to the effects report relief soon after leaving the building
What causes the problem?
Inadequate ventilation can be a main cause as contaminants from furniture, paint, carpets etc. can build up to dangerous levels.
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents such as the ones kept under the sink may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves.
Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. For example, pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts; plumbing vents, and building exhausts.
Biological contaminants: Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in air vents and drains, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Sometimes insects or bird droppings can be a source of biological contaminants. Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion
These elements may act in combination, and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting. Even after a building investigation, however, the specific causes of the complaints may remain unknown. If you are worried about your building try talking to the local Environmental Health Officer.
Environmental.
Last week you mentioned Radon in the home. Is this the same as Sick Building Syndrome? TH Muff.
Reply.
The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is used to describe situations in which people inside a building experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be just in a particular room or area, or may be widespread throughout the building. Sick building syndrome can affect both old and new houses and offices.
People in the affected buildings complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to smells. The cause of the problem cannot be pinpointed but the strange thing is that most people subjected to the effects report relief soon after leaving the building
What causes the problem?
Inadequate ventilation can be a main cause as contaminants from furniture, paint, carpets etc. can build up to dangerous levels.
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents such as the ones kept under the sink may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves.
Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. For example, pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts; plumbing vents, and building exhausts.
Biological contaminants: Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in air vents and drains, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Sometimes insects or bird droppings can be a source of biological contaminants. Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion
These elements may act in combination, and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting. Even after a building investigation, however, the specific causes of the complaints may remain unknown. If you are worried about your building try talking to the local Environmental Health Officer.
Environmental.
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