Sick building syndrome real….and can be costly to commercial and residential building owners.
In the United States and many other countries, commercial buildings can face environmental issues that negatively affect those who use them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency refers to such problematic spaces as ‘sick buildings’ and the related condition as ‘sick building syndrome’ (SBS). Understanding and addressing these challenges is vital for property owners aiming to reassure occupants.
Sick building syndrome is characterised by 20% or more of a building’s occupants reporting discomfort or health problems traceable to time spent inside the facility. Symptoms may include headaches, irritation of the ears, nose, or throat, dry or itchy skin, nausea, dizziness and heightened sensitivity to smells. Notably, these effects usually dissipate once individuals leave the environment.
Causes of SBS
Various factors can give rise to SBS. Re-purposed buildings might not have ventilation systems suited for their current use, increasing risk—this is particularly notable with the recent surge in repositioned properties throughout the pandemic. Chemical sources inside the building, including off gassing from materials and products, introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that irritate occupants. External pollutants, such as odors from nearby factories, can also infiltrate. Biological agents like mould, mildew and bacteria due to moisture problems further worsen air quality and health outcomes.
Exposure to VOCs is the leading cause of SBS, as symptoms directly correspond to those triggered by these chemicals. Reducing exposure typically alleviates occupant complaints.
Prevention Strategies for SBS
To ensure good indoor air quality, consider three main approaches:
- Control polluant sources
- Employ effective ventilation
- Utilise air cleaning technologies
Source Control
Limit the introduction of pollutants by selecting low-VOC chemicals and materials. Regularly inspect the building envelope for leaks that could allow outside contaminants indoors and manage humidity to prevent mold growth. Maintain comprehensive maintenance records and assign an indoor air quality manager to track testing and resolve issues promptly.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation, meeting ASHRAE standards, is crucial. Balanced air delivery and correct pressurisation are instrumental in preventing SBS, whereas poorly designed systems often lead to problems.
Air Cleaning
Even with reduced pollutant sources and sound ventilation, additional measures may be necessary to remove airborne contaminants. Bipolar air ionization is a widely adopted air purification technology, valued for its effectiveness against VOCs and pathogens – including coronavirus – and its adaptability to existing HVAC systems. For example, the U.S. Army has utilized hundreds of these systems across bases to combat SBS. Benefits include significant reductions in outside air intake, energy cost savings, and improved occupant well-being.
Another tool we have available are low cost and accurate air monitoring systems. By tracking and trending indoor air quality parameters like VOC’s and PM levels, we can get ahead of conditions that might lead to SBS before the problem becomes more pronounced and difficult to remedy. Also, many building operators find by using IAQ data they can not only provide better indoor air quality, but also a more efficient building that can reduce operating cost.
With insight into how SBS develops and its triggers, building operators are better equipped to create strategies that minimize discomfort, illness, and complaints related to building environments.
Tony Abate is vice president and chief technical officer at AtmosAir Solutions in Fairfield, Connecticut (www.atmosair.com and a member of the ASHRAE Standards Committee that helped craft Standard 241, guidelines that make building healthier and more sustainable.
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