Sick Building Syndrome

In 1984, the World Health Organization reported the following cluster of symptoms occurring “with increased frequency in buildings with indoor climate problems” – a collection of symptoms that later became known as “Sick Building Syndrome.” These include:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
• Dry, red mucous membranes and skin
• Headache
• Upper respiratory infections
• Lower airway symptoms
• Abnormal taste, odour
• General fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome are associated with a particular building – a home, office building or other workplace. They affect people when in the building, and decrease or disappear when those people leave the building. As with many environmental illnesses, women are more likely than men to report having these symptoms.

“Problem buildings” can cause occupants to develop symptoms because of inadequate ventilation, contamination entering from outside, or inside contamination from bacteria, moulds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the building materials, furnishings, cleaning agents and personal care products used by the occupants.

Some people seem to be more at risk for Sick Building Syndrome than others. Risk factors include having a history of allergies, being female, being under psychological or social stress, handling paper, doing video display terminal work, and being in a building with mechanical ventilation and air conditioning and a low intake of fresh outdoor air.