Sick Building Syndrome is the official name for sickness and symptoms shared by those who regularly use a particular building and fall ill while in the building. Unfortunately, this is a far too common issue, and it’s complicated as there is no quick and easy solution to resolve. It’s often related to or aggravated by poor air quality, usually associated with a poor ventilation duct cleaning or a badly managed system, and a high concentration of chemicals and pollutants that permeate the air, making even breathing hazardous.
Old buildings with a range of questionable to downright dangerous building components (including boards with asbestos) with the added issue of no to low ventilation are often cited as causing significant problems,” says Compass Cleaning Solutions, an office cleaning company out of Phoenix. But it can happen just as quickly to a poorly ventilated new build that has used a range of chemical finishings and furnishings, which can seriously impact health.
Either way, the people using the building – whether they be clients, employees, patients, or contractors – bear the brunt. The effects can be short-lived and resolve on leaving the building, while others can cause long-term and even fatal health issues.
The Complex Causes Of Sick Building Syndrome
There are many reasons why this syndrome has come about. For one, most people work long hours in buildings now, whether they be office workers or employed in industrial or commercial premises. This means exposure is lengthy and concentrated in these environments. But how did the toxins get into the buildings in the first place?
There are several ways it may come about. First, with the industrial effort pushing towards reducing energy consumption in all buildings, our health and well-being have borne the cost. Actions include increased insulation to keep toxins in, building wraps along with double or triple-glazed windows, which means there is no leaking. Finally, the lack of opening windows provides zero air circulation, so nothing gets out, and everything stays in place, marinating.
Additionally, buildings and the décor are usually chemically treated, as is the paint on the wall, carpets on the floor, and all manner of building finishings that radiate fumes. Add office equipment like photocopiers that heat the air and give off even more fumes. Then there’s mould or mildew buildup, cleaning chemicals, and other toxic elements of business functioning blended all together in a volatile environmental mix that causes harm to people who breathe it in every day.
Cleanliness and ventilation are crucial to tackling the repair or remedy of the issue, but it’s a far more complicated fix than simply upping airflow and hoping for the best. When there is low or no natural airflow, mechanical ventilation is vital. Usually, the entire system needs inspection and cleaning to ensure it is free of mould, dirt and vermin as if airflow increases with these issues in place, more harm is likely.
Also, a building wide inspection is often needed to find the sources of chemical and toxic releases. In some cases, it may be needed to change carpets, or paints, while in others, the very bones of the building may be deemed the issue. Either way, get a professional on board to assess and make repairs as required to ensure employees do not face additional risk.
What Are Some Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms?
Some symptoms may seem just like basic allergies, while others become more like the flu and can cause sufferers to need bed rest or hospitalisation. The most common symptoms include:
- Sniffles
- A stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Recurring sinus or chest infections
- Dry and scratchy throat
- Reactive skin and allergy flare ups
- Upset stomach and nausea
- Migraines
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or lethargy
A critical diagnosis factor of Sick Building Syndrome is that symptoms often disappear after a person is no longer in the building for an extended (or even short) period of time.
Need Help With Your Sick Building And Ventilation Cleaning?
If your company or business needs a cleaning service experienced in assessing and cleaning premises with Sick Building Syndrome, reach out to Grease Gone Commercial Cleaning London. We help companies fix these and other cleaning issues across the capital, including keeping ventilation systems up to regulation standards. You can be assured that our expert team will finish your job to a high standard while bringing your building up to par to help your employees stay in good health. Let us help you create a safe environment for your business by calling us today to receive additional information on how we can help.
