What is Sick Building Syndrome and how to prevent it

The Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is an illness recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is the cause of a set of discomforts arising from poor ventilation and temperature decomposition, among other factors, which produces a series of very varied symptoms.

The name can be misleading as it does not refer to an illness that deteriorates the building but to its inhabitants. So far there have been few studies, but following an incident in the Gas Natural offices that occurred in 2007, more measures have been taken and entities such as the National Institute of Safety and Hygiene at Work (INSH) and the Catalan Association of Specialist Companies in Sick Building Syndrome (ACESEM) offer material to learn more about this case. In the Gas Natural offices, 150 employees presented semicircular lipoatrophy, a condition that causes an alteration of the subcutaneous fat creating indentations in the skin. Doctors have stated that they are low severity and reversible infections when the symptoms disappear.

It can happen in both new buildings and newly renovated ones. Current architecture, especially in the office realm, tends to be quite airtight structures with poor ventilation, some even without the ability to open the windows. The National Institute of Safety and Hygiene (INSH) at Work collects the most common characteristics of these buildings, such as forced ventilation systems and partial air recirculation or the renewal of this in inadequate places. They are also buildings with lightweight and cheap construction.

Additionally, there are other factors that can also contribute to this condition. As unbelievable as it may seem, furniture has compounds like formaldehyde or dust and fibers, among others, that negatively affect our health. Office materials like photocopiers emit ozone gas. The exterior environment, such as traffic and car pollution, can worsen the situation. All these factors can create the perfect environment for Sick Building Syndrome to develop. For all these reasons, it is advisable to regularly conduct air analysis to maintain favorable conditions at all times.

What are the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?

• Irritations of eyes, nose, throat, • Sensation of dryness in mucous membranes and skin • Difficulty breathing • Hoarseness • Erythema (skin rashes) • Itching • Non-specific hypersensitivities • Nausea, dizziness, and vertigo • Headache • Mental fatigue • High incidence of respiratory infections and colds

If we identify with any of these symptoms, it is important to note whether these syndromes continue to appear when we are outside of this space. If it only happens in a specific location, it may be an indication of the disease.

The National Institute of Health and Hygiene (INSH) of the Ministry of Labor of Spain, following the recommendations of the European Commission, established a methodology for evaluating Sick Building Syndrome that unfolds in four phases. First, an initial investigation to gather information. Then a more thorough building inspection is conducted. The third phase focuses on measuring air quality, the ventilation and air conditioning system, and other possible causes, and finally, a medical examination of the occupants is performed, and results are provided.

According to WHO, insufficient ventilation is one of the most frequent causes of this illness. Urban life has led us to spend much of our time in enclosed spaces. In this context, we must emphasize the health of our environments, starting with the office and our home, to prevent the development of this illness and others.

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