What is Sick Building Syndrome and Why Should I Care?

Within workplace health and safety, one term that has gained increasing attention in recent years is “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS). This phenomenon refers to a range of symptoms experienced by occupants of a building, often attributed to poor indoor air quality or other environmental factors. But what exactly is Sick Building Syndrome, and why should we care about it?

Understanding Sick Building Syndrome

Sick Building Syndrome is not a specific illness but rather a collection of symptoms that occur when individuals spend time in a particular building. These symptoms typically improve or disappear once the individual leaves the building. Common symptoms associated with SBS include:

– Headaches

– Fatigue

– Dizziness

– Nausea

– Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat

– Difficulty concentrating

– Respiratory issues such as coughing or wheezing

The exact cause of Sick Building Syndrome is often difficult to pinpoint, as it can be influenced by a variety of factors. These factors may include inadequate ventilation, indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from building materials or furnishings, allergens like dust mites or mould spores, as well as factors like temperature, humidity, and lighting.

Why Should You Care?

Now that we have a basic understanding of what Sick Building Syndrome is, let’s explore why you should have an awareness:

1. Health and Well-being

Perhaps the most obvious reason to care about Sick Building Syndrome is its impact on health and well-being. Spending prolonged periods in a building with poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health issues, ranging from mild discomfort to more serious conditions. Headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation can not only diminish your quality of life but also affect your ability to perform daily tasks and focus on work.

2. Productivity

Healthy employees are productive employees, and the presence of Sick Building Syndrome symptoms can significantly impact productivity in the workplace. Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and decreased cognitive function are common effects of poor indoor air quality, all of which can hamper your ability to perform effectively on the job. By addressing the factors contributing to Sick Building Syndrome, employers can help create a healthier and more productive work environment for their employees.

3. Quality of Life

Your workplace is where you spend a significant portion of your time, and your surroundings can have a profound impact on your overall quality of life. If you regularly experience symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome while at work, it can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, affecting not only your performance on the job but also your enjoyment of everyday activities outside of work. Improving indoor air quality and addressing other environmental factors can enhance your overall quality of life both at work and beyond.

4. Cost Considerations

From an employer’s perspective, addressing Sick Building Syndrome isn’t just about employee health and well-being—it also has financial implications. Absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs associated with SBS symptoms can all take a toll on a company’s bottom line. By investing in measures to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier work environment, employers can potentially reduce these costs over the long term while fostering a happier and more engaged workforce.

5. Environmental Impact

Beyond the immediate health and productivity concerns, Sick Building Syndrome also has broader environmental implications. Indoor air pollutants not only affect the health of building occupants but can also contribute to outdoor air pollution when released into the atmosphere. By addressing the root causes of SBS, such as poor ventilation or the use of toxic building materials, organisations can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

So in summary, Sick Building Syndrome is an issue that can have far-reaching implications for both individuals and organisations if not identified, managed and rectified. From its impact on health and productivity to its financial and environmental implications, SBS is a problem, especially in older buildings or environments with legacy systems and fittings, that deserves attention and action.