Sick Building Syndrome caused by sick buildings
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a medical condition where people in a building suffer from symptoms of illness or feel unwell for no apparent reason.the symptoms tend to increase in severity with the time people spend in the building, and improve over time or even disappear when people are away from the building.
The symptoms include sniffles; stuffy noses; itchy eyes; sinus infections; scratchy throats; dry, irritated skin; upset stomachs; headaches; difficulty concentrating; and fatigue or lethargy.
During the first energy crisis, builders and building owners took steps to reduce energy consumption in office buildings. Measures included increased insulation, building wraps, weatherstripping doors, and using insulated double- and triple-pane windows, among others. In many cases, buildings were erected or renovated to include windows that couldn’t open, to minimize loss of heated or cooled air. This resulted in feeling as if they are airtight in some buildings.
Building décor also contributes to the issue. Many paints, carpet fibers, furniture, and even wallboard off-gas noxious fumes, sometimes for years after installation. These products may emit formaldehyde, acetic acid, or volatile organic compounds (VOCS) and other chemicals. Modern office equipment such as copiers and electrostatic air cleaners add to the problem by adding ozone to the mix. Mold or mildew from damp conditions also create air quality problems. Manufacturing processes and material-handling equipment may add hydrocarbons or smog, and many chemical cleaning agents give off harmful vapors. The result is a chemical stew in the air that makes people ill—with sick building syndrome.
Greater effects were found with features of the psychosocial work environment including high job demands and low support. It was concluded that the physical environment of office buildings appears to be less important than features of the psychosocial work environment in explaining differences in the prevalence of symptoms. However, there is still a relationship between sick building syndrome and symptoms of workers regardless of workplace stress.
Excessive work stress or dissatisfaction, poor interpersonal relationships and poor communication are often seen to be associated with SBS, recent studies show that a combination of environmental sensitivity and stress can greatly contribute to sick building syndrome.
HOW TO IDENTIFY SICK BUILDING SYNDROME (SBS)
There is no specific medical test to diagnose sick building syndrome. Physicians usually treat the symptoms individually, but the real identification of a “sick building” is subjective.
To help identify whether your building is causing or contributing to the problems, you may look for these common characteristics: ■ Symptoms occur when occupants are in the building or a specific area of the building. ■ Symptoms dissipate or disappear when affected persons are away from the building or area. ■ Symptoms coincide seasonally with the use of heating or cooling equipment. ■ Multiple co-workers have similar complaints.
HOW ANCIENT SRI LANKANS PREVENTED SBS
Even though they weren’t familiar with the syndrome, still the ancient Sri Lankans had used techniques to prevent this condition.
Their houses were constructed in a way that they receive sufficient amounts of sunlight and wind naturally in an effective manner. Therefore those houses were naturally air conditioned.
The ‘indoor garden’ which is there in most of our houses does the same task too.
According to architects, we are asked not to have three windows in a row, no three doors in a row, not to have windows facing East and West like things. This actually has got a reason. More sunlight enters the house if windows are faced to East and West, hence those windows will be closed most of the time. This leads to insufficient light inside the house and also disrupts the natural air conditioning. In the end, increase of moisture and impure air like conditions are resulted, thus leading to different kinds of diseases including sick building syndrome.