Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that affects several workers in a particular building and is not caused by an identifiable specific illness. It may be caused by exposure to various harmful agents that exist in small concentrations within such buildings.

Sick building syndrome generally affects people employed in office or other buildings that house many workers in close proximity. Most frequently, it occurs in newer office buildings, which are designed to be energy-efficient, have windows that do not open, and usually have heating and cooling ducts that originate from a common source.

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide, which occur most commonly in such buildings, are a frequent cause of sick building syndrome. Chemicals present in renovation materials, cleaning solutions, and office machinery may also be causes. Molds and bacteria that grow in older, poorly maintained buildings as a result of water leakage can also cause sick building syndrome. Trucks and other vehicles idling near the air intakes may also result in excessive exposure to carbon monoxide and diesel fumes. Poor lighting, excessive noise, and uncomfortable temperatures within the work environment may worsen symptoms in affected office workers.

Affected people become anxious, breathe rapidly (hyperventilate), and may experience muscle spasms and severe shortness of breath. They may also experience headaches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, dry eyes, skin rash, and itching. Some people report smelling strange odors.

Treatment and Prognosis

Symptoms subside when the person leaves the offending environment. The suspected building should be evaluated and improvements made as needed. Adequate ventilation should be provided.

There are no known permanent complications of sick building syndrome.