Sick Building Syndrome Defined
Sick building syndrome (SBS) describes a range of symptoms—such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, and nausea—that are associated with time spent in a particular indoor environment, often improving once you leave. Diagnosis typically involves both a medical evaluation and a building assessment by health and safety professionals.
Want to learn more about what causes SBS and what symptoms to look for? Read on for insights from the commercial cleaning experts at ServiceMaster Clean.
Do I Have Sick Building Syndrome or Am I ‘Sick’?
Sometimes people mistake SBS for cold or flu symptoms, but unlike a cold or flu virus, the symptoms of SBS tend to worsen while you’re in a specific building and improve when you leave. If you notice your symptoms ease shortly after leaving work and return when you're back, you likely have sick building syndrome.
Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms of sick building syndrome may occur individually or in any combination, or they can vary day by day. As well, you may experience a specific symptom while at the same time a co-worker may suffer a different one. Symptoms of SBS can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Cough (with or without chest pain)
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Eye irritation
- Skin rashes
- Nosebleeds, runny nose, or congestion
- Inability to concentrate
- Sensitivity to odours
Effect of Sick Building Syndrome on Productivity
Whether individually or in combination, the symptoms of SBS can negatively affect occupants’ health and performance, as well as their overall sense of well-being. In turn, this can reduce employee efficiency and increase absenteeism, leading to loss of productivity for your business.
The Causes Sick Building Syndrome
There can be many contributing factors to SBS, but you can help identify and prevent this in your facility by first addressing the following common causes:
- Inadequate ventilation
- Chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources
- Biological contaminants, including mold and bacteria
Ways to Help Prevent Sick Building Syndrome
Improve Building Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Schedule an appointment with an HVAC contractor to professionally clean your system and check that your indoor air ventilation systems are functioning properly and operating at healthy standards. Improving office air quality by removing dust mites, mold spores, pollen, and other allergens is key to helping reduce symptoms caused by SBS.
Check and Change Your Air Filters
Ensure your building’s air filters are changed every 3 to 6 months and have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of at least 13. MERV ratings measure the effectiveness of air filters in capturing airborne particles. With a scale ranging from 1 to 16, higher MERV ratings indicate better filtration, making them suitable for buildings where occupants report increased allergies or respiratory issues.
Moisture Control
Identify any sources of excess humidity in your facility that may encourage mold and mildew growth. Regularly replace water-stained ceiling tiles or water-damaged carpet, and clean tiles and grout.
Eliminate Biological Contaminants
Remove all biological contaminants from your property, including mold, insects, and rodent droppings.
Eliminate or Control Chemical Contaminants
Have a professional assessment conducted at your work facility to identify and address any indoor or outdoor sources of chemical contamination.
Professional Commercial Cleaning Services
To maintain a healthy facility for your employees and visitors, ongoing professional office cleaning is crucial. From frequent vacuuming and dusting to disinfecting high-touch surfaces, regularly scheduled comprehensive cleaning services can prevent sick building syndrome by addressing underlying issues and supporting a cleaner, more productive workplace.
Reduce the Risk of SBS: Contact ServiceMaster Clean Today
A healthy facility is a clean facility, and a cleaner work environment helps to boost employee morale, reduce sick days, and increase productivity.
As leaders in the commercial cleaning industry for more than 70 years, we know the importance of keeping indoor workplaces healthy and safe, and we address these issues by delivering the highest standard of commercial cleaning and janitorial services, with measurable results.
We offer customizable, flexible plans and services designed to fit your schedule, budget, and the unique requirements of your facility. Let us help reduce the risk of sick building syndrome at your place of business by providing a cleaner, healthier work environment.