Ever heard of the Sick Building Syndrome?

BY DOYIN ADEOYE
FOR many, once they enter a building, they begin to feel dizzy; develop eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry or itchy skin; or even have difficulty in concentrating, such, among others are the symptoms of the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

The SBS is believed to occur when occupants of a building experience discomfort that appears to emanate from the building. Although it has no known cause, there are many risk factors responsible for this condition.

A 1984 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, suggested that up to 30 per cent of new and renovated buildings worldwide may be subject of complaints related to poor indoor air quality.

Basically, the SBS occurs in modern buildings with closed mechanically ventilated systems, as its causes are often related to poor ventilation and air conditioning systems. On many occasions, lack of fresh air is the major factor responsible for SBS, which in turn causes discomfort for many individuals.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2006), inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from outdoor sources, chemical contaminants from indoor sources and biological contaminants, are the four major causes of SBS.

While chemical contaminants from indoor sources within the building may include pollution from adhesives for carpeting, upholstery, chemicals from copy machines, pesticides and so on, sources of air pollution from outdoor pollutants may include fumes from car exhaust, plumbing vents, etc.

Biological contaminants on the other hand, are as a result of bacteria and viruses in the building. They may breed in stagnant water or on wastes that are not properly disposed. Individual negligence and attitude towards caring for the environment, is a major contributory factor to this.

To some others, especially those in an office space, poor lighting could also have adverse effect on the eyes. And in areas where they rely solely on power plants for electricity supply, the loud noise could cause headache for many residents in such areas.

To maintain good and healthy conditions in buildings, as well as resolving the problem of SBS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2006) recommended increase in ventilation rates and air distribution; purification of air; removal or modification of the pollutant sources, as well as education and communication.