Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) describes a cluster of health symptoms that occupants experience while in a building, which improve upon leaving the space. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, eye irritation, respiratory issues, and skin reactions without an identifiable specific cause. SBS affects productivity and occupant well-being, particularly in modern, tightly sealed buildings with limited outdoor air exchange.
Contributing Factors
Poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, high CO2 levels (above 1,000 parts per million), temperature extremes, low humidity, microbial contamination, and volatile organic compound emissions all contribute to SBS. Tight building envelopes designed for energy efficiency often restrict fresh air intake below recommended rates of 15 cubic feet per minute per person.
Remediation Strategies
Increasing outdoor air ventilation to meet ASHRAE 62.1 standards (minimum 15 CFM per person), improving humidity control between 30-50%, regular HVAC maintenance, source control of off-gassing materials, and air quality monitoring help alleviate SBS symptoms. Installing demand-controlled ventilation systems that respond to occupancy and CO2 levels provides cost-effective improvement while maintaining comfort.