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Indicators of Sick Building Syndrome:
Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with
acute discomfort,
e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry
or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in
concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. The cause of
the symptoms is not known. Most of the people who complained, reported
relief soon after leaving the building.
Solving the
problem (Locating the source):
While investigating remember, that mold generally needs a
moisture source and a food source to survive. Poorly configured
landscape irrigation or inadequate drainage outside the building
can result in moisture inside the building. This can lead to
subsequent mold growth.
Carpets can get moldy – check them out.
Plastic “carpet savers” can lock in moisture, where other
areas have a chance to dry out.
Plants and moss in plants can be a good location for mold
to grow.
Check anywhere there’s been a pipe burst or water leak –
even long after it’s been repaired.
The air conditioning systems may be contaminated with mold.
This can be a result of various conditions, such as overflowing
drain pans, condensation blowing off the coils onto internal
insulation or water incursion into the ducts (leaking rooftop
ducts) to name a few.
The filters in the HVAC system don’t fit correctly, leaving
gaps and allowing contaminants into the system.
The outside air intake for the HVAC system is located near
a bathroom exhaust or other undesirable locations. Not enough
outside (fresh) air. Fresh air is needed to dilute the
contaminants typically found within a building.
HVAC system not balanced, e.g. too much or not enough air
being delivered to a specific location.
HVAC system has been contaminated. This can be a result of
outside sources or conditions within the system.
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