Used to
describe situations in which building
occupants experience acute health and
comfort effects that appear to be
linked to time spent in a building, but no
specific illness or cause has been
identified.
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.
