Sick Building Syndrome: What It Is and How to Prevent It

Understanding Sick Building Syndrome and How to Avoid It

You deserve to feel energized and comfortable in the spaces where you spend your time, whether that's your office, school, or home. Sometimes, unexplained discomfort like headaches, fatigue, or irritation can actually be linked to indoor air quality. When people notice their symptoms improve after leaving a building, it's often a sign that Sick Building Syndrome may be at fault. But not to worry, because you can create your own Utopiair™ with Alen home air purifiers. Alen air purifiers are engineered to capture air pollution, going far beyond eliminating Sick Building Syndrome, and creating a refreshing, healthy indoor environment. 

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome is a pattern of symptoms that takes shape when people spend time inside certain buildings with poor indoor air conditions. People often notice issues such as headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, or throat discomfort while they are inside the affected space.

“Symptoms of sick building syndrome get worse the longer you're in a particular building and get better after you leave.” NHS

What is Building-Related Illness (BRI)?

Building-Related Illness refers to health problems caused by a clearly identifiable source, such as mold, bacteria, or chemical contaminants, inside a building. Unlike Sick Building Syndrome, the symptoms of BRI do not fade after leaving the environment and often require medical treatment.

What are the Main Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?

People typically notice a pattern of discomfort while spending time inside buildings with poor indoor air quality. Common symptoms include:

• Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and occasional dizziness. These issues make it harder to focus or stay comfortable throughout the day.
• Respiratory symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, and nasal congestion. These signs appear when the air contains pollutants or lacks proper ventilation.
• Eye and skin symptoms like eye irritation, dryness, or itching, along with skin dryness or mild rashes. These tend to arise in spaces with low humidity or airborne irritants.

What to Do if You Think You Have Sick Building Syndrome

If you suspect that your symptoms are linked to the time you spend inside a particular building, there are many steps you can take to solve the issue.

1. Track when and where symptoms occur. Note the times, rooms, and activities associated with discomfort to help identify patterns.
2. Report concerns to building or facility management. They may be able to inspect ventilation systems, check for leaks, or schedule maintenance.
3. Improve ventilation in your immediate space. Use fans, open windows when possible, or run an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor pollutants.
4. Reduce sources of indoor contaminants. Limit strong fragrances, ensure trash is emptied regularly, and keep dust levels low.
5. Seek medical advice if symptoms continue. A healthcare provider can rule out other causes and guide you on what steps to take next.

If you address the problem early on, you’ll likely notice fast improvement and relief.

What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome typically comes from a combination of environmental factors that affect indoor air quality (IAQ). These issues usually build up over time, leading to discomfort for people who spend long periods inside the affected space.

• Inadequate ventilation. Poor airflow, blocked vents, clogged intake filter, or faulty HVAC systems prevent fresh air from circulating and allow pollutants to accumulate.
• Chemical contaminants from indoor sources. Cleaning products, paints, adhesives, and office equipment can release volatile organic compounds that irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
• Daily activities. Smoking, cooking, using candles, or using strong fragrances and aerosols indoors can introduce additional irritants into shared spaces.
• Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources. Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, or construction fumes can enter buildings through air intakes, open windows, or cracks.
• Biological contaminants. Mold, bacteria, pollen, and viruses thrive in damp or poorly maintained spaces, leading to a higher risk of irritation and illness.
• High levels of carbon dioxide. Overcrowded rooms or spaces without adequate ventilation allow CO₂ to build up, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
• Humidity imbalances. Low humidity dries out the skin, eyes, and throat, while high humidity encourages mold, bacteria, and dust mites.
• Dust and particulate matter. Accumulated dust, fibers, and particles from insulation or building materials can irritate the lungs and worsen air quality.
• Poor temperature control. Hot or cold spots and inconsistent temperatures can increase discomfort and make the air feel stale or oppressive.
• Building materials and furnishings. New carpets, upholstery, and composite wood products may release formaldehyde and other VOCs long after installation.
• Maintenance neglect. Dirty filters, clogged ducts, and irregular building upkeep allow pollutants and microorganisms to circulate freely.

These factors often interact, making it important to address both ventilation and everyday environmental contributors when improving indoor air quality.

How to Get Rid of SBS

Here are some straightforward solutions for improving IAQ and reducing symptoms linked to Sick Building Syndrome:

1. Increase fresh air intake and ventilation. Open windows when possible or adjust the system to bring in more outdoor air.
2. Use a functional ventilation hood. When cooking, make sure to turn on a functional vent hood to remove smoke and pollutants from the air.
3. Limit the smoke. Avoid smoking indoors and reduce the use of candles, incense, or other products that release smoke into the air.
4. Maintain HVAC systems regularly.  Replace filters, clean ducts, and make sure fans and vents are working properly.
5. Use Alen air purifiers. These purifiers use medical-grade HEPA filters to powerfully capture 99.9% of airborne dust, allergens, and pollutants.
6. Control humidity and fix leaks. Keep indoor humidity balanced and address any sources of moisture right away.
7. Choose low-VOC paints, furnishings, and cleaners. This reduces chemical fumes that can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
8. Keep indoor spaces clean and uncluttered. Regular dusting and vacuuming limit the buildup of particulate matter.

With these simple steps, you’ll feel more comfortable and experience fewer symptoms.

How to Test for Sick Building Syndrome

There is no single medical test that can confirm Sick Building Syndrome because it is based on patterns of symptoms rather than a specific disease. However, a combination of simple checks and professional assessments can help reveal potential problems.

Common environmental testing methods include:

• Air sampling to measure pollutants, particles, and volatile organic compounds.
• Humidity testing to identify dry or overly damp conditions.
• CO₂ monitoring to evaluate ventilation levels and overcrowding.
• Mold inspection to detect hidden moisture or biological growth.

Getting a professional indoor air quality specialist to check things out can give you real peace of mind and detailed answers. The best part? Most issues are pretty straightforward to prevent. Keeping up with regular maintenance, making sure your space has good airflow, and addressing small problems before they become bigger ones will keep your indoor environment healthy and comfortable for everyone.

Ready to build your Utopiair™? Check out Alen’s air purifiers. 

Sick Building Syndrome FAQs

1. Is my house making me sick?

Your house could be making you sick if you notice symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or irritation that improve when you leave home. Poor ventilation, mold, dust, and chemical pollutants are common triggers. Check out Alen if you need fast relief if you need fast relief.

2. How long does sick building syndrome last?

Symptoms can last as long as you remain in the affected building. Once the source is removed or ventilation improves, many people feel better within hours or days. Persistent symptoms may indicate a more specific issue, such as Building-Related Illness.

3. Who is most at risk for sick building syndrome?

People who spend long hours in poorly ventilated buildings face the highest risk. Office workers, students, and individuals with allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to indoor pollutants. Buildings with outdated HVAC systems, moisture problems, or high occupancy levels also increase the likelihood of SBS-related symptoms.