Do you suffer from sick building syndrome?

It is common knowledge that spending a long time in a home that does not meet safety and quality standards can lead to health problems. But did you know that there is a name for this? It is called sick building syndrome or syndrome. In this article, we will tell you how to recognise this phenomenon, and how to avoid the unpleasant consequences of this syndrome.

What is sick building syndrome?

The name kind of gives it away: sick building syndrome is a term used in situations where occupants or users of a building suddenly find themselves with all kinds of health complaints experienced due to nothing but the building. In other words, just by being in the building, residents get sick.

The term was created by the World Health Organisation, which released a research report in the 1980s with some curious results. Namely, they found that some 30% of all newly built and renovated houses make residents sick. In doing so, they made the important observation that the syndrome usually does not occur in just one individual, but in a group of people. Thus, it does not manifest itself only in single individuals, but often affects several people in the same building.

The most common symptoms of sick building syndrome

The symptoms of sick building syndrome can vary widely and are generally considered non-specific and mild, but they can still be perceived as unpleasant. They show similarities to the symptoms of an allergic reaction or prolonged work stress.

Below is an overview of the most common complaints:

  • (Severe) fatigue,
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Dry or stinging eyes
  • An irritated nose and/or throat
  • Coughing and/or sneezing
  • A nasal cold
  • Fever
  • Breathing problems and a pressing sensation in the chest
  • Headache
  • Dry and/or itchy skin
  • Results
  • Concentration problems and reduced productivity
  • ...

Just because the symptoms are so common, it is difficult to tell whether they are from sick building syndrome. It is only when several people in the same building experience these symptoms at the same time that you can speak of sick building syndrome with more certainty.

The causes of sick building syndrome

Sick building syndrome can occur in one particular room, or the whole building can cause you to get sick. Some of the most common causes are poor or lack of ventilation, high humidity due to moisture problems or chemical contamination from building materials, for example. Insufficient daylight can also lead to the health problems described above.

Solving sick building syndrome

The causes of sick building syndrome do not disappear on their own.

  • Check indoor air quality and humidity regularly to identify and address potential problems. Here, air quality monitors can give you a hand.
  • To achieve good air quality, ventilation a must. Ensure adequate ventilation in the building. This can be done simply by opening a window or door on a regular basis, or you can delegate this task to a ventilation system.
  • If you notice that the humidity remains too high and does not diminish, it is advisable to call in a moisture expert. This expert can identify the moisture problem and suggest the most appropriate solutions to tackle the problem.
  • Only use building materials and furniture that do not emit toxic substances. Choose eco-friendly and sustainable materials whenever possible.

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