Sick Building Syndrome

Sick Build Syndrome (SBS) is a condition in which a person suffers from adverse health effects or becomes infected with chronic disease from the building in which they work or reside.

However, it should be noted that no specific illness or cause of it can be identified.

Sick Building Syndrome has been in the news lately because health agencies in India believe that due to inadequate ventilation or faulty building practices, SBS is fuelling the rise in COVID-19 infections.

As a result the Government of India has issued guidelines that stress on adequate ventilation of indoors to stop COVID-19 transmission.

This article will further discuss at length about the Sick Building Syndrome and the information gained will be useful for candidates attempting the IAS Exam this year.

Overview of  Sick Building Syndrome

As mentioned before Sick Building Syndrome is a situation where the occupants of a building can suffer from acute health effects. Such cases may be restricted to a particular room or maybe widespread throughout the building.

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The outbreaks may or may not be a direct result of inadequate cleaning or inappropriate cleaning methods. SBS has also been used to describe staff concerns in post-war brutalist-style buildings with misplanned building aerodynamics, defects in the construction materials or assembly process and-or inadequate maintenance.

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

As per a report by the World Health Organisation, the following symptoms have been reported in those suffering from the Sick Building Syndrome:

1. Eye, nose, throat irritations
2. Headache
3. Fatigue
4. Irritability
5. Asthma
6. Chest tightness and wheezing
7. Skin dryness
8. Gastrointestinal complaint

In addition, individual symptoms may also be reported which may or may not be connected to the symptoms mentioned above. At times the symptoms may ease should the person leave the particular room or apartment. But depending upon the severity of the syndrome there might be chances of long-term health effects.

What are the causes of Sick Building Syndrome?

Common products such as paint, insulation, rigid foam, Particle Board, plywood, duct liners, exhaust fumes and other chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources, and biological contaminants can be trapped inside by an AC system.

Other factors also include:

1. Traffic noise
2. Poor lighting
3. Level of pollution in an area

Bacterial spores, fungal spores, mold spores, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants and can all cause allergic reactions or illness described as SBS.

Specific work-related stressors are related with specific SBS symptoms. Workload and work conflict are significantly associated with general symptoms (headache, abnormal tiredness, sensation of cold or nausea). While crowded workspaces and low work satisfaction are associated with upper respiratory symptoms.

Sick building syndrome can also occur due to factors of the home. Laminate flooring can cause more exposure to chemicals and more resulting SBS symptoms compared to stone, tile, and cement flooring.

Recent redecorating and new furnishings within the last year were also found to be associated with increased symptoms, along with dampness and related factors, having pets, and the presence of cockroaches.

Prevention of SBS

In India, faulty architectural designs which lead to buildings having less ventilation is the root cause of the rise in SBS cases. The National Building Code of India, stresses on natural ventilation as well as mechanical ventilation.

This basically meant spaces that were mechanically ventilated or air conditioned were exempt from the requirement of providing natural ventilation. Different standards for ventilation are drafted for air conditioned spaces which are now responsible for spiking the concentration of the virus indoors.

Along with making buildings breathable the following steps can be taken to prevent Sick Building Syndrome:

• Regular inspections to indicate for presence of mold or other toxins
• Adequate maintenance of all building mechanical systems
• Toxin-absorbing plants, such as sansevieria
• Roof shingle non-pressure cleaning for removal of algae, mold, and Gloeocapsa magma
• Using ozone to eliminate the many sources, such as VOCs, molds, mildews, bacteria, viruses, and even odors. However, numerous studies identify high-ozone shock treatment as ineffective despite commercial popularity and popular belief.
• Replacement of water-stained ceiling tiles and carpeting.

Aspirants can find complete information about upcoming Government Exams through the linked article. More exam-related preparation materials will be found through the links given below