Energy efficiency is a good thing, and one component of an energy efficient home is preventing air leaks that lead to increased heat or air conditioning use. However, good ventilation is also needed to prevent health problems, like sick building syndrome.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) gives us the formally accepted definition of sick building syndrome:
“The term sick building syndrome (SBS) is used to describe a situation in which the occupants of a building experience acute health- or comfort-related effects that seem to be linked directly to the time spent in the building. No specific illness or cause can be identified. The complainants may be localized in a particular room or zone or may be widespread throughout the building.”
Lack of a directly identifiable cause for the symptoms is the key part, as that is what differentiates SBS from BRI (building related illness), radon exposure, and asbestos exposure. This lack of an easily found originating cause makes SBS challenging to diagnose.
What Causes Building-Related Illness?
Current research and expert opinions believe that SBS has its roots in indoor air quality (IAQ). Airflow in the house and the rate at which it removes airborne contaminants is considered a primary cause. Some of the impurities that you might be breathing that could contribute to SBS include:
- Carbon monoxide
- Ozone (often produced by electronic devices such as printers)
- Pesticides
- Asbestos
- Chemicals in pressed wood and other manufactured products
- Dust and other particulates.
Can You Get Sick Building Syndrome in a House?
When most people think of Sick Building Syndrome, they tend to think of office buildings or commercial/industrial properties. The reality is that individual home are not immune.
In fact, lifestyle factors found in private homes can aggravate the problem. Among these are high levels of dust, smoking inside the home, wall to wall carpets, mold and mildew, or the use of certain household products. In addition, the ambient pollution levels of the neighborhood and the materials used to construct the home can play a significant role in the potential for SBS.
How Can I Test the Air Quality in My Home?
While there are a number of products on the market for testing your air quality, doing a complete job of it requires multiple tests that look for different things (mold detection, air quality, radon, etc.). Calling in a professional to test your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can usually yield faster and more accurate results.
What Are the Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?
Indications that you might be dealing with sick building syndrome generally involve acute discomfort and symptoms that go away after you leave the affected building. Headaches; irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; fatigue and difficulty focusing; odor sensitivity; nausea, irritability, and dizzy spells are all signs to look for if you suspect SBS.
Let the Tragar Home Services Family Care for Your Home
Your family deserves an HVAC provider that has your health and comfort at heart. Tragar Home Services has a long-standing tradition of providing 5-star service twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our highly trained professionals can perform an IAQ test as well as any HVAC maintenance needed to improve it, as well as other services such as HVAC installation and oil delivery. Contact us today and let’s clear the air!
