Sick Building Syndrome: A Risk Factor

A #sickbuilding is an enclosed space where around 30% or more of its occupants suffer from #healthproblems that are not easily identifiable.

Two types of sick buildings can be encountered:

• Temporary ones: These situations often occur in new buildings, and the problems typically disappear on their own after a short period.
• Permanent ones: This is the more concerning scenario, as symptoms persist, often even after corrective actions have been taken.

Possible Risk Factors:

The multitude of potential triggering factors is extensive and pertains to environmental pollutants such as human respiration, dust, construction materials, odors from gases and vapors, ions, poor lighting, high noise levels, vibrations from machinery installed in the building, or ventilation issues, among others.

Possible Causes of a Sick Building:

Given the difficulty in identifying sick building syndrome when it occurs, the WHO has identified a series of common characteristics in most cases:

1. There are usually ventilation problems.
2. Many surfaces are covered with textile material (such as carpets). 
3. The environment remains at a nearly constant temperature.
4. They are "sealed" buildings (windows that do not open, etc.).

Common Symptoms Due to a Sick Building:

La única enfermedad producida por el síndrome del edificio enfermo reconocida en España es la lipoatrofia semicircular.

Existen otros malestares originados por los edificios enfermos relacionados como jaquecas, náuseas, mareos, resfriados persistentes, picor en piel y ojos o incluso alergias. Técnicamente, no son enfermedades en sí mismas. Son dolencias, que aparecen al tiempo de estar en el edificio enfermo y que desaparecen cuando no estás en el edificio.

What Can Be Done to Make a Building as Healthy as Possible?

1. Ensure good #ventilation in enclosed spaces.
2. Control the temperature of the spaces.
3. Regulate the humidity of the spaces.