The concentration of these chemical contaminants in a building or room determines the severity of symptoms that manifest. Buildings with air vents that are not well-positioned are prone to the inflow of these toxic chemical pollutants from external or outdoor sources. Other sources of VOCs are outdoor combustion fumes and motor vehicle exhaust. These compounds, which include formaldehyde, are toxic and trigger acute distress in some people.
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Indoor chemical contaminantsīuilding materials such as carpets, upholsteries, wood products, and cleaning chemicals may emit chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Researchers revealed that when the ventilation rate in a room is below 10 liters a second (opens in new tab), the occupants are more likely to develop sick building syndrome. Buildings with poor air purifying systems have a higher risk of retaining air particles that stimulate acute health distressing symptoms. Ventilation ensures proper air circulation so that the average level of air pollutants in a building is controlled and kept at minimal levels insignificant to trigger any symptoms. The concentration of air pollutants or particles generated by the occupants and the building materials affects the air quality of enclosed space. Here are some of the causative factors of sick building syndrome: Inadequate ventilation Sick building syndrome is caused primarily due to poor air quality and is affected by multiple factors like the type of building materials used. (Image credit: Getty Images ) Sick building syndrome: what causes it? Sick building syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means the doctor must exclude other potential causes of the symptoms before making this diagnosis. If you notice these symptoms whenever you are in a building or an enclosed space, try to determine if the symptoms disappear when you're outside the building.
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Here are some common sick building syndrome complaints, according to Healthline (opens in new tab): People with an existing predisposition to allergies or asthma may present with more severe symptoms than those without allergies. The physical symptoms of sick building syndrome differ from person to person, depending on the individual’s immune sensitivity. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (opens in new tab) (CPSC) states that 30% of new or renovated buildings have poor indoor air quality.
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Scientists have linked sick building syndrome to poor indoor air quality in a building or an enclosed space.