Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) was first identified and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the early 1980s. It is a condition, most often occurring in commercial buildings, where numerous workers can be affected by a variety of symptoms, cutting down on worker productivity and greatly increasing absenteeism.
Heater and Air Conditioner in One in Erie – Sick Building Syndrome.
The causes of Sick Building Syndrome are difficult to identify, because the condition is normally caused by a number of existing factors in the building. People may be affected by chemical output of paints, carpets, natural molds and pollutants like cockroach excrement, tobacco smoke, specific types of flickering lighting, low humidity, poor maintenance of the building, and air and heating settings that do not include enough exchange with outdoor air.
Heater and Air Conditioner in Erie – The Statistics.
The statistics on SBS from the WHO are staggering. It is estimated that up to half of new buildings, or newly refurbished buildings may cause Sick Building Syndrome. In worst cases, almost all employees in the building can be affected, up to 85%. From time to time residential buildings also cause SBS, but this is less common.
Heater and Air Conditioner Combo in Erie – The Result.
Illness resulting from apartment buildings tends to be the result of biological contaminants like molds or fungi, and poor overall maintenance of the building. Some think that SBS is less common in residential buildings since single apartments are likely to show greater variance in decoration. Further, many apartments give you the ability to open a window if the air seems stale, even in apartments of many floors. This may not be true in an office environment, and decorations are more uniform. Everyone on the same floor of a building may have the same carpet, and similar desks, chairs and lighting. This uniformity may be the reason why SBS more often occurs in commercial buildings.
