Why your office might be making you physically ill
In short: You spend up to 90 percent of your life indoors, but your workspace could be a hidden health hazard. From headaches to fatigue, the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome are rising, yet the specific cause remains a mystery to researchers.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) describes a phenomenon where building occupants experience discomforting health effects that appear linked to time spent in a specific structure. The Environmental Protection Agency defines it as a situation where health issues occur even though no specific cause can be found. Interestingly, symptoms often improve shortly after leaving the building, though some effects can linger. While it is most common in open-plan offices, it can affect schools, libraries, and even private homes.
The roots of the problem may lie in the 1970s oil embargo. To conserve energy and reduce costs, many U.S. buildings were constructed to be much more airtight. This led to ventilation rates dropping as low as 5 cubic feet per minute per person. While modern engineering standards have since increased this minimum to 15 cubic feet per minute, many structures still struggle with poor air circulation or poorly maintained HVAC systems.
The cause is likely a complex cocktail of factors rather than a single culprit. Chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds from carpets, adhesives, and cleaning agents, circulate alongside outdoor pollutants like carbon monoxide or radon that enter through poorly placed vents. Biological factors, including dust, mold, or even bacteria in humidifiers, also play a role. Because symptoms like dizziness, respiratory irritation, and fatigue can vary between individuals in the same room, the condition is often difficult to diagnose.
Addressing SBS requires a systematic approach: improving ventilation, removing pollutant sources, and maintaining air systems. Some even suggest that certain houseplants can help absorb indoor air pollutants, though the primary solution remains ensuring fresh air exchange and reducing exposure to chemical and biological triggers.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Is Sick Building Syndrome?
- Also: Sick building syndrome
- Also: The sick building syndrome
- Also: www.hse.gov.uk — How to deal with sick building syndrome: Guidance for employers, building owners and building managers - HSE
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