What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) occurs when occupants of a building experience acute health complications or feel highly uncomfortable while inside the building or a specific room or area. These health issues can range from headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritations, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors.

Symptoms often improve after leaving the contaminated building or area, but in extreme cases, the effects can be long-lasting. Most of the time, the culprit behind sick building syndrome is biological contaminants, namely, mold.

SBS can affect any home or building and is often triggered by various factors. Notably, heavy rain and wet weather can exacerbate conditions leading to SBS.

MR PSL has observed the impact on homes, large residential buildings, commercial structures, and public places following wet weather and flooding. Contact us now as your mold damage specialists in Port St Lucie and the surrounding area.

In many residential neighborhoods, mold removed from one unit often returns due to proximity to other contaminated units or buildings. With mold in the air, it’s possible to trigger allergic reactions. But heightened carbon monoxide levels and chemical fumes have also been known to cause symptoms including but not limited to headaches, nausea, and eye, nose and throat irritation.

Other Causes of SBS

Inadequate Ventilation

In the early and mid-1900s, building ventilation standards required about 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of outside air per occupant to dilute and remove body odors. However, during the 1973 oil embargo, energy conservation measures reduced this rate to 5 cfm per occupant. This reduction often proved inadequate for maintaining the health and comfort of building occupants.

Inadequate ventilation can also occur if heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems fail to distribute air effectively throughout the building. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has since revised its standards, now recommending a minimum of 15 cfm of outdoor air per person (20 cfm/person in office spaces), with up to 60 cfm/person required in certain areas like smoking lounges.

Chemical Contaminants from Indoor Sources

Most indoor air pollution originates from sources within the building. Common culprits include adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents, all of which can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde.

Environmental tobacco smoke significantly contributes to VOC levels, along with other toxic compounds and particulate matter. High concentrations of some VOCs can cause both chronic and acute health effects, and some are known carcinogens. Additionally, low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs can produce acute reactions.

Combustion products like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can emanate from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, and gas stoves.

Chemical Contaminants from Outdoor Sources

Outdoor air entering a building can also introduce pollutants. Motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, and building exhausts (e.g., from bathrooms and kitchens) can enter through poorly located air intake vents, windows, and other openings.

Additionally, combustion products from nearby garages can infiltrate the building, contributing to indoor air pollution.

Biological Contaminants

Biological contaminants, including bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses, can thrive in stagnant water found in ducts, humidifiers, drain pans, or areas where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Insects and bird droppings can also be sources of biological contamination.

Physical symptoms related to biological contaminants include coughing, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses like mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion. A notable indoor bacterium, Legionella, can cause both Legionnaire’s Disease and Pontiac Fever.

Wondering if you have black mold? Learn how to detect black mold in your home now.

List of Specialized Indoor Environmental Services MR PSL Recommends Annually

Specialized Sick Building Syndrome Inspections
Tenant/Landlord Assessments
Indoor Air Quality Testing Services
Annual Mold Assessments/Inspections
HVAC Mold Removal and Disinfecting
Attic and Crawlspace Mold Cleaning
Asthma Trigger Inspections
Eczema and Psoriasis Prevention Inspections
Marine Mold Remediation
Vehicle Mold Removal Services
Contaminated Content Cleaning: Personal belongings, furniture, clothing, shoes, other home furnishings, carpets, etc.

Indoor Environmental Products

MR PSL utilizes and implements a range of indoor environmental products to combat SBS and other indoor air quality issues. These include:

Proprietary Probiotics Cleaning Line
Eco-friendly Mold Removal Products
Mold Prevention Coatings
Anti-fungal Treatments
Disinfecting Products

These products are designed to remove mold, prevent future growth, and improve overall indoor air quality.

Mold and Allergy Specialists Treasure Coast

In addition to providing comprehensive mold removal and indoor environmental services, MR PSL offers resources and information on top allergy and immunology specialists in the Treasure Coast area. These professionals specialize in preventing and treating allergies, toxicology, and immune system-related health issues.

Need mold testing in the Treasure Coast area? Whether you’re in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, Sebastian, Jupiter Island, or somewhere else in the Treasure Coast area, MR PSL has you covered with expert mold remediation and testing services.

About MR PSL

MR PSL is dedicated to providing top-notch mold removal and indoor environmental services across the Treasure Coast. Our team of specialists is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and products to tackle Sick Building Syndrome and other indoor air quality issues, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our clients.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?