Sick building syndrome
SBS seems to be associated with certain types of buildings. Most cases occur in open plan offices, butpeople sometimes develop the symptoms while in other buildings that are occupied by lots of people such as:
There have also been anecdotal reports of people experiencing symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and dizzinessat home.
Although these symptoms aren't necessarily related to SBS, it's important to ensure your home is a safe environment. Make sure you have working smoke alarms fitted and thatgasappliances, such as cookers and boilers, are regularly serviced.
Make sure you can open the windows to allow you to ventilate your home, and keep your home as dust-free as possible. Keeping the rooms free of clutter and in good decorative order will also help make your home a pleasant environment in which to live.
As yet, no single cause has been identified. Most experts believe that it may be the result of a combination of things.
Possible risk factors for SBS may include:
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a poorly understood phenomenon where people have symptoms related to a certain building, most often a workplace.
The symptoms of SBS may include: Headaches and dizziness nausea (feeling sick) aches and pains fatigue (extreme tiredness) poorconcentration shortness of breath or chest tightness eye and throat irri
Anyone can be affected by SBS, but office workers in modern buildings without opening windows and with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems are most at risk. The likelihood of experienci
SBS seems to be associated with certain types of buildings. Most cases occur in open plan offices, butpeople sometimes develop the symptoms while in other buildings that are occupied by lots of people
If you think your working environment is making you ill, talk to your colleagues to see whether they have similar symptoms. If SBS appears to be a workplace issue, you should raise it with your line m
The HSE recommends that employers take the steps outlined below to investigate the possible causes of SBS. Carry out an employee survey to find out whethersymptoms are occurring more oftenthan expect
There are a number of measures you can take at work to help prevent the symptoms of sick building syndrome. For example, you can: open windows to avoid getting too hot organise and prioritise your wo