Sick building syndrome

Definition

Sick building syndrome (SBS)describes a range of symptoms thought to be linked to spending time in a certain building , most often a workplace, but no specific cause can be found.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Jun 2016

Articles for sick building syndrome

Definition

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a poorly understood phenomenon where people have symptoms related to a certain building, most often a workplace.

SBS symptoms

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 environments

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

Advice for employees

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

Employers responsibilities

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

Workplace health

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

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