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Related Concept
  • IAQ - indoor air quality
  • IAQ: sick building syndrome, SBS



  • Related References
  • Godish, T., (1995), Sick Buildings: Definition, Diagnosis and Mitigation



  • Related Articles






    Essay:

    Sick Building Syndrome

    Fact sheet:

    This link was checked on Dec. 2006EPA (www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html),

    This link was checked on Dec. 2006NSC (www.nsc.org/ehc/indoor/sbs.htm),

    This link was checked on Dec. 2006Ohio State University (ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/0194.html),

    http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/wjk/sbs.html

    Sick Building Syndrome is a general category for a number of ailments, allergies, and complaints, all due to some physical aspect of a building, usually related to the ventilation system. The existence of low levels of pollutants, synthetic irritants, fungi or other microorganisms, or simply a lack of adequate fresh air, are sufficient factors to cause reactions in a percentage of building occupants. Sometimes extremely low levels of several different pollutants or irritants is sufficient to incapacitate certain sensitive individuals.

    The diversity of both causes and effects of Sick Building Syndrome have led some to claim its nonexistence, but the problem continues to occur. The symptoms may be different for different people and can vary considerably in degree, but this shouldn't be too surprising considering the genetic diversity of the human race and the incredible array of potential contaminants humans encounter daily. Sick Building Syndrome exists even if it defies specific diagnosis.




    CRDBER, at CBS, BCEE, ENCS, Concordia,