While the exact cause of Sick Building Syndrome remains unclear, the following elements have been noted as contributing factors to sick building syndrome. These factors may act in conjunction with, or perhaps supplement other complaints such as temperature, humidity, or lighting.
Outdoor air sources:
Outdoor air which enters a building may also be a source of indoor air pollution. Pollutants from vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, and kitchen and bathroom exhaust vents may enter the building through air intake vents, windows, and other openings. Combustion by-products can also enter a building from a nearby chimney or automotive garage.
Indoor air sources:
Pollution typically comes from sources inside the building. Adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents and pesticides may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde. Research shows that some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions in some individuals. Environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from stoves, fireplaces, and unvented space heaters all can put chemical contaminants into the air. Indoor air pollution can also come from synthetic fragrances in personal care products or general cleaning and maintenance products
Biological contaminants:
Pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds are examples of biological contaminants. These microbial agents can breed in stagnant water which has accumulated in humidifiers, drain pans, and dirty air ducts, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, insulation, or carpet. Biological contaminants can cause allergic reactions, fever, chills, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches. Legionella, an indoor air bacterium, has caused both Pontiac Fever and Legionnaire’s Disease.
Inadequate ventilation:
Because of the oil embargo of the 1970s building designers tried to make buildings more airtight to improve energy efficiency. With less outdoor air ventilation, indoor air was recycled over and over. Energy savings were realized at the expense of stagnant air. These reduced ventilation rates have been found to be, in many cases, inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of building occupants.
About the author: David L. Trosdahl has been the CEO of 3 regional sales & marketing companies and founder of a non-profit corporation. Involved in air duct cleaning in Minnesota for several years, David has helped numerous families decide on the best method of air duct cleaning and at what intervals their ductwork should be cleaned. David has also bought and sold numerous residential properties, and has helped many people find a house for rent. David is also the founder of the real estate investing website: RentToOwn-MN.com and many others.
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