This information is provided to offe r guidance on a particular aspect of legislation. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation GS 41 SICK BUILDING SYNDROME INTRODUCTION 'Sick Building Syndrome' is a somewhat inelegant term used to describe a collection ofsymptoms that have been associated with the internal environments of some buildings. In various parts of the world, several otherterms have been used for what is essentially the same phenomenon. These terms include: 'Indoor Air Quality Syndrome' 'Closed Building Syndrome' 'Tight Building Syndrome' The complaints of discomfort and ill health that constitute the syndrome include the following: EYE SYMPTOMS dryness and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eye, often experienced as 'grittiness', stinging and watering of the eyes. RESPIRATORY TRACT SYMPTOMS dryness and irritation of the throat irritation of the nasal mucous membranes, often described as a'runny', blocked or'stuffy, nose sinus pain. SKIN SYMPTOMS dryness and irritation of the skin GENERAL SYMPTOMS headaches lethargy tiredness poor concentration. Other general symptoms that have been described as part of the syndrome include: Nausea Dizziness tightness in the chest a sensation of difficulty with breathing a sensation of 'stuffiness' odours and unusual tastes exacerbation of other conditions eg. asthma. `SICK' VS 'PROBLEM' BUILDINGS It should be understood that this syndrome refers to situations where no specific contaminant causing the symptoms can be identified. Where excess levels of a particular contaminant (eg. formaldehyde) can be identified in the atmosphere of a building and cause the types of symptoms described, the specific cause ofthe symptoms is apparent and it is inappropriate to label the problem in terms of a non-specific syndrome. Such situations have been described by some as 'problem buildings', as opposed to 'sick' or 'tight' buildings. Examples of 'problems' related to internal building environments include: specific contaminants from furnishings, construction materials or processes (eg. formaldehyde from certain insulating materials). synthetic mineral fibres (eg. fibreglass) poor temperature control bio-aerosols (eg. fungal spores, bacteriae) high dust levels from inadequate cleaning vehicle exhaust fumes due to poorplacement of air-conditioning air intakes. environmental tobacco smoke. Although these faults can cause some of the symptoms described, and need to be identified and corrected, they should not be regarded as constituting the 'Sick Building Syndrome'.
