Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a real thing and it seems to become more prominent in the UK with each passing year. Everyone hates it when it feels like the space in which they spend so much of their lives is making them feel unwell, it’s like being a prisoner! So what’s causing SBS, how can you tell if your office is suffering from it, and is there a course of action to get rid of it? Let’s find out!
So, what’s the deal with SBS? Well, according to Healthline, it’s a condition thought to be caused by poor indoor air quality in enclosed spaces like offices. Here’s the kicker: no one really knows the exact cause. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to eye irritation and fatigue; basically, it’s like the building’s giving you a cold. But the telltale sign? The symptoms magically improve when you leave the building, only to come back as soon as you’re back at your desk. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?
The causes of SBS can be as varied as the biscuits in the office tin. The WCS Group points to a few big culprits, like poor ventilation. Did you know that fresh-air supply rates in commercial buildings should be at least 5 to 8 litres per second, per person? When ventilation systems aren’t up to scratch, stale air hangs around, and let’s be honest, nobody fancies working in a stale office, right?
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are completely essential to any modern building, but an improperly maintained HVAC system just circulates dusty, contaminated air around the space day in and day out. And don’t even get me started on volatile organic compounds (VOCs); posh talk for the chemicals coming from things like carpets, cleaning agents, and photocopiers. These things working in tandem can turn your office into a nightmare, and everyone will end up working from home 4 days a week. We can’t have that, can we?
How Can You Tell if It’s SBS?
The symptoms of SBS can be tricky to pin down. According to the NHS, they’re pretty common; headaches, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating. But if you notice these only while you’re at work and they vanish when you’re elsewhere, your building might be the culprit. It’s worth paying attention to patterns, like whether your whole team’s constantly battling the same vague symptoms. Could be a coincidence… or maybe it’s not, eh?
What Can You Do About It?
Here’s the good news: SBS is totally preventable. First things first, make sure your HVAC system gets regular maintenance and cleaning. Not sure where to start? Cleanair UK offers professional services that can whip your ventilation system into shape. You can also improve airflow by opening windows (if you’re lucky enough to have them) or using air purifiers. Switching to low-VOC products, like eco-friendly cleaning agents, really can make a big difference too. And don’t underestimate the power of a few well-placed houseplants; they’re like little air-cleaning machines.
Final Thoughts
Your workspace should be a safe haven for you to flourish and grow alongside your colleagues and peers, not some kind of weird, runny nose prison! Next time your building feels like its working against you, take in your environment for a second and think, what’s not right? Is it the air, or the radiators? Or is there some kind of curse placed upon your team by an ancient flu witch? Which one is it? Fixing SBS isn’t rocket science; it’s just about creating a healthier space for everyone. After all, you deserve to breathe easy, don’t you?
