The term " sick building syndrome " (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
The following have been cited causes of or contributing factors to sick building syndrome: (1) Inadequate ventilation; (2) Chemical contaminants from indoors sources; (3) Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources; (4) Biological contaminants.
What is Indoor Air Pollution?
Research indicates that people spend approximately 80 ~ 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are exposed to polluted indoor air that may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even lung cancer or other malignancies. Recent study reveals that bacteria, molds and house dust mites bred inside carpets and air conditioners can be airborne by dust particles, paints, varnishes, harmful chemical fibers and pressed wood products, which are most commonly used in household decoration, may emit formaldehyde, benzene and other hazardous and carcinogenic organic chemicals -- all these as well as unwholesome matters produced in the metabolism of human bodies and ammonia inside toilets have made the air within homes and other buildings more seriously polluted than the outdoor air.
People may experience one or more of the following reactions when exposed to indoor air pollution:
Allergic Reactions
Some common signs and symptoms are: (1) Watery eyes; (2) Runny nose and sneezing; (3) Nasal congestion; (4) Itching; (5) Coughing;(6) Wheezing and difficulty breathing;
