$Unique_ID{BRK02481}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Is Sick Building Syndrome?}
$Subject{sick buildings building syndrome nose irritation eyes lethargy
headaches dry skin work offices inadequate ventilation indoor air pollutants
ill defined symptoms symptom respiratory pulmonary system place office
occupation occupational job jobs works vent venting atmosphere headache}
$Volume{N-23,H-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Is Sick Building Syndrome?


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QUESTION:  I know that you are a medical doctor who is experienced in treating
sick people.  How good are you with "sick buildings"?  Seriously, I would like
to know more about something called sick buildings, and what the term means.
Is there any treatment for the condition and what is it?  My co-workers and I
would be most grateful for any information.

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ANSWER:  The term you are seeking is "Sick Building Syndrome" and refers to a
pattern of symptoms and complaints seen in a group of workers who work in the
same building.  The symptoms include irritation of the nose and eyes,
lethargy, headaches and dry skin.  The symptoms must occur only when the
person is at work, and disappear when they leave their offices.
     The "sick buildings" tend to be new or recently remodeled, that are
sealed in the interests of energy efficiency in heating and air conditioning.
Researchers believe that these designs lead to inadequate ventilation, and a
buildup of indoor air pollutants.  The World Health Organization estimates
that as many as 30 percent of such new buildings can be identified as
harboring the syndrome.
     If investigation of the entire building reveals numbers of workers
afflicted by this problem, the building may be "cured" by improving the
ventilation systems.  Banning smoking, reducing circulating dust and spores,
and reducing humidity to below 70 percent, are other helpful measures.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.