Now that the Covid-19 situation has gotten better, people are back in their offices whether full-time or with a hybrid arrangement. However, there’s a kind of syndrome like a silent danger that creeps up on us in the workplace before we realize it. It's called Sick Building Syndrome. What causes it? What are the symptoms?  How can we protect ourselves from it so that we can work happily and safely? Let’s take a look.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is an abnormal condition that occurs when the body is exposed to indoor pollution. It typically originates in the workplace but it can occur in any building, including the home. Our symptoms disappear on their own once we’re outside the building. Depending on the environment, the symptoms typically affect the eyes, nose, throat, lower respiratory tract, and skin.

Causes of SBS

To find the causes of SBS we have to look at the factors causing indoor pollution. These include:

·       Structural materials of the building

·       Chemicals used in the building such as in floor cleaners and paint etc.

·       Inadequate ventilation, especially air conditioning and ventilation systems

·       Smoke, dust and pollution in nearby areas

·       Office equipment such as computer monitors without light filtering which are harmful to the eyes

·       Too much or too little light

·       Loud noise over 85 decibels for 8 hours a day

·       Heat and humidity inside the building

·       Radon gas and asbestos in the building

·       Bacteria and fungi

Besides the environment and building materials, other triggers of SBS include health factors such as allergic reactions, especially in those allergic to dust and dust mites or who have accumulated stress, anxiety or depression.

Symptoms

·       Feeling acutely ill

·       Headache, stomachache

·       Body aches

·       Irritation of the eyes, ears, nose and throat

·       Burning in the nose, runny nose

·       Sneezing and coughing repetitively

·       Cold, fever

·       Nausea

·       Dry skin and rashes

·       Feeling unenergetic, fatigued and lacking energy

·       Feeling irritable or forgetful

·       Chest tightness, difficulty breathing

·       Poor concentration

Treatment

There is currently no specific treatment for SBS. However, there are treatments to relieve symptoms and ways for people to avoid risk factors and triggers that may exacerbate symptoms. These include:

·       Taking fluoxetine to relieve stress and help you sleep soundly

·       Taking antihistamines in case of itching

·       Taking asthma medication for any breathing difficulty

Prevention

As mentioned, SBS is caused by toxic environments. So, if we keep checking and adjusting the environment, we can prevent it. Here’s how we can do this:

·       Eliminate sources of contaminants to reduce air pollution

·       Provide a proper air conditioning and ventilation system

·       Open doors and windows for good ventilation

·       Replace old and polluting office equipment such as printers, computer monitors and light bulbs

·       Vacuum or clean the work area so that it’s neat, clean and free from germs and dust mites

·       Use non-heavy metal wall paint

·       Control the noise level in the building to not exceed 85 decibels

·       Prevent mold growth by avoiding drying wet clothes indoors

·       Do not leave garbage overnight as it will a source of germs and food for cockroaches

·       Plant trees in the building to help purify the air

If you start to experience SBS symptoms, take a look around to see if any of the factors mentioned above are present. Maybe it's time for you to make some adjustments in the office.

Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers who are interested in healthcare can find many more health articles at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.

References

·       National Health Service UK (NHS UK)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sick-building-syndrome/

·       Corporate Communication, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital
https://bit.ly/3pUqLs5

·       Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health and Work Environment (Public Organization)
https://www.tosh.or.th/index.php/blog/item/938-sick-building-syndrome-sbs
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNL4wRj167iBnq3oDrkSCIg

·       Pobpad website
https://bit.ly/3R7PPbe

·       Asianparent
https://bit.ly/3L95uVi