Indoor air quality is defined as the air quality within and around buildings in relation to health, wellness, and comfort of building occupants.
It is a major concern to business and workers as this may affect health and productivity.
Indoor air quality has become a significant environmental issue due to increased building occupancy, usage of synthetic materials, and modernization of equipment.
People spend 90% of their time indoors, whether at home or at office, making them prone to various pollutants which may cause adverse health effects.
Sick Building Syndrome
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) simply indicates poor indoor quality in a building. SBS may be to blame when building occupants experience various symptoms of illnesses or health discomforts for no apparent reason. Specific symptoms may include:
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Nausea
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Irritation
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Chest tightness
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Skin dryness
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Mental fatigue
These symptoms may manifest when a person or a few individuals are in the building and is resolved when the individuals are not on the premises.
Primary causes of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) are:
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Inadequate ventilation
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Indoor chemical contaminants (adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents)
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Outdoor chemical contaminants (vehicle exhaust, building exhaust)
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Biological contaminants (bacteria, mold, virus, and pollen)