Essentially Toxic Building Syndrome is where the air quality in your home or office is so bad that it can affect the health of those inside. You see you might think you're breathing clean air, but in fact the air inside your home can have more than 900 harmful chemicals and organisms in it, which you simply cannot see.
Indicators of SBS include:
Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.
You can order air quality tests which will show such things as mold spores and asbestos. You can also see an allergy doctor who can do tests to see if you are allergic to any common substances that one finds either in a house or in the building materials in a house.
Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include: conjunctival irritation. nose and throat discomfort. headache.
The procedure is fairly simple and straightforward. A professional HVAC technician will generally test the air quality to determine if it is safe for human occupation. If it is not, the problem is most likely poor ventilation that is trapping pollutants and contaminants inside.
Purchase an indoor air quality monitor
They do, and they are the easiest option on the market today for consistently checking your Indoor Air Quality. What is it? An always-on electronic device that consistently tests and reports on the levels of pollution inside your home.
You can use a 3M LeadCheck Swab (found at most hardware stores) to do this; be sure you swab any children's products and imported goods. Conduct a lead risk assessment by a certified inspector before any home remodel.
There are plenty of possible causes for Sick Building Syndrome. Rubino says some of the most common causes are as follows: Chemical contaminants, such as VOCs, radon, formaldehyde, asbestos, dust, and lead paint. Biological contaminants, such as pollen, bacteria, viruses, and mold.
If you're experiencing allergies, persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, or respiratory issues, it could be a sign that your house is making you sick.
Keep interactions with your toxic people to a minimum. Don't give them any ammunition to use against you. In most cases children isn't allowed to make decisions for themselves and have to be completely dependable on their parents or guardian until they reach a certain age to move on to their own home.
Change your furnace filter regularly. Avoid burning in your home, including fireplaces, wood stoves, gas appliances, and candles. Avoid chemicals such as air fresheners, sprays and cleaning products or use a healthier option. Vacuum your rugs and carpets regularly.
Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.
The two most common methods used to identify a mold problem are mold test kits or air testing sensors. These kits include the necessary air test devices, chemical strips, or Petri dishes and are available at department stores or online. They'll also come with an instruction manual for any brand-specific guidelines.
To reduce other allergens in the home and fix leaks and moisture problems, don't use a humidifier unless you follow the manufacturer's instructions, keep furry animals out of the house (or at least out of the bedroom), wrap your mattresses and pillows in allergy-proof covers.
Headache, dizziness, nausea, eye, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itching skin, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, sensitivity to odours, hoarseness of voice, allergies, cold, flu-like symptoms, increased incidence of asthma attacks and personality changes.
There are many indoor air monitors available on the market, including the Airthings Wave Plus and the uHoo Smart Air Monitor. Alternatively, you can buy another type of smart device that has air quality monitoring functionality, such as a tech-enabled air purifier, smart thermostat or indoor home security camera.
Malaise can be associated with various physical and psychological conditions, such as illness, infection, fatigue, stress, or even depression. If accompanied by other symptoms or the malaise lasts for more than a few days, you should speak with your healthcare provider.