What is the toxic house syndrome?

Author: Mrs. Ariane Fisher  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

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.

What are the symptoms of toxic house syndrome?

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.

How do you test if your house is making you sick?

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.

What are the symptoms of toxins in the house?

Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include: conjunctival irritation. nose and throat discomfort. headache.

How do you fix sick house syndrome?

How to ease symptoms of sick building syndrome yourself
  1. open windows to improve ventilation, if you can.
  2. set the temperature at about 19C and do not change it lots of times during the day.
  3. try to reduce stress.
  4. take regular screen breaks if you use a computer.
  5. go outside for some fresh air during lunchtime and other breaks.

Explaining Toxic Home Syndrome

How do you cleanse your house of sickness?

How to disinfect your home after an illness
  1. Wipe down hard surfaces. Use disinfectant spray or mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water to wipe down and sanitize the hard surfaces (especially the high-traffic ones) in your home. ...
  2. Wash your bedding. ...
  3. Clean toys. ...
  4. Clean your phone screen. ...
  5. Use disposable dishes. ...
  6. Next steps:

How do you test for sick house syndrome?

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.

How can I tell if my house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

How do you test for toxic air in your home?

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.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

How to detect toxins in 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.

Can a certain house make you sick?

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.

How do you know if you have mold in your house?

Signs Your Home May Have a Mold Problem
  1. Rotten Smell. Is there a damp, musty odor reminiscent of the smell of old books emanating from your floors or walls? ...
  2. Spotted Clothing. ...
  3. Contaminated Carpets. ...
  4. Water Heater Hideaway. ...
  5. Allergy or Asthma Flare-Ups. ...
  6. Fungus in the Furniture. ...
  7. Warped Walls. ...
  8. Persistent Cough or Cold.

How can you tell if your house is making you sick?

If you're experiencing allergies, persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, or respiratory issues, it could be a sign that your house is making you sick.

How do you get rid of a toxic house?

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.

How to fix the air quality in your 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.

What are the symptoms of bad air quality in a house?

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.

How do I disinfect the air in my house?

Eight Ways to Disinfect, Sterilize and Clean Your Indoor Air
  1. Switch to a HEPA Filter. ...
  2. Install a Germicidal UV Light. ...
  3. Turn HVAC Fan to “Auto” ...
  4. Decorate with House Plants. ...
  5. Invest in an Air Purifier. ...
  6. Choose Cleaning Products Wisely. ...
  7. Open Those Windows. ...
  8. Offer Regular HVAC System Services.

How to check for mold in the air in your house?

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.

What is the most toxic thing in your home?

Poisonous Products in Your Home: How to Stay Safe
  • 1/10. Bleach. Bleach can irritate your nose, skin, eyes, and throat. ...
  • 2/10. Drain Cleaner. Lye and sulfuric acid are the main ingredients in drain cleaners. ...
  • 3/10. Carpet Cleaner. ...
  • 4/10. Ammonia. ...
  • 5/10. Air Freshener. ...
  • 6/10. Laundry Detergent. ...
  • 7/10. Antifreeze. ...
  • 8/10. Mothballs.

How do I stop my house from making me sick?

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.

How do I know if my house is safe?

List of 9 Monthly Safety Checks for Your Home
  1. Inspect and Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
  2. Check HVAC System Filters.
  3. Look for Leaks Around Toilets and Sinks.
  4. Look for Leaks Around Toilets and Sinks.
  5. Inspect Grout and Caulking.
  6. Check Kitchen Vent and Range Hood Filters.

What are 3 symptoms of sick building syndrome?

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.

How to test air quality in your home?

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.

Why do I feel sick inside my body?

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.

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