Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) affects millions of workers and students who go to work or school in buildings that lack proper ventilation. As a result, they are exposed to biological contaminants and illness-causing pollutants from adhesives, carpeting, pesticides, cleaning agents, and other sources.
In fact, the American College of Allergists estimates that 50 percent of all illnesses are either caused by, or aggrivated by, polluted indoor air.
Some symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome include:
- Headaches
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Dry cough
- Dry or itchy skin
- Dizziness and nausea
- Fatigue
Studies from the Department of Energy suggest that improving indoor air quality could save $30 to $150 billion annually in reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.
For additional information see the US Environmental Protection Agency's publication at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html.