Diseases

Sick Building Syndrome

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Medical definition of sick building syndrome. Sick Building syndrome: theterm "sick building syndrome" (sbs) is used to describe situations in whichbuilding occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.

SYMPTOMS

Headache, dizziness, nausea, eye, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry oritching skin, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, sensitivity to odours, hoarseness of voice, allergies, cold, flu-like symptoms, increased incidence of asthma attacksand personality changes. The cause of the symptoms is not known.

CAUSES

Many volatile organic compounds, which are considered chemical contaminants, can cause acute effects on the occupants of a building. "bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants" and can all cause sbs.