The Sick Building Syndrome

The Sick Building Syndrome: causes, consequences and how it can be prevented

Pollution is not limited to outdoor environments. In fact, pollutants can infiltrate indoor spaces where we spend a significant portion of our daily lives, such as schools, houses, hospitals, offices, supermarkets, cinemas, and production sites, among others. Moreover, pollution can originate indoors due to poor hygienic conditions of HVAC systems or inadequate air circulation within the rooms. When this occurs, indoor air quality can reach unhealthy levels, with great danger to human health.

This phenomenon is known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), and it happens when people in a building start experiencing symptoms that seem to be associated with the time spent in that particular place. This is due to the presence of chemical or microbiological contamination in the air, which makes it unhealthy to breath.

Symptoms of the SBS

Common indicators of the Sick Building Syndrome include persistent headaches, eye irritation, nasal congestion, sore throat, and a general feeling of fatigue. People who suffer from SBS often experience allergy-like reactions, such as sneezing and coughing. In severe cases, SBS can lead to worse respiratory issues and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. Identifying these symptoms is the first step in addressing the problem and enhancing indoor air quality to create healthier, more productive environments.

Prevention of the Sick Building Syndrome through HVAC hygiene

Carrying out inspections of HVAC systems to ensure they are in optimal hygienic conditions is fundamental: underestimating indoor pollution can lead to severe illnesses. To facilitate the work of people in charge of air conditioning systems, various devices have been invented. Among them, the most innovative one is Remotair. Remotair is not just a simple sensor that assesses indoor air quality, but a comprehensive system of multiple sensors and cameras that predicts when any HVAC component will get dirty again, sending a notification to schedule cleaning without the need for technicians to physically make an inspection.