HEALTH EFFECTS

HEALTH EFFECTS

A number of well identified illnesses, such as Legionnaire s
disease, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier
fever, have been directly traced to specific building problems.
These are called building related illnesses. Most of these
diseases can be treated nevertheless, some pose serious risks.

Sometimes, however, building occupants experience symptoms
that do not fit the pattern of any particular illness and are
difficult to trace to any specific source. This phenomenon has
been labeled sick building syndrome. People may complain of one
or more of the following symptoms: dry or burning mucous
membranes in the nose, eyes, and throat; sneezing; stuffy or
runny nose; fatigue or lethargy; headache; dizziness; nausea;
irritability an forgetfulness. Poor lighting, noise, vibration,
thermal discomfort, and psychological stress may also cause, or
contribute to, these symptoms.

There is no single manner in which these health problems appear.
In some cases, problems begin as workers enter their offices and
diminish as workers leave; other times, symptoms continue until
the illness is treated. Sometimes there are outbreaks of illness
among many workers in a single building; in other cases, health
symptoms show up only in individual workers.

In the opinion of some World Health Organization experts, up to
30 percent of new or remodeled commercial buildings may have
unusually high rates of health and comfort complaints from
occupants that may potentially be related to indoor air quality.