In 1984, a World Health Organization Committee suggested that up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be subject to conditions that fuel indoor air quality complaints, such as those associated with Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). In true cases of Sick Building Syndrome, employees or building occupants have one or several of the following symptoms:

• Severe headaches
• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Cough or chest tightness
• Dry or itchy skin
• Dizziness and nausea
• Difficultly in concentrating
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to odors
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle Aches

This might sound like the same symptoms that you experience every Friday afternoon as the weekend comes into view—but in the case of SBS, usually several individuals if not entire building populations experience severe discomfort. This discomfort is found to correlate to the air quality within the building.

The contributors to the problem are air contaminants as well as inadequate ventilation. Most of the air contaminants come from sources within the building itself. For example: adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides and cleaning agents may release volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) into the air. Two of these compounds are Nitrogen Dioxide (found in tobacco smoke, causes pulmonary edema and diffuse lung injury) and Formaldehyde (often an ingredient in acetone and a known carcinogen). Other sources of air contaminants come from outdoor sources (vehicle exhaust, plumbing vents, kitchen and bathroom exhaust) as well as biological sources (bacteria, mold, pollen, viruses).

These elements of contamination from outdoors, indoors and biological sources may act in combination to create an unhealthy environment for employees. Some of the simplest solutions to correcting or avoiding SBS altogether is to remove contaminants from the air with air cleaners.

The ultra violet light used in Air Oasis In-Duct air purifiers are able to break down VOC’s in the air, as well as eliminate mold spores, bacteria, viruses and odors. The particles that may be present can be removed from the air using an air filter that provides HEPA quality air, like those produced by Dynamic Air Cleaners.  Between these two varieties of air cleaners, the causes of SBS can be neutralized and building occupants can enjoy a fresh, healthy environment.