Sick building syndrome (SBS).

The WHO (World Health Organisation) has defined this syndrome as a group of illnesses originating from or stimulated by the contamination of air in enclosed spaces. The WHO establishes that buildings in which more than 20 % of people experience acute health and well-being related effects as a result of pollution levels, qualify as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

 
 

Below we present a group of problems and illnesses originating from the following factors:

  • Chemical agents: formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, dust, fibres, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone.
  • Biological agents: bacteria, fungi, spores, mites, toxins.
  • Physical agents: lighting, noise, vibrations, thermal environment, relative humidity, poor ventilation, imbalance of temperatures, ion and electromagnetic charges.
  • Psychosocial agents: organisation of work, promotion, interpersonal relationships, control of environmental conditions.

All of these agents can create problems or symptoms such as migraines, nausea, dizziness, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, hoarseness, itching, erythema, breathing difficulties, colds, headaches, mental fatigue, stress, and depression which can cause numerous workday absences.

The Regulation of Thermal Equipment in Buildings (RITE) was passed in response to current interest in the purity and quality of the air we breathe in closed spaces, both public and private. The aim of the regulation is to establish energy efficiency and safety specifications to address the personal well-being and hygiene needs to which thermal systems in buildings must comply, during design, execution, maintenance and use. Furthermore, Royal Decree 1751/1998 of 31 July establishes compliance procedures and has created Supplementary Technical Instructions (ITE). This regulation concerns system maintenance requirements (ITE 08.1.2) wherein point 08.1.3 refers to annual revision and cleaning of air impulsion and return units.

One important factor to keep in mind is the deficient state of some air-conditioning systems from which many important health problems arise. These devices must be cleaned and require adequate maintenance, as neglect leads to the significant spread of germs. Hence, correct cleaning of an air-conditioning device guarantees good operations and prevents the transmission of illness.

 


 
 
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