What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is the name of symptoms that you can develop because of a lack or effective ventilation system and resultant poor indoor air quality in office buildings and similar indoor environments.

What are the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?

The symptoms of sick building syndrome can vary but commonly include:

• Headaches
• Blocked noses
• Runny noses
• Dry and itchy skin
• Dry eyes
• Dry throat
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Skin rashes
• Tiredness
• Lack of focus

What are the common causes of Sick Building Syndrome?

There are many causes of sick building syndrome.  Some affect people in different ways and others work in a combination and can include:

• Poor building ventilation
• Poorly maintained air conditioning systems
• Dust, Fumes, Smoke
• A high number of people in a crowded internal space

How to combat sick building syndrome

Effective ventilation systems are the best way of combatting sick building syndrome.  A properly functioning ventilation system helps to deliver fresh air in enough quantity to properly ventilate a working area and create a comfortable internal working environment.  Proper ventilation of a building helps to dilute and remove airborne pollutants as well as reduce odours, fume built up and dust.

Natural and Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Depending on the size of the office space, either natural or mechanical ventilation systems can be fitted. While some buildings simply require a natural supply of air to be brought into the working space and a natural exhaust system to remove indoor pollutants, some larger building environments need mechanical ventilation systems to be designed and installed.

Find out more

HF Group Mechanical Services team of engineers specialise in the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a huge range of ventilation systems for use in domestic, commercial and industrial application.

Ventilation systems are of course an essential part of a buildings heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC). At HF Mechanical, we provide a leading ventilation system design and installation service for businesses across the UK.

Covering all of Scotland, England and Ireland through our division offices across the UK, we can undertake ventilation installation and maintenance projects of all sizes and complexity. Whether working with building contractors or directly with the customer, we can work on integrated or standalone ventilation systems.