BLOG
In industrialized countries, people spend an average of 85% of their time indoors. In this context, the quality of the indoor environment becomes a key concern, as it can significantly impact our health and well-being.
One lesser-known consequence of poor indoor conditions is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This term describes a set of symptoms experienced by individuals in a particular building (often a workplace or residence) without any clearly identifiable medical cause.
So, what causes SBS, and how can it be addressed? Let’s take a closer look.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States, sick building syndrom is defined as situation “in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.”
Its manifestations include the following:
The symptoms of sick building syndrome are not linked to identifiable illnesses. Conversely, the concept of building-related illness is used when symptoms can be attributed to a diagnosable illness with an identified cause (e.g. mould, asbestos, etc.).
Sick building syndrome symptoms are directly linked to use of the building. In most cases, symptoms diminish or even disappear completely when affected individuals leave the building.
| Note: individuals in the same building may experience different symptoms. This depends on individual sensitivities. For example, some people may be more reactive to chemicals, while others are more affected by dust etc.
The concept of sick building syndrome (SBS) first emerged in the 1970s, a period marked by growing concerns over building energy efficiency. For instance, in 1973, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) reduced the required minimum ventilation rates, shifting the focus toward energy savings.
As a result, particular attention began to be paid to insulation. But while airtightness does help to limit heat loss and improve energy performance, it generally leads to a deterioration in indoor air quality (IAQ), particularly when it is not accompanied by an appropriate ventilation strategy.
In this context, air renewal is hampered and atmospheric pollutants stagnate within the building. Occupants are therefore more exposed to harmful substances in the indoor air.
Research has shown that sick building syndrome symptoms are very similar to those associated with poor IAQ. In both cases, the symptoms primarily affect the respiratory system, mucous membranes, and central nervous system. Therefore, in the eyes of the scientific community, poor IAQ is the main cause of SBS.
However, other factors may also contribute, such as a lack of natural light or poor acoustics. Certain psychological factors such as excessive stress or unsatisfactory interpersonal relations, can also increase the risk of SBS in the workplace.
Sick building sydrome symptoms can have two origins:
This is why it is recommended that certain measures be taken from the design phase onwards to ensure a healthy environment for future occupants.
Although ventilation is often overlooked, it has a significant impact on a building health performance. Without adequate air renewal, concentrations of atmospheric pollutants can quickly rise inside a building. That’s why it’s important to implement an appropriate ventilation strategy that protects the health of occupants.
Yet, it’s not just a health issue, either. In workplaces, for example, sufficient air renewal has been observed to improve employee productivity.
| Note: beware of oversizing! While excessive air renewal guarantees healthy air, it can also lead to significant energy waste and higher investment costs.
Building materials can release harmful substances into indoor air. They frequently release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical particles that can have a serious impact on human health.
These compounds mainly emanate from paints, glues, and floor coverings. The same problem applies to furniture, particularly due to the adhesives used during manufacture.
| Note: when VOCs reach the atmosphere, they also have an environmental impact. They contribute to acid rain and global warming.
It is therefore advisable to choose low-emission materials and furniture. These can be identified by an eco-label, and help to protect both the building’s occupants and the environment.
During the design phase, it is important to identify the risk scenarios for the future building and the best ventilation strategy to avoid them.
For example, a properly ventilated building is less likely to experience excessive humidity. This also helps to prevent the development of mould, which can compromise the integrity of the building and lead to costly renovations.
Furthermore, a well-thought-out ventilation strategy minimizes the risk of airborne infections spread by viruses and bacteria. This is an especially important consideration in medical facilities and other places designed to accommodate people with fragile health.
INDALO® is a predictive indoor air quality simulation software. Designed to support project owners, consulting engineers, and other building professionals, INDALO® enables you to ensure a healthy indoor environment in your future building right from the design or renovation phase.
Its calculation engine, INCA© Indoor, incorporates a large number of parameters, such as emissions from materials and furnishings, ventilation strategy, outdoor pollution, and human activities. With this data, INDALO® can predict pollutant concentrations in your future building.
This enables you to explore and compare different design scenarios and select the most optimal configuration for your building. In this way, you can design buildings that are sustainable, responsible and focused on the well-being and health of your future occupants.
| Note: INDALO® simplifies the process of obtaining environmental certifications such as BREEAM, WELL, and LEED.
