{"id":176,"date":"2007-05-17T10:24:47","date_gmt":"2007-05-17T14:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.environmentalriskmanagers.com\/erm\/sick-buildings-introduction\/"},"modified":"2007-05-17T10:24:47","modified_gmt":"2007-05-17T14:24:47","slug":"sick-buildings-introduction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/estrategist.com\/members\/sick-buildings-introduction\/","title":{"rendered":"Sick Buildings Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"

*There are estimates that up to 60% of all buildings can be considered sick buildings. <\/font><\/p>\n

*Indoor air quality can be 5 to 20 times worse than outdoor air. <\/font><\/p>\n

* Research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.<\/font><\/p>\n

* EPA estimates that poor indoor air may cost the nation tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and medical care.<\/font><\/p>\n

The term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) is used to describe situations 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. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. In contrast, the term “building related illness” (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.<\/font><\/p>\n

Sick building conditions can be temporary, but some buildings have long-term problems. Frequently, problems result when a building is operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures. Sometimes indoor air problems are a result of poor building design or occupant activities.<\/font><\/p>\n

In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. The elderly, children, and asthmatics are particularly susceptible to health problems caused by breathing fine particles. Individuals with pre-existing heart or lung disease are also at an increased risk of health problems due to particle pollution.<\/font><\/p>\n

EPA scientists and other health experts are concerned about particle pollution because very small or “fine” particles can get deep into the lungs. These fine particles, by themselves, or in combination with other air pollutants, can cause increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses, and tens of thousands of deaths each year. A 1989 EPA Report to Congress concluded that improved indoor air quality can result in higher productivity and fewer lost work days. <\/font><\/p>\n

Indicators of SBS include:<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n