Sick building syndrome

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a collection of symptoms related to time spent in a specific location, but for which there is no other identifiable diagnosis or cause. Symptoms typically alleviate when leaving the building, although some may have prolonged effects.

SBS is not an accepted diagnosis in standard health care, the illnesses it can cause such as rashes or dry eye are.

SBS is distinct from building-related illness, which refers to diagnosable conditions with an identifiable origin in a specific building, for example Legionella infection.

History
In 1983, the World Health Organization (WHO) used the term "sick building syndrome" for the first time.

Symptoms
Symptoms for SBS can include:
 * headache
 * blocked or runny nose
 * dry, itchy skin
 * dry, sore eyes
 * sore throat
 * cough
 * rashes
 * fatigue
 * difficulty concentrating
 * dizziness
 * nausea
 * sensitivity to odors

Learn more

 * Indoor Air Facts No. 4 (revised) - Environmental Protection Agency
 * Building-related-illnesses] - MSD Manuals