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How To Prevent Sick Building Syndrome

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Sick building syndrome, an ailment in which you become ill due to spending time in a particular building, is a condition that can strike at any time and is extremely difficult to diagnose. It’s thought to result from poor air quality in buildings, but exact causes are hard to identify. Here is a closer look at the common symptoms of and how to prevent sick building syndrome.

Symptoms

One of the most challenging aspects of diagnosing this condition is the vast array of symptoms present in many experiencing this ailment. The biggest hint linking your illness to sick building syndrome is the improvement of symptoms upon leaving the building, only for them to return once you go back. Here are a few of the symptoms to keep an eye out for:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Fever/chills
  • Difficulty concentrating

Prevention

With so many signs, it can be challenging to determine how to prevent this illness. Once confirmed to be a case of sick building syndrome, you can take many steps to fix the issues causing the illnesses within the building. Here are a few ways how to prevent sick building syndrome.

Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks from being in the offending building can lower incidents. Any break you take should include standing and taking a moment to walk around and take your eyes away from your computer screen. Eating lunches outside of the building further reduces the chances of symptoms occurring if the structure causing the illness is your place of work.

Open Windows

Opening windows helps get air circulating, removing many of the irritants responsible for sick building syndrome. Another benefit of opening windows is that it allows moisture to escape and is one of the many ways of preventing mold growth within the bathroom.

Caution With Chemicals

Many of the chemicals and cleaning supplies we use increase your risk of sick building syndrome. Bleaches and insecticides lead to irritation when inhaled and can lead to health concerns when mixed carelessly with other chemicals.