Health Alert
Sick Building Syndrome
Environmental Health is the Missing Piece of the Holistic Wellness Pie. Understanding SBS & Building Related Illness for Integrative Medicine.
"I feel better when I'm away from my home or office" — Sound familiar?
Get Help: 800.781.7986Understanding the Condition
Two related but distinct conditions affecting building occupants
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
A condition where building occupants experience health effects and discomfort linked to time spent in a building, but no specific cause can be identified.
Symptoms typically improve or disappear shortly after leaving the building or space.
Coined by WHO in 1986
Building Related Illness (BRI)
A condition where symptoms of a diagnosable illness are identified and can be directly attributed to airborne building contaminants.
Clinical defined illness with clear identifiable environmental causes requiring comprehensive IAQ inspection.
Clinically Diagnosable
Possible Causation Factors
Environmental contaminants and conditions that contribute to SBS
Poor IAQ
Overall indoor air quality issues
Inadequate Ventilation
Insufficient outdoor air supply
Elevated VOCs
Chemical contaminants
Biological Contaminants
Molds, bacteria, mycotoxins
Elevated Gases
CO2, CO, NO2, O3
Formaldehyde
From furnishings & materials
Particle Mass (PM)
Dust and particulates
HVAC Issues
Biofilm, poor filtration
Symptoms of SBS
From the HBIA Indoor Air Quality Field Trial Study (IAQFTS) — Five major categories
1
Central Nervous System
Fatigue, memory problems, difficulty concentrating
2
Eye, Nose & Throat Irritation
Dryness, stinging, hoarseness, skin irritation
3
Neurotoxic Symptoms
Lethargy, reduced memory, cognitive issues
4
Headache & Dizziness
Frequent headaches, bouts of dizziness
5
Nausea & Odor Complaints
Unpleasant smells, taste changes, sensitivity
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Sick Building Syndrome was coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1986, one year after a mysterious Lake Tahoe outbreak of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
How is SBS Diagnosed?
A process of elimination combining environmental and medical evaluation
1
Lifestyle Assessment
Healthcare providers inquire about lifestyle, work environment, residential conditions, and symptom frequency
2
Environmental Testing
HBIA Certified IAQ Specialists conduct comprehensive indoor air quality assessments using process of elimination
3
Medical Coordination
Integration with integrative medicine practitioners, biological dentists, or veterinarians for complete diagnosis
Who Is At Risk?
SBS can affect anyone in compromised indoor environments
Homeowners
Office Workers
Students & Teachers
Medical Professionals
Is Your Building Making You Sick?
Speak directly with an Integrative Specialist for immediate assistance
800.781.7986
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