Avoid the sick building syndrome

To avoid the sick building syndrome triggering asthma, allergy and other health issues in your home, you need to be aware of the many causes of this growing problem. That’s what we are all about, revealing solutions to home environment problems. If you’re building a new home, protecting or cleaning up your present home environment, you will find a wealth of information and products here to help you to avoid the sick building syndrome.

Sick building syndrome describes a medical condition in which building occupants suffer symptoms of illness or feeling unwell for no apparent reason. The symptoms of Sick building syndrome tend to increase in severity with the time people spend in the building, and improve over time or even disappear when people are away from the building. Headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; asthma attacks, allergies and sensitivity to odors are some of over 50 known symptoms of sick building syndrome.

Sick building syndrome is widespread and the question of indoor air quality is becoming more relevant today as we make our buildings more air tight to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. This makes the correct installation and maintenance of an adequate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system important. The risk of insufficient air exchange rates can lead to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants, and an increased risk of a variety of asthma triggers, allergens, mold growth other adverse health effects. A 1984 World Health Organization report into this syndrome suggested up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide might be linked to symptoms of Sick building syndrome.

Sick building syndrome pollution originates mostly from sources inside the building. Adhesives, paint, carpeting, upholstery, caulking, insulation, manufactured wood products, furnishings, tobacco smoke, chemical cleaning products, and fumes from natural gas appliances all contain toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC's). There are a number of natural VOC's and other toxins as well, like molds and radon, which are found in most homes due to poor construction and design. While pollutant levels from individual sources may not pose a significant health risk, cumulative effects of several sources can contribute to the deterioration of indoor air quality and introduce Sick building syndrome

Sick building syndrome prompts the question "Can we build a healthy home'? As people now spend over 80% of their lives indoors, improving indoor air quality by designing and maintaining buildings in ways that reduce pollution sources and remove indoor pollutants is vital in the fight against sick building syndrome. The EPA has stated that air pollution levels inside the average new home in the United States is 2 to 5 times worse than outside air pollution levels. Non-toxic alternatives to conventional products and materials are now produced by most major manufacturers, are available everywhere, and generally cost no more to purchase. More than ever, it is now possible to remodel or build a healthy house, that is both affordable and free of sick building syndrome.

Sick building syndrome can be avoided. This website is your gateway to a healthy house. Articles, products, healthy house builders and designers, green building materials, good housekeeping tools and advice, energy efficiency and more. Reduce the pollution of your indoor environment, and avoid the sick building syndrome.