Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Sick building syndrome

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a range of common symptoms, associated with particular buildings. SBS may affect people in a particular part of the building or it may be spread throughout.

SBS cannot be diagnosed precisely and should not be confused with specific building-related illness such as legionnaire's disease, or with the effects of exposure to hazardous or toxic substances, or problems with excessive heat, cold or noise.

 Reports of SBS most commonly involve those employed in large office buildings. The health effects seem to be linked to time spent in the building. Symptoms seem to increase in severity with the amount of time spent in the building, and become less severe when time is spent away from it. No specific illness or cause can be identified. The health effects appear to cause no lasting damage, although they can be debilitating at the time.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Prevention

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

  ---