Causes of Sick building syndrome

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Although the cause of SBS is unknown, there are a number of factors that are likely to be involved.

Office cleaning chemicals, adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, photocopiers, faxes, printers and other equipment, causing indoor air pollution;
Bacteria, viruses, pollen and mould breeding in air-conditioning systems, drains and humidifiers: these may spread, causing a variety of symptoms;
Changes in humidity levels in a building;
Poor ventilation - often found in large open plan areas offices: air conditioning and heating is often used but ventilation can be poor and windows cannot be opened, so staff have poor control over ventilation and the indoor environment;
Polluted outside air from chemicals, vehicle exhausts, fumes from heating and plumbing systems being drawn into the building through vents or windows;
Temperatures that are too high or low (or fluctuate rapidly);
Psychological factors due to lack of control over ventilation, heating, lighting etc in the work place.

SBS has been recognised as a condition by the World Health Organisation since 1982.