Today, humans spend more of their time indoors than ever before. We are either in our homes, working at our jobs in offices, or enjoying fun activities inside gyms, restaurants, or clubhouses. Yet we are still so unaware of just how much the quality of our air indoors matters. In fact, there is even a sickness associated with it. Sick building syndrome is a recognized condition that has to deal with symptoms exhibited by people who are indoors too long with poor air quality. It affects all types of buildings, from stores to offices.
What is Sick Building Syndrome?
Simply put, SBS is when building occupants experience adverse health or comfort effects that are linked to the time that they’ve spent indoors. Despite widespread belief that it isn’t a big deal, the World Health Organization recognized all the way back in 1984 that 30% of newly-built buildings would be subject to complaints about air quality. The symptoms are nearly always related to ventilation and heating issues.
What are the symptoms?
Prolonged exposure to bad quality air and other things like mold can give your customers and employees issues with their respiratory system. Many also complain of irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, skin irritation, and other general discomfort. Other symptoms include headaches, fatigue and general health problems. Some have even reported chest tightness and wheezing. Of course, these are things that you do not want to happen to your employees. Not only is it bad for productivity, but it will also cost you big money down the line in terms of sick days.
What can you do?
The best offense in this case is a good defence. In order to avoid cases of SBS, you need to do what you can to keep your air system healthy. Get a professional commercial HVAC company to evaluate your property and ensure that all systems are functioning properly. We can also perform cleanings to ensure the vents are clean and free of contaminants. Your place of business is your livelihood – don’t let it get taken over by poor-quality air.
Although recognition of this health problem stretches all the way back to the early 1980s, many still are not aware of just how widespread the issues are. If you don’t maintain your commercial HVAC, then you are at risk of getting sick building syndrome. You need a professional commercial HVAC company to help keep your building healthy.
