It happens in every office at least once a year. Someone sneezes, another person blows their nose and one by one, everyone in the office experiences cold or flulike symptoms. It’s one of the risks one assumes when working in close quarters with others.
But what happens when the symptoms aren’t as cut and dry, and the effects diminish once you leave work? A headache that persists until you’re in your car? A tummy ache that starts when you walk in the door and fades when you’re on your way home? An annoying itch or a dry patch of skin that seems worse when you’re on the clock, and one you forget when business hours are over?
We hate to break it to you, but this sounds like a classic case of Sick Building Syndrome.
Sick Building Syndrome was first coined in the 1970s. It is a condition in which multiple people in a workspace experience a variety of symptoms that seem related, but where no illness can be identified as the culprit. These symptoms range from irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, skin irritation, headaches, fatigue, irritability, asthma, tightening of the throat, gastrointestinal irritation, and more.
Yeah, not pleasant.
In a report conducted by the World Health Organization in 1984, it was suggested that 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide might experience complaints in relation to poor air quality. Many Sick Building diagnoses find that the cause is a flawed or dirty HVAC system. There are other potential causes, but the building’s air ducts should be the first place investigated. When contaminants, mold, and other impurities become the stuff we breathe, it’s no wonder we start feeling poorly.
So what do you do if you think you have a sick building on your hands? Contact LCS Kleen-Aire. We’ll be happy to look at your air ducts, make suggestions and help you get your office back on track.
And even if you don’t have a Sick Building at the moment, it’s still a good idea to be proactive and ensure your building—and your employees—remain healthy. We’re happy to perform inspections and maintenance to keep everything running efficiently. After all, healthy employees are productive employees.
Have questions about Sick Building Syndrome? Call your friends at LCS Kleen-Aire (417.883.5220), or drop us an email. We’re here to help!
