Sick Building Syndrome: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development)

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is observed in many newly occupied buildings. In this case, mucosal irritation usually occurs as a result of the various agents of exposure described below (emissions from building products or furnishings, e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, fibers). This reaction is basically normal. However, in SBS, according to the stimulus-sum theory/stimulus-disorder theory, affected individuals react to very low levels of exposure. In addition to chemical and biological factors, psychological factors are also among the triggers of SBS.

Etiology (causes)

Behavioral causes

  • Psycho-social situation
    • Stress – psychological and social stress at work.
  • Lighting
  • Odor loads
  • Noise
  • Humidity
  • Overheated rooms
  • Insufficient ventilation of indoor spaces
  • Residential proximity to gas stations and small businesses

Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).

Indoor pollutants contained in:

  • Floor coverings
  • Insulation materials
  • Damping
  • Sealants
  • Printers
  • Electrical appliances
  • Colors
  • Humidity
  • Wood preservative coatings
  • Hydrophobic measures
  • Air conditioning systems
  • Varnishes
  • Furniture
  • Pest control products (insecticides against insects; acaricides against mites and other arachnids; rodenticides against rodents; larvicides against the larvae of insects and mites).
  • Molds – mycotoxins (mycophenolic acid, sterigmatocystin, trichothecenes) from molds that spread on wallpaper in buildings and are detectable in the air we breathe:
    • Aspergillus versicolor (most common indoor mold).
    • Penicillium brevicompactum
    • Stachybotrys chartarum
  • Putties
  • Dusting
  • Carpeting
  • Carpet adhesives