Posted By Peter Taylor14 Does anyone have any views or expeiences of sick building syndrome

Posted By Smurfer bang.... add in relative humidity ;-)

Posted By Glyn Phillips Whilst I agree with previous postings they have concentrated on the physical aspects of SBS. I am no expert in this area, but I did some reaserch on this syndrome many years ago. It seems that the effects associated with SBS could be attributed to both the physical charasticists of the building, heating, lighting, furnishings, humidity, noise, ventilation etc. and psycological issues. Whilst I was at college, a national insurance provider opened a spanking new head office locally. Immediately the office was occupied symptoms of SBS were noted (increased absence, sickness, dry throats, headaches, etc). To cut a long story short, whilst there were issues with the ventilation system causing dry throats and increased sick days taken, the main influencing factors were that the staff felt that they weren't in control of their environment, coupled with the fact that most staff had moved with the company from a previous premises and roles and responsibilities had altered. The point I am trying to make is that moral was low! Don't look at SBS as a purely physical issue but take a holistic approach. Good luck.

Posted By Jeff Manion Have completed many various checks of the years and found many differing things. Worse case was spec' building with boilers in roof void, also housed air handling plant - sent carbon fumes around building - persons left building had fresh air and then felt good. Found many faults with maintenance and service of the HVAC system - supposed to be maintained by HVAC company. Examined fan coil units many VV dirty and unclean therefore bacterial contaminated, air movement poor and persons seemed to suffer from coughs and colds, mould growth found near fan coils - lack of maintenance (may have been cause. Fire breaks were in position and did not allow air flow through areas therefore hot spots. Air system not balanced and therefore conditions varied. Staff were selling and had targets and the internal competition was high, not to hit target was possible sack, this did not assist. They used head sets - high pressure selling - lead to ear aches and similar conditions. My report was shall we say "cut and paste" so client was not informed, we had payments delayed etc as the HVAC company were not happy as report criticised them. Nowadays we use basic approach, check air conditioning and wet decks, complete IAQ checks around location and look for evidence, if ventilated system, if there is something we then may have to go to higher level of survey and look for other potential areas of concern. JM

Posted By Ken Taylor There's a lot to be said for small rooms off corridors, radiators instead of air conditioning and windows that you can open.

Posted By Robin Regarding Sick building syndrome you could try changing the interiors, Furniture, paint or wall papers add lots of plants and the likes. Change / check efficiency of the type of central heating and or air conditioning. However I dont believe in sick building syndrome What about sick ship syndrome, sick car syndrome or sick areoplane syndrome its all nonesense. Its nonesense its all in the mind Just another indication of society heading down the road to Decadence. People will believe anything if they hear it often enough. Its rubbish. Just my opinion by the way Drummond