Identifying and Addressing the Hidden Culprits of SBS in Schools and Universities
Sick building syndrome, or SBS, describes a number of different symptoms that may affect building occupants in some structures. Recognized by the World Health Organization in 1986, sick building syndrome can affect homes, schools, offices, and other places where people gather and spend significant time together.
While oftentimes linked to exposure to contaminants or pollutants, sick building syndrome can be difficult to pinpoint because it can cause and be caused by a number of different things. Here, we’ll take a closer look at SBS and understand some common symptoms people may notice. Then, we’ll explore ways that MasterCorp’s commercial cleaning experts help schools and universities address sick building syndrome and create a safer, healthier environment for all occupants.
What is Sick Building Syndrome?
According to research in the International Encyclopedia of Public Health, SBS “is a term used to describe a combination of nonspecific symptoms in the absence of diagnosed disease related to the building that people live or work in (IOM, 2004).” Some of the common symptoms and health problems that people describe include irritation and itching of the eyes and nose, headaches, fatigue, throat soreness, and cough. Sometimes, more serious symptoms are also described, including nausea, joint pain, and fever.
Just as the symptoms are nonspecific, the causes of sick building syndrome vary and are difficult to pinpoint. However, some of the common issues linked to SBS include poor indoor air quality, mold, bacteria, fungi, and chemical contaminants.
Sick building syndrome can affect any structure, but often commercial structures such as office buildings, schools and university facilities are susceptible to SBS and related issues. The causes and symptoms are not limited to older structures, either, as even new or recent construction can experience issues related to SBS.
What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?
While there can be a wide range of explanations in various structures, most experts agree that SBS in schools and universities is generally attributable to common factors such as:
- Indoor air pollution
- Inadequate ventilation and recirculated air
- Mold, fungus, bacteria and other biological contaminants
- Formaldehyde and other chemicals found in furniture
- Insect or animal droppings
- Indoor and outdoor pesticides
- Allergens
- Carbon monoxide
- Smoke, dust, and other airborne contaminants
Some experts attribute sick building syndrome to poor air quality because of outdated or poorly maintained ventilation systems. But many of the common causes can be addressed with proper commercial janitorial services and building maintenance services.
SBS in Universities and Schools
The impacts of SBS in schools and universities is particularly noteworthy. Research published in the journal PLOS One found that improvements in air quality led to an increase of student achievement. In other words, test scores and grades improved by an average of 8 percent when indoor air quality in schools was addressed.
Fortunately, many of the causes of sick building syndrome can be addressed with proper building maintenance services and commercial cleaning services offered by MasterCorp. By reducing allergens, dust, mold, and fungi, and removing chemicals or residues that may be causing poor air quality, MasterCorp’s team can improve spaces for everyone and help prevent common symptoms of SBS.
How to Prevent Sick Building Syndrome
There are a number of steps that can be taken to address or prevent sick building syndrome. These range from changes to building design and complete replacement of ventilation systems to regular cleaning and maintenance practices designed to address SBS.
While replacing structures or building systems such as HVAC is extremely expensive and inconvenient, especially for schools and universities with limited space, expert janitorial services are both effective and much less expensive to implement.
MasterCorp’s commercial janitorial services are customized for each client and structure. By evaluating your business’ or organization’s needs and designing a commercial cleaning program with you, our team of experts can provide regular services that help improve indoor air quality and reduce or eliminate many causes of SBS.
Our commercial cleaning team can also choose the right cleaning products, chemicals and methods to reduce the possibility of harsh fumes and odors that can contribute to SBS. By identifying the specific needs of your commercial spaces, we are able to tailor our approach to treat for mold, allergens, fungi or any other potential irritant.
Find Out How MasterCorp Can Help Prevent SBS
Addressing sick building syndrome is best done before people experience symptoms. And implementing a thorough commercial cleaning program with a trusted partner is the best way to prevent SBS from becoming an issue.
To explore how MasterCorp commercial cleaning and facility maintenance services can help you improve the air quality in your schools, university buildings, offices and more, reach out to a member of our team today. We look forward to working with you to improve your commercial spaces for students, faculty, teachers, visitors, and employees.