What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Most people expect the air inside their workplace, apartment building, healthcare facility, or commercial property to be clean and safe. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to a condition known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a growing concern for property owners, facility managers, employers, and residents alike. 

Understanding what causes Sick Building Syndrome and how to address it is essential for creating healthier indoor environments and protecting building occupants. 

What Is Sick Building Syndrome? 

Sick Building Syndrome describes situations where occupants experience health symptoms that appear to be linked to time spent inside a particular building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Symptoms often improve shortly after leaving the building. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality is one of the primary factors associated with Sick Building Syndrome. In some cases, experts estimate that up to 30% of new or remodeled buildings worldwide may generate excessive complaints related to indoor air quality. 

Common symptoms include: headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, sinus congestion, dry cough, difficulty concentrating, increased allergy and asthma symptoms, eye, nose and throat irritation and more. These symptoms can affect productivity, comfort, and overall well-being for building occupants. 

The Hidden Problem: Poor Indoor Air Quality 

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air within a building and its impact on occupant health and comfort. While many people focus on outdoor pollution, indoor air can often be significantly more contaminated. 

According to the EPA: 

• Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. 

• Concentrations of certain indoor pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. 

• Poor indoor air quality can negatively affect health, productivity, comfort, and building operating costs. 

Indoor contaminants can include: dust and dirt buildup, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and viruses, volatile organic compounds, construction debris, smoke particles and HVAC system contaminants. Over time, many of these pollutants can accumulate within air ducts and HVAC systems, continuously circulating throughout a building. 

The Impact on Residents, Staff, and Tenants 

Poor air quality affects more than comfort. It can have serious consequences for building occupants, especially vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions. 

Research has also shown that poor indoor air quality can impair concentration and decision-making, affecting employee performance and overall workplace efficiency. 

For multifamily housing communities, healthcare facilities, long term care communities, schools, and commercial properties, maintaining clean indoor air is an important part of protecting occupants and supporting a healthy environment. 

Why Air Duct Cleaning Matters 

Your HVAC system acts as the lungs of your building. When air ducts become contaminated with dust, debris, allergens, and other pollutants, those contaminants can be distributed throughout the property every time the system operates. 

Professional air duct cleaning helps: 

• Remove accumulated contaminants 

• Improve indoor air quality 

• Reduce allergens and irritants 

• Support HVAC efficiency 

• Improve airflow 

• Reduce strain on HVAC equipment 

• Extend the lifespan of ductwork and mechanical systems 

Routine maintenance and cleaning can also help property owners avoid costly repairs while supporting healthier indoor environments. 

Trust the Experts at Sasser 

At Sasser, we understand the critical role clean air plays in the health and safety of your building occupants. As a certified member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), we follow industry-recognized standards and best practices for air duct inspection, cleaning, and HVAC system maintenance. 

Our experienced team helps property owners, facility managers, healthcare providers, and multifamily housing operators identify and remove contaminants that may be impacting indoor air quality. By cleaning air ducts and HVAC systems, we help create healthier indoor environments for residents, staff, tenants, patients, and visitors. 

In addition to improving indoor air quality, professional duct cleaning can help prolong the lifecycle of your HVAC system by reducing buildup and improving overall system performance. 

Breathe Easier with Sasser 

Sick Building Syndrome and poor indoor air quality are real concerns that can impact occupant health, comfort, and productivity. The good news is that many indoor air quality issues can be addressed through proper HVAC maintenance and professional air duct cleaning. 

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your facility, Sasser’s certified experts are ready to help. Contact our team today to learn how our NADCA-certified services can improve indoor air quality, remove harmful contaminants, and help keep your residents, staff, and tenants safe. 

Contact a Sasser Professional