Sick building syndrome

Many office workers spend between 80 and 90% of their time indoors. In this way, they are protected from the fluctuations of the climate (cold, wet, solar radiation, wind). Air conditioning systems create optimal conditions for working in the comfort zone.

This means a temperature between 20° and 23°C, humidity between 40 and 60%, low solar radiation and low air movement (no drafts).

If the temperature is too high or too low, the ability to work decreases, and if the air is too dry, mucous membrane diseases increase. Humid air favors the growth of microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, mites, viruses). Air-conditioning systems thus create an optimal regulation and enable work in the comfort zone.

Working indoors leads to further consequences. Of necessity, people living there are exposed to substances released by the building and its furnishings. The following problematic substances are held responsible for the symptomatology and are sometimes removed at great expense:

• House dust, molds, pet dander.
• Formaldehyde, wood preservatives, herbicides, fungicides
• Pentachlorophenol (PCP), Lindane, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's)
• Volatile substances, solvents, terpenes
• Ozone, cleaning agents
• Asbestos, other fibers
• Electrosmog

If there is indeed relevant pollution, then there is of course a need for action. Above all, molds in the case of increased humidity and poor ventilation seem to be able to become a problem. Volatile organic and non-organic compounds can also occasionally be responsible for symptoms. Similarly, air conditioning systems require regular maintenance and cleaning.

But in the vast majority of cases, no abnormal findings are found. No pollutants are detectable either in the room air or in the air conditioning system. On the contrary, the air in rooms with air conditioning is usually better than that in conventionally ventilated rooms; this is the result of numerous investigations.

This is in stark contrast to the subjective perception of those affected. They usually blame the air conditioning system for the symptoms. This is particularly true when windows cannot be opened for normal ventilation.

So if neither pollutants nor microorganisms are responsible for the strange symptoms, what is the actual cause?

Are the sufferers hypochondriacs? Are the symptoms just an expression of a general dissatisfaction with work? Is it all just "imaginary"?

TheGerman Federal Environmental Agency expresses the dilemma a bit more discreetly: "In summary, the studies have shown that personal factors and feelings of the affected persons, their job and the user-friendliness of their workplace were often more decisive for the occurrence of sick building syndrome than the influences of the office building.

In fact, studies show that some people are particularly susceptible to sick building syndrome.

Two groups seem to be particularly affected.

• People who suffer more from allergies, hay fever and bronchial asthma.
• People with high physical or psychological tension, anxiety, depression and increased psychosomatic complaints.

As with other functional and psychosomatic disorders (e.g., fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, functional respiratory problems, etc.), women are more likely than men to suffer from sick building syndrome.

In summary, apparently people with increased sensitivity and increased immunological responsiveness are more susceptible to symptomatology.