Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Sick Building Syndrome & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is associated to a particular workplace environment when occupants complain that they are experiencing a range of non-specific symptoms. These may include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Loss of concentration
• Eye and throat irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin

High C02 exposure is often the cause of the above listed symptoms with excessively high exposure resulting in major health complaints.

What Conditions Lead to High Carbon Dioxide Levels Indoors?

The amount of carbon dioxide in a building is usually related to how much fresh air is being brought into that building. In general, the higher the CO2 level in the building, the lower the amount of fresh air exchange. Therefore, examining levels of CO2 in indoor air can reveal if the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating within guidelines. CO2 levels are usually measured in percent (%) of air or parts per million (ppm). High CO2 levels, generally over 1000 ppm, indicate a potential problem with air circulation and fresh air in a room or building. In general, high CO2 levels indicate the need to examine the HVAC system. High carbon dioxide levels can cause poor air quality and can even extinguish pilot lights on gas-powered appliances.

Where does Sick Building Syndrome occur?

Sick Building Syndrome seems to only occur in certain types of buildings. It typically occurs in large open-plan offices with automated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.The symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome & poor Indoor Air Quality usually resolve once the person who is experiencing them has left the building.

What causes Sick Building Syndrome?

• Poor ventilation
• Low humidity
• Airborne pollutants, such as dust, carpet fibres or mould spores
• Chemical pollutants, such as cleaning materials
• Ozone produced by photocopiers and printers

Climaserve has the equipment, skills and expertise to carry out comprehensive air quality surveys within your premises; this will ensure the buildings occupants working environment is that of a good one. On completion of our survey we will submit a detailed report on our findings, our report will include all sampling results along with observations, photos, recommendations and a guide to improvement.

What do we test?

• Air temperature
• Relative humidity
• Carbon dioxide (C02) concentration
• Carbon monoxide (C0) concentration
• HVAC system performance
• HVAC system efficiency
• Adequate fresh air for occupants
• Air movement & distribution
• Internal duct Inspection

Climaserve also delivers a variety of building welfare and workplace testing, please see our specialist survey page for further details.