by indoor air quality problems. reactions.
Combustion products such as carbon
Causes of Sick Building Syndrome monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as
The following have been cited causes respirable particles, can come from un-
of or contributing factors to sick building vented kerosene and gas space heaters,
syndrome: woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves.
Inadequate ventilation: Chemical contaminants from out-
In the early and mid 1900's, building door sources:
ventilation standards called for approxi- The outdoor air that enters a building
mately 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of can be a source of indoor air pollution.
outside air for each building occupant, For example, pollutants from motor ve-
primarily to dilute and remove body hicle exhausts; plumbing vents, and
odors. As a result of the 1973 oil em- building exhausts (e.g., bathrooms and
bargo, however, national energy conser- kitchens) can enter the building through
vation measures called for a reduction in poorly located air intake vents, windows,
the amount of outdoor air provided for and other openings. In addition, combus-
ventilation to 5 cfm per occupant. In tion products can enter a building from
many cases these reduced outdoor air a nearby garage.
ventilation rates were found to be inad-
equate to maintain the health and comfort Biological contaminants:
of building occupants. Inadequate venti- Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses
lation, which may also occur if heating, are types of biological contaminants.
ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) These contaminants may breed in stag-
systems do not effectively distribute air to nant water that has accumulated in ducts,
people in the building, is thought to be humidifiers and drain pans, or where
an important factor in SBS. water has collected on ceiling tiles, car-
In an effort to achieve acceptable peting, or insulation. Sometimes insects
indoor air quality (IAQ) while minimizing or bird droppings can be a source of bio-
energy consumption, the American Soci- logical contaminants. Physical symptoms
ety of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- related to biological contamination in-
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) re- clude cough, chest tightness, fever, chills,
cently revised its ventilation standard to muscle aches, and allergic responses
provide a minimum of 15 cfm of outdoor such as mucous membrane irritation and
air per person (20 cfm/person in office upper respiratory congestion. One indoor
spaces). Up to 60 cfm/person may be bacterium, Legionella, has caused both
required in some spaces (such as smoking Legionnaire's Disease and Pontiac Fe-
lounges) depending on the activities that ver.
normally occur in that space (see ashrae.
org). These elements may act in combina-
tion, and may supplement other com-
Chemical contaminants from indoor plaints such as inadequate temperature,
sources: humidity, or lighting. If you suffer from
Most indoor air pollution comes from any of the symptoms stated above, or
sources inside the building. For example, suspect that you might have an an IAQ
adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manu- problem, or a mold problem (which can
factured wood products, copy machines, cause additional symptoms), it is strong-
pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit ly suggested that you have your home or
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in- office tested. In the Triad, you can contact
cluding formaldehyde. Environmental Environmental Solutions Group at
tobacco smoke contributes high levels of 336-373-1538 or visit www.esgtesting.
VOCs, other toxic compounds, and re- com
spirable particulate matter. Research
shows that some VOCs can cause chron- Sources:
epa.gov, Indoor Air Quality As-
ic and acute health effects at high con- sociation (iaqa.org).
centrations, and some are known car-
cinogens. Low to moderate levels of
multiple VOCs may also produce acute
MAY 2009
35
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