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Health Effects of Sick Building Syndrome in Modern Buildings

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition that can affect the health of residents in buildings with poor indoor air quality. It is often caused by indoor air pollution and poor ventilation, but it can also be caused by poor design, plumbing problems or mold growth. The term "sick building syndrome" was coined in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe a building-related illness that cannot be diagnosed as another specific disease but has similar symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea. People who work in offices or factories may be affected by SBS because they spend long periods of time indoors without adequate ventilation or sunlight exposure; this can lead to health complications for workers who suffer from chronic conditions like asthma and allergies.

What are the Causes of Sick Building Syndrome?

There are many potential causes of sick building syndrome, especially in buildings that are older, lack optimal ventilation and have poor air circulation, some major causes of Sick Building Syndrome are:

·         Inadequate ventilation

·         Poor air quality

·         High levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), humidity, and other indoor pollutants

·         Poor air circulation and filtration systems

·         Poorly maintained HVAC systems

Which Groups of People Are More Affected by Sick Building Syndrome?

Certain groups of people may be more affected by Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) than others. These include:

·         Children may be more susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution because their immune systems are still developing and their lungs are smaller. They also spend more time indoors than adults.

·         Elderly people may be more affected by SBS because their immune systems are weaker and they may have pre-existing health conditions that make them more susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution.

·         People with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, and those with heart disease, may be more affected by SBS because they are more sensitive to indoor air pollution.

·         People who spend a lot of time indoors, such as office workers, may be more affected by SBS than those who spend more time outdoors.

·         Some people may be more sensitive to certain chemicals that are commonly found in indoor air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde.

·         It's important to note that not everyone who is exposed to the same conditions will experience the same symptoms, and not everyone who experiences symptoms will be diagnosed with SBS. Also, symptoms of SBS can be caused by a variety of factors, so it is important to identify and eliminate the cause, and by providing appropriate medical treatment.

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome:

·         Headaches

·         Nausea

·         Dizziness

·         Breathing difficulties, such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) symptoms

·         Stress

·         Skin irritation, such as rashes and acne from contact with the building's materials (such as carpeting, paint, or adhesives) that emit toxic chemicals over time. This can lead to allergic reactions in some people and maybe severe for others.

·         The condition has been linked to asthma attacks in children who reside in sick buildings.

Estimated number of people who suffer from Sick Building Syndrome:

The estimated number of people who suffer from Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is difficult to determine as it can be a difficult condition to diagnose and quantify. However, it is generally believed that SBS affects a significant portion of the population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 30% of new and remodelled buildings worldwide may have indoor air quality problems that result in SBS symptoms. Studies have also found that SBS symptoms are reported by up to 20-30% of building occupants

Mold Contamination:

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp, warm places such as basements and crawlspaces. Mold spores can grow on building materials like wood and paper, as well as pipes, ducts, and HVAC systems. The effects of exposure to molds include allergic reactions such as inflammation and sneezing; eye irritation; coughing; wheezing; chest tightness; skin rashes; nausea or vomiting; muscle aches/headaches (mild); fatigue (moderate). In severe cases—including those involving infants—exposure may lead to respiratory failure or death due to mycotoxins released during the growth cycles of the fungus.

 Maimoon Gardens taking essential steps against Sick Building Syndrome:

There are several steps that Fakhruddin developers are taking for the new project Maimoon Gardens to reduce the risk of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in new buildings:

·         Maimoon Gardens has the advanced air filtration system HEECO2R to eliminate mold growth and prevent sick building syndrome.

·         The latest air purifying system designed by NASA to provide The Best-Air Quality that protects the residents from Sick Building Syndrome and prioritizes healthy living.

·         To reduce the risk of sick-building syndrome (SBS) in Maimoon Gardens, non-toxic, low-emitting building materials are being used during construction. This means avoiding materials that are known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other pollutants. It is estimated that indoor air can contain up to 300 more chemicals compared to outdoor air. By using non-toxic, low-emitting materials, Maimoon Gardens is taking a proactive approach to ensure that the air quality in the homes is of the highest standard and free of harmful pollutants.

·         Maimoon Smart home technology can help to reduce the risk of sick building syndrome (SBS) by allowing for more efficient control and management of energy consumption. By automating and optimizing the use of HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming devices, smart homes can help to reduce the number of pollutants and allergens in the air.

        The risk of SBS in Maimoon Gardens is reduced by taking these essential steps and making it a healthier and more pleasant place to live.