Question: What is SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) and BRI (Building Related Illness)?

Sick Building Syndrome refers to those situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. Symptoms include:

Headache
Eye, nose, or throat irritation
Dry cough
Dry or itchy skin
Dizziness and nausea
Difficulty in concentrating
Fatigue
Sensitivity to odors

With SBS, the cause of the symptoms is not known. Most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building. In contrast, the term Building Related Illness (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.Symptoms include:

Cough
Chest tightness
Fever and chills
Muscle aches

The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes. Complainants may require prolonged recovery times after leaving the building. It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the building, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress or dissatisfaction, and other psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, studies show that symptoms may be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.

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