Recognizing the Signs of Sick Building Syndrome: Is Your Office a Health Hazard?

You spend at least eight hours a day in your office, and that’s more than enough time for unhealthy air and exposure to hazardous substances to take a toll on your health. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or respiratory problems, it could be a sign that you’re suffering from Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what SBS is, its causes, and how you can recognize its symptoms. Moreover, we’ll help you understand how regular office cleaning can help alleviate the risks of SBS.

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome or Office Sickness

An unhealthy work environment is a serious threat that organizations must address on a priority basis. Hygiene is crucial, not just for aesthetic purposes but also because it affects the health of your employees, visitors, and clients.

SBS is a condition that affects people who spend significant amounts of time in a building or enclosed space that lacks proper ventilation. The symptoms of SBS are similar to those of other health conditions, which can make it difficult to diagnose.

Some common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Eye, nose, or throat irritation

If you experience any of these symptoms and cannot pinpoint the cause, there’s a chance that you could be suffering from SBS. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and to receive the necessary medical attention.

Also, there’s a chance that you have office sickness or SBS if the symptoms disappear once you switch to a new job or start working remotely. However, it will be wise to consult a doctor whether or not you have symptoms anymore. There are chances that you are dealing with some other health condition and need proper treatment urgently.

What Causes SBS?

Several factors can contribute to SBS. One of the most common reasons is poor ventilation in enclosed spaces which leads to a build-up of carbon dioxide and other harmful substances.

Some of the common causes of SBS, as suggested by medical experts, can be:

• Chemical cleaning products
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Cigarette smoke
• Exhaust fumes
• Indoor furniture and fittings
• Paints and solvents

Additionally, a lack of proper maintenance in the building’s heating, ventilation, & air conditioning (HVAC) system can also lead to sick building syndrome. This is why it is essential to ensure that your office has a reliable cleaning service that can maintain the building’s hygiene and air quality.

Preventing SBS

The best way to prevent SBS is to maintain good indoor air quality in your office. This involves ensuring that the air in the building is clean and free from harmful substances.

Here are some preventive measures that you can take to keep your office air clean and healthy:

1. Ensure proper ventilation by keeping the windows and doors open.
2. Use air filters and purifiers.
3. Keep spaces dry and clean.
4. Avoid using strong-smelling chemicals for cleaning.
5. Wipe down surfaces regularly.

Moreover, you can hire a professional cleaning service provider specializing in office cleaning to ensure that every nook and corner of your office is clean and healthy. A clean workplace will help improve the productivity of employees, as they will take fewer sick days off to recover. Also, as an employer, ensuring that your employees get a clean and healthy environment at the workplace is your responsibility.

Sick building syndrome is a common condition that affects workers in various industries. It is essential to recognize its symptoms and take the necessary measures to alleviate its risks. Ensuring proper ventilation and maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial to prevent SBS. That’s where a reliable office cleaning service like Royal Office Cleaning comes in.

We specialize in office cleaning and provide a comprehensive service that covers every aspect of office cleaning. With years of experience and trained professionals, we guarantee that your office will be free from dirt, dust, and harmful substances that could lead to SBS.