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The sick building syndrome: what is it when it is?
Yuhjung John Tsai1, M Eric Gershwin
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, TB 192, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Comprehensive Therapy
|June 28, 2002
Summary
Sick building syndrome is often misdiagnosed. This condition, characterized by headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and eye irritation, is frequently linked to indoor environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Building Science
Background:
- Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a prevalent but often misused diagnostic term.
- It is frequently associated with non-specific symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and eye irritation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the definition and diagnostic criteria for sick building syndrome.
- To differentiate SBS from other conditions with similar symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SBS diagnosis and symptoms.
- Analysis of case studies reporting SBS symptoms in relation to building environments.
Main Results:
- SBS diagnosis is often applied broadly, leading to misinterpretation.
- Symptoms attributed to SBS can stem from various sources, not exclusively building-related factors.
Conclusions:
- A more precise definition and diagnostic approach for sick building syndrome are needed.
- Distinguishing true SBS from other causes of occupant symptoms is crucial for effective intervention.