The World Health Organization (WHO) defined Sick Building Syndrome as "an excess of work related irritations of the skin and mucous membranes and other symptoms, including headache, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, reported by workers in office buildings." Further, WHO described the physiological symptoms to include the following:
(1) irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; (2) dry mucous membranes and skin; (3) erythema (dermatitis erythematosa, redness of the skin, inflammation); (4) mental fatigue and headache; (5) respiratory infections and cough; (6) hoarseness of voice and wheezing; (7) hypersensitivity reactions; (8) nausea and dizziness.
It is said that: "Sick Building Syndrome" is a misnomer inasmuch as the syndrome can only be diagnosed by assessing the health of the building occupants, not by an examination of the building itself. A recent study of SBS in Medical Trial Technique Quarterly suggested that the building itself, in a sick building case, should be considered "dysfunctional."
Phares Heindl is Former Chemical Engineer and Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over twenty years experience. To ask a specific question or obtain a free evaluation of your case email Phares at inquiry@heindllaw.com .
Major causes of sick building syndrome are:
Inadequate ventilation: this occurs in a tight building when heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building.
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: this form of indoor air pollution comes from adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When coupled with poor ventilation this can create poor air quality which can either create health problems or exacerbate pre-existing ones.
Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: Pollutants such as motor vehicle exhausts can be conveyed indoors through air intake vents, doors, and windows.
Biological contaminants: Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses: These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that accumulates in duct work, humidifiers, and the like, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Insects or bird droppings, too, can be a source of biological contaminants. Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion and other problems resulting from toxic mold.
Phares Heindl is Former Chemical Engineer and Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over twenty years experience. To ask a specific question or obtain a free evaluation of your case email Phares at inquiry@heindllaw.com .
Toxic mold can be an important component of sick building syndrome. Water leaks and damage, undue moisture, seepage, and other causes can result in contamination of a building by toxic mold.
Phares Heindl is Former Chemical Engineer and Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over twenty years experience. To ask a specific question or obtain a free evaluation of your case email Phares at inquiry@heindllaw.com .
First, you should determine the identity of the building owner. Many times an employer will lease space in a commercial building owned or managed by others. Explain your concerns to your employer. Put your concerns in writing for the benefit of your employer as well as the building owner and the management company. Don't want, however until people start becoming ill as a result of the building environment. If you see conditions such as mold, mildew, water leaks, dirty air vents, excessive chemical use, unusual concentrations of dust or other contaminants put your concerns in writing to your employer and the building owner or manager.
If you become ill and suspect the indoor air quality, notify your employer and make sure proper notice of injury forms are filled out. Failure to timely notify your employer may be fatal to any workers compensation claims.
Phares Heindl is Former Chemical Engineer and Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over twenty years experience. To ask a specific question or obtain a free evaluation of your case email Phares at inquiry@heindllaw.com .
You should first provide proper notice of injury and pursue a workers compensation claim. In addition, there are potential cause of action for damages against numerous parties including, the building owner, the property management company, the HVAC contractor, the architect, the general contractor, various subcontractors as well as material suppliers. If you sustained serious damage to your health you should contact a qualified attorney to discuss your legal remedies.
Phares Heindl is Former Chemical Engineer and Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over twenty years experience. To ask a specific question or obtain a free evaluation of your case email Phares at inquiry@heindllaw.com .