Have you heard of sick building syndrome (SBS)? SBS is a term that is used to describe situations whereby the building occupants experienced acute health and comfort effects that may be linked to the amount of time spent in a building. The precise cause of this condition is unknown, however many believed that it is attributed to the poor air quality indoors. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings’ indoor air quality is found to be poor.
Diagnosing SBS can be hard due to the wide range of symptoms. The usual symptoms of SBS include unexplained headaches, dizziness, nausea, skin irritation, fatigue and irritations of the eyes, nose and throat. If you noticed that these symptoms only appear whenever you are at home, you may consider investigating SBS as the cause.
Good news is that it is not hard to eliminate SBS within your home. We have compiled a list of useful methods you can adopt to eliminate SBS within your home.
Make Sure there is Natural Light Seeping Into the House
Natural lighting can reduce the production of harmful bacteria and organisms that grows a home. Moreover, research have shown that natural sun provides multiple health benefits. Among the many health benefits are an improvement in blood circulation, increase in your red blood cells and also boost your immune system.
If your home has very little windows, the windows are small and sealed up, or even covered up with thick curtains, there is a higher chance that you will suffer from SBS. The lack of sunlight has been proven to link to negative feelings in residents. So, make sure to keep your windows large and opened, and your curtains light in colour.
Ensure Proper ventilation
Having proper interior ventilation can help your home rid itself of moisture, smoke, cooking odors, and indoor pollutants. Proper ventilation is a key component to maintain proper indoor air quality. If you use the air-conditioners at home, make sure that you service them and replace their filters regularly. All ventilation or exhaust fan should be equipped with a HEPA filter to keep out external pollutants. Do not smoke indoors as this can lead to serious indoor pollution.
Clean out damp areas
Dampness and wetness can expedit the growth of mold, mildew and other germs that can cause irritations to the lungs and skin. To prevent such problems, make sure that there is no area within your home that is constantly damp. Dust and vacuum your home regularly, which can minimize the chances of biological contaminants in the building, such as dust mites. If you have a water feature in your home, always make sure to keep it clean and change the water regularly.
If you are unsure on how you can start, Iris Environmental Laboratories is here to help! At IRIS Environmental Laboratories, we are committed to deliver quality environmental laboratory testing and consulting services. Our team of highly experienced field experts are certified, and our laboratory is nationally accredited by NVLAP, and NY-ELAP/NJ-DEP. Our numerous customers testimonials are proof why we are the best in the industry. Call now at 1800-908-6679 to find out more on our mold inspection services or fill up our online form to be contacted by our consultants.