Have you ever wondered why you feel unwell at work, but better once you leave? This puzzling situation is often described as Sick Building Syndrome, where people experience health and comfort problems seemingly connected to the time they spend indoors, yet no specific cause can be pinpointed. Intriguingly, the symptoms almost always diminish or disappear while they’re away, only to reemerge upon their return.
It’s a significant concern since many Americans spend most of their day inside. To combat this, commercial HVAC systems are indispensable, ensuring better air quality and ventilation, and thus promoting a healthier indoor environment Voorhees, NJ, and beyond.
How do you test for sick building syndrome?
Diagnosing Sick Building Syndrome is tricky since there isn’t a specific medical test for it. Doctors typically treat the symptoms on a case-by-case basis, and recognizing a “sick building” comes down to subjective assessment. Symptoms are varied and often resemble common health issues, making it easy to confuse them with regular allergies. It is possible for these symptoms to affect everything from your skin to your respiratory and nervous system, leading to the possibility of mistaking them for a simple flu or cold.
There are various symptoms, from a sore throat and trouble breathing to chest tightness. Common signs include sneezing, a runny nose, and a burning sensation, like allergies. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dealing with dry, itchy skin or rashes, as well as headaches or feeling dizzy. It’s not just physical; you might also feel foggy-brained, forgetful, or tired. And for some, there might be body aches, fever, and chills, too – it’s quite a mix of symptoms to watch out for.
What are the causes of sick building syndrome?
Recent research suggests that indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a significant role in how quickly airborne contaminants dissipate or release into the air. This highlights the importance for every commercial facility to focus on a few key areas:
Ensuring proper ventilation
Typically, the fresh air supply rate is recommended to stay above 5 to 8 liters per second per occupant. In many commercial buildings, guidelines suggest targeting around 10 liters per second per person for optimal air quality. However, in larger or more complex structures, such as multi-story buildings with complicated layouts, more than merely opening a window is required. Instead, these buildings require advanced heating, ventilating, and air conditioning to ensure adequate ventilation.
Maintaining HVAC systems effectively
Neglected HVAC systems often need help distributing fresh air evenly throughout a building. This lack of effective air distribution is a key contributor to SBS. Additionally, if the filters are clogged or dirty, they can end up polluting the air supply, which only makes these issues worse.
Managing dust, smoke, and fumes
Air from outside, particularly in urban areas, can introduce pollutants into buildings. Exhaust fumes, other building emissions, and plumbing vents can all contribute to this, seeping in through windows, openings, or intake vents. But it’s not just external pollution that’s concerning. Inside, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde can be released from everyday items such as adhesives, carpets, upholstered furniture, manufactured wood products, photocopiers, and cleaning agents, contributing to poor indoor air quality.
Who offers the best commercial HVAC systems in Voorhees, NJ?
Allied Experts is all about being quick on our feet, fully committed to our clients, and really knowing our way around HVAC systems. Our goal? To craft the ideal environment for your business, ensure it’s energy-efficient, safe, and comfortable. No matter if you’re located close to the Camden County Library or anywhere else around, our team is all about transforming your workplace into a cozy and trendy spot. Do you have questions, or are you looking at different HVAC options? Feel free to reach out.
