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Sick Building Syndrome
by N. Katzin
According to data published by the US Environmental
Protection Agency, people who spend time or work in closed
buildings may be exposed to Sick Building Syndrome, once
considered a mysterious phenomenon that caused numerous
inexplicable illnesses among people in the same building. The
syndrome is caused by dust, smoke, chemical vapors, microbes
and viruses that accumulate or develop in the ventilation and
air conditioning systems.
Recently experts have turned their attention to Sick Building
Syndrome. Every year damage and property lawsuits worth tens
of millions of dollars are filed in the US. Recently the
residents of a co-op building in Manhattan won a huge suit in
which they were recognized as victims of illnesses related to
"sick buildings." Of the building's 300 residents 220 were
exposed, affected to varying extents and recognized as
disabled. Aided by the expert opinion of Israeli company DEI,
which diagnoses ecological problems and provides solutions,
the residents won $8 million. In Israel there are known cases
of hospitals and building owners where people contracted
illnesses related to the buildings and the matter ended with
an out-of-court cash settlement from the insurance
company.
Good air quality is the recommended means of preventing "Sick
Building Syndrome," according to the promoters of Climate
2003, a exhibition for ventilation, cooling, heating and air
conditioning scheduled to take place soon in Tel Aviv.
Focusing on indoor air quality and Sick Building Syndrome,
the exhibition is the first of its kind and will feature all
of the latest developments and innovations on display, as
well as conferences and workshops for professionals.
Shai Pe'er, managing-director of DEI, says the symptoms of
Sick Building Syndrome are headache, dizziness, fatigue, lack
of concentration, difficulty breathing, burning eyes and
itchy skin. Preventative measures include ventilation,
switching from the cleaning supplies in use to more
environmentally friendly products, disinfecting and
exterminating external contaminants and climate control
inspection. Ventilation quality is measured according to the
level of dust particles, microbes, mold fungi, rot, volatile
substances, gases and other substances in the air to which
the people in the building are exposed, sometimes
unknowingly.
Professionals and certified organizations offer a series of
recommendations for maintaining good air quality in
buildings. For example, the temperature in office rooms
should range from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius (68 to 75 degrees
Fahrenheit) with a difference of three degrees Celsius (five
degrees Fahrenheit) between the temperature at head level and
the temperature at foot level while in a sitting position.
Relative humidity should be 40-50 percent in regular work
environments and 50-60 percent for work at a computer. In new
buildings increased air exchange should be performed at least
one month before the structure is handed over for active use,
in order to reduce the effect of chemical vapors given off by
the new furniture, office equipment, wall covering, etc.
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