The short answer
What Causes Sick Building Syndrome
Sick building syndrome happens when the air inside your home triggers physical symptoms. Common culprits include volatile organic compounds from paints, cleaning products, and new furniture. Poor ventilation lets these pollutants build up, especially in tightly sealed homes.
Moisture plays a big role too. High humidity encourages dust mites, mold, and bacteria to thrive. Hidden water leaks inside walls or under floors create damp conditions that worsen air quality. If you notice a musty smell, a leak may be the root cause.
Other sources include gas stoves, tobacco smoke, and even some building materials. Symptoms often fade when you leave the house, which is a key sign of sick building syndrome. A persistent problem points to something in your environment.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, but they often include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and eye or throat irritation. You might also feel tired, have trouble concentrating, or notice a persistent cough. These signs usually appear after you have been indoors for a while.
Keep a simple log of when symptoms occur and where you are in the house. This can help you spot patterns, like feeling worse in the basement or after running the heating. If symptoms are severe or you feel unwell, see a doctor for guidance.
Children, older adults, and people with asthma may be more sensitive to poor indoor air. Pay attention to how your family feels after spending time at home. A sudden change in health that matches your time indoors is worth investigating.
Finding the Source of the Problem
Start by checking for visible mold, musty odors, or water stains. Look under sinks, around windows, and in corners of closets. Damp spots or peeling paint can indicate a hidden leak that needs attention.
Use your nose as a tool. A persistent earthy or chemical smell often points to moisture or off-gassing. If you suspect a leak, a local water damage pro can help trace the source and assess the damage.
Consider your ventilation. Are exhaust fans used in kitchens and bathrooms? Do you open windows regularly? Simple changes in airflow can make a big difference in air quality.
For a thorough assessment, a water damage inspection can map out moisture problems you cannot see. This involves using tools to detect dampness in walls and floors. Knowing the exact location of a leak helps you fix it properly.
- Check for visible mold or water stains
- Sniff for musty or chemical odors
- Look for peeling paint or warped floors
- Notice when symptoms occur
- Review your cleaning products
- Test if symptoms fade when you leave
How to Improve Your Indoor Air
Improve ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans. This helps flush out pollutants and lowers humidity. Simple habits like airing out your home daily can reduce symptom triggers.
Fix any moisture problems quickly. A small leak can lead to mold growth within days. For significant water damage, structural drying and dehumidification may be necessary to dry out walls and floors completely.
Choose low-emission paints and cleaning products. Store chemicals in a well-ventilated area, or better yet, outside your living space. Regular cleaning with simple supplies like vinegar and baking soda can reduce chemical load.
If you live in Long Island, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can stop a leak fast. Acting quickly on water issues helps prevent the damp conditions that contribute to sick building syndrome.
When to Call for Professional Help
If symptoms persist or you find mold, it is time to call in the pros. A water damage pro can identify hidden moisture and recommend the right fix. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious health and structural issues.
The pros use specialized equipment to detect moisture behind walls and under floors. They can also assess the extent of any mold growth. Their work usually involves removing damaged materials and drying the area thoroughly.
For severe mold problems, a mold professional might be needed. They can test air quality and recommend safe removal methods. Do not attempt to clean large mold areas yourself, as this can spread spores.
- Persistent symptoms that match your time indoors
- Visible mold growth larger than a small patch
- A musty smell that you cannot locate
- Signs of a hidden leak, like warped floors
- High humidity levels in your home
- A water damage inspection to find the source
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Call Now (516) 475-5895Frequently asked questions
Can sick building syndrome go away on its own?
Yes, symptoms often disappear once you remove the cause. Fixing a leak, improving ventilation, or removing a pollutant source can resolve the issue. However, if mold has grown, it needs proper removal to prevent symptoms from returning.
Is sick building syndrome the same as mold illness?
No, but they are related. Sick building syndrome covers a range of symptoms from various indoor pollutants, not just mold. Mold illness is a specific reaction to mold spores. Both can cause respiratory issues, but they have different triggers and treatments.
How long does it take to fix sick building syndrome?
It depends on the source. Simple fixes like improving airflow can help within days. If a hidden leak or mold is involved, the process takes longer. The pros may need to dry out materials and replace damaged sections, which can take several weeks.