Building-related illnesses and sick building syndrome

Abstract

Worker-related complaints of sick building and/or building-related illnesses are being recognized increasingly. Clinicians need to become more familiar with these syndromes which include asthma, humidifier fever, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergic rhinitis. In addition, various infectious diseases such as legionellosis, Q fever and viral respiratory conditions may be building exposure linked. Finally, toxin exposures to indoor air chemicals ranging from volatiles, copy paper, glue, and pesticides may be linked to health sequelae. Thus, these patients should have serious considerations, particularly where cluster illnesses with documented respiratory disorders and skin rashes are identified. Appropriate measures for diagnosis, treatment, documentation and advocacy for employee relocation pending corrective actions should follow.