Social Sustainability
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Definition
Sick building syndrome describes a situation in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects — headaches; eye, nose and throat irritation; dry skin; fatigue; difficulty concentrating — that appear linked to time spent in the building, with no specific identifiable illness. Recognised by the WHO in the 1980s, SBS is associated with inadequate ventilation, indoor chemical pollutants (VOCs, formaldehyde), biological contaminants, and poor thermal and lighting conditions.
References
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This reference provides supporting context for how “Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
The concept structures indoor air quality investigation, ventilation standards (ASHRAE 62. 1), healthy building certification (WELL), and post-pandemic interest in building air quality.
Why it matters
People in industrialised countries spend around 90% of time indoors; sick building syndrome is the reminder that buildings are a health environment, not just shelter.