Sick Building Syndrome

1. Sick Building Syndrome

   The term sick building syndrome was first used in 1986 to refer to the ailments of those who have been exposed to harmful toxins in their homes or office buildings. Poorly ventilated buildings containing toxins may be one reason for these illnesses.

   Airborne toxins include the dyes in synthetic fibers, formaldehyde used in furniture manufacturing, cleaning products, and cigarette smoke. These toxins cannot escape from poorly-ventilated buildings, and people breathe them in. Since most of us spend 90% of our time indoors during the workweek, we are constantly breathing in these chemicals.

   Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, headache, and dizziness. A person suffering from the illness may also experience eye, nose, and throat irritation. If the symptoms are not treated, they can develop into a more serious illness.

   If symptoms begin when you enter your home or office and dissipate when you leave, there may be dangerous chemicals trapped inside. If you feel that your environment may be making you sick, contact a professional for air quality testing. AirMD offers chemical and volatile organic compound testing nationwide.

   2. The Dangers of Pesticides

   Laminate flooring possibly sold by lumber Liquidators has been said to cause environmental hazards in the home. The CDC reports that individuals suffered worsening asthma symptoms after being exposed to the flooring. In 2014, The Global Community monitor sued Lumber Liquidators for producing a product 13 times over the California limit for formaldehyde content.

   Pesticides are also a common household pollutant. An EPA study has found that a shocking 80% of the pesticides we are exposed to on a daily basis are found in the home or office. Pesticides have staying power, and traces of DDT have been found in properties as late as 2009.

   Terminix, an extermination company, was recently fined 10 million dollars for poisoning and nearly killing a family in the Virgin Islands. The U.S. Justice Department reports that Terminix utilized a pesticide named methyl bromide. Methyl bromide severely damages the central nervous system. Companies have been banned from using this pesticide for over three decades, yet it remains

   AirMD is passionate about keeping your environment safe. They offer pesticide testing and also Advanced Wellness Testing to totally assess your home or office’s indoor environment.