Sick Building Syndrome
Until modern times we didn't consider factors like Sick Building Syndrome because our homes and work places were less artificial.
Today we are creating energy efficient buildings and at the same time causing illnesses we haven't faced before. "A study conducted by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, D.C. found as much as a 50 percent higher incidence of upper-respiratory problems in recruits housed in newer, more energy-efficient buildings, compared with those living in older, less air-tight structures" (Unionsafe 2002, Hazard: Sick Building Syndrome, Available: http://unionsafe.labor.net.au/hazards/104787226026344.html).
Sick Building Syndrome is one part of Building Biology™ and is also referred to as Modern Feng Shui.
One of the potential health hazards this subject looks into is indoor air pollution. While we agree on outdoor air quality regulations, Australia doesn't have any regulations for indoor air quality, although it is known that the types of chemical pollutants found inside our buildings far exceed those outside. Indoor Air Pollutants include gases and vapours (organic and inorganic - e.g. carbon dioxide), fibres (e.g. asbestos), dusts and microbes (e.g. bacteria).
Other aspects of Sick Building Syndrome are Electrobiology and Water Pollution.
Most of the known symptoms are non-specific and therefore very hard to diagnose. They may become acute while spending time in the building and can diminish, or even go away, when outside of the building. Amongst others, symptoms include: eye, nose and throat irritation, dry skin and rashes, itching and unspecific hypersensitivity reactions, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headaches, tingling in the legs and insomnia.
Early interventions to problems will go a long way - not only health wise - it might save you a substantial amount of money.
Included in every Feng Shui Consultation is an overview of your potential health hazards and suggestions for safer alternatives.
Should any of the findings indicate that there might be a serious problem or if you would like further information, your Consultant is happy to refer you to a Building Biologist.
Building Biology™: trademark of Australian College of Environmental Studies