New Weapon In the Fight Against Sick Building Syndrome
Dust, smoke, toxic chemicals and other pollutants foul indoor air - where Americans spend most of
their time - at levels that violate air quality standards and may exceed concentrations found in
outdoor air by 500%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to a recent EPA report, known indoor pollutants can be divided into several categories
including:
Combustion Gases, such as nitrogen dioxide, a byproduct of natural gas combustion in stove, water heaters, and furnaces which can cause decreased pulmonary function, increase susceptibility to infection, aggravation of the effect of other pollutants, and decrease immune function.
Combustion Organics, such as soot from tobacco smoke, which includes polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons that are often cancer causing and affect immune systems and cause cardiovascular problems.
Biological Contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other infectious or allergenic agents.
"Sick Building Syndrome" or SBS, a term coined by the English doctor Tony Pickering, afflicts 90%
of all modern workplaces and in some cases sickens 70% of all office employees. When occupants'
exposure to indoor contaminants results in a clinically defined illness, disease, or infirmity, the
building is said to manifest building related illness (BRI) which is characterized by complaints of
symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, and muscle aches which can be associated
with illness.
Acoustical ceilings and walls play a major role in contributing to the health problems associated
with SBS. The porous surface of a ceiling tile acts like a sponge absorbing body and cooking oils,
dirt, grease, and nicotine which provide a rich environment for the proliferation of viruses and
bacteria.
A new industry, ceiling cleaning, has evolved in response to this problem. With the growing public
awareness of building related illnesses we are seeing interest in ceiling cleaning from every type
of business including restaurants, factories, hospitals and high rises. Cleaning makes perfect
sense, not only is the ceiling restored to a like new appearance, the sources of odors and bacteria
are removed - and at a cost that is generally less that 1/3 the cost of paining or replacement."
Charles Werz, Vice President of Ceiltech.
To minimize any disruption to business or daily routine, a crew of ceiling cleaning technicians
arrive after normal business hours., After the room is draped, a very fine detergent based mist
is applies to the ceiling where it is absorbed deep into the tile. Then metal grid, light lenses,
air diffusers, and any other non-porous surfaces are then wiped dry. The crew then cleans up and
pack their equipment leaving only a clean ceiling as evidence of their presence.
"Sick Building Syndrome" or SBS, a term coined by the English doctor Tony Pickering, afflicts 90%
of all modern workplaces and in some cases sickens 70% of all office employees. When occupants'
exposure to indoor contaminants results in a clinically defined illness, disease, or infirmity, the
building is said to manifest building related illness (BRI) which is characterized by complaints of
symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, and muscle aches which can be associated
with illness.