General Contractor Lic #CGC1519003 - Mold Remediation Lic #MRSR2344

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that most people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors and posits that concentrations of airborne pollutants within indoor spaces are approximated to be 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor conditions. But poor indoor air quality is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a wide range of chemical contaminants, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and other toxic substances commonly found in homes and businesses that can make its occupants sick. This is defined as sick building syndrome.

Learn more sick building syndrome and the effects of this condition on your health, your home, and your workplace. If you suspect your property has sick building syndrome and you seek the expertise of a trusted reconstruction company, contact Maven Construction Group right away to request a home restoration estimate.

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is characterized by situations in which building occupants — both homeowners and business owners — experience acute health and comfort effects that correlate with time spent in a building. These negative effects may either be localized in a particular area of the structure or widespread throughout the building. A key part of identifying sick building syndrome is rapid recovery and the disappearance of symptoms after an affected individual leaves the vicinity. While SBS affects each person differently, those with allergies or current respiratory conditions may notice increased symptom severity. The most commonly experienced sick building syndrome symptoms include the following:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Runny nose
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Allergy-like symptoms
  • Congestion
  • Irritability
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Irritated or itchy eyes
  • Sinus infections
  • Scratchy throat
  • Dry, irritated skin
  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Difficulty concentrating

What Are The Causes Of Sick Building Syndrome?

There is a wide range of potential causes of sick building syndrome, which include, but are not limited to the following.

  • Poor ventilation
  • High levels of dust
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Poor indoor lighting
  • Mold or fungus
  • Formaldehyde and preservatives
  • Asbestos
  • Cleaning product chemicals
  • Pesticides
  • Carbon monoxide
  • High heat and humidity
  • Insect or animal droppings
  • Dust and dirt
  • Paints and solvents
  • Disinfectants
  • Air fresheners
  • Pesticides and glue
  • Certain building materials

How To Treat Sick Building Syndrome

As sick building syndrome can be caused by a wide range of factors, treating this condition can be complex. While some of the sources of SBS can be avoided, such as stopping the use of certain cleaning solutions and improving indoor ventilation, others stem from deeper building-related issues that require professional help. For buildings plagued with SBS, one of the most common causes is water damage, which can further lead to mold damage. Indoor environments with increasingly high levels of heat and humidity make the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew to grow and spread.

What’s more, homes and businesses that have sustained water, wind, storm, and fire damage are much more likely to have SBS than those without. But, have no fear — Maven Construction Group offers professional restoration services, including mold removal, water damage restoration, storm restoration, and fire restoration to help homeowners and business owners feel healthier while indoors and recover their properties following damaging events. If you plan on building a home and you want to implement preventative measures to help avoid SBS, we likewise offer new home construction services. If you notice any signs of SBS on your property, contact us right away for prompt assistance you can trust!


Trusted, Experienced Professionals

Locally owned and operated in Gainesville, FL, Maven Construction Group is a licensed general contractor, Angie’s List Certified Contractor, and is accredited and A-rated by the Better Business Bureau. Maven has delivered the best damage restoration and reconstruction services in North Central Florida for more than 15 years.

Certified General Contractor Lic # CGC1519003 Certified Mold Remediation Lic # MRSR2344