The Cost of Sick Building Syndrome

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) to the forefront, emphasising the need to address Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) more urgently than ever. SBS is a condition affecting occupants of a building who experience acute health symptoms or discomfort that can be directly attributed to the time spent in that building. The cost of the slow adoption of solutions to SBS can be considered in terms of health and financial implications. Here, we will explore the benefits of investing in air monitoring and air purifiers to achieve near-medical-grade air quality, arguing that it is not a luxury but a necessity that pays off.

The Hidden Cost of Sick Building Syndrome:

Sick Building Syndrome can decrease productivity and absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), productivity losses due to poor IAQ in the United States amount to approximately $60 billion annually (1). Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 30% of new and remodelled buildings worldwide may have SBS (2). These alarming statistics underline the urgency of addressing this issue.

Air Monitoring and Air Purifiers: A Worthwhile Investment:

Air monitoring and air purifiers can improve IAQ and mitigate SBS. Air monitoring systems help identify indoor air contaminants, while air purifiers remove pollutants, allergens, and pathogens from the environment. Investing in these technologies can result in significant savings in the long run.

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that improving IAQ could lead to an 8-11% increase in productivity (3). By upgrading to near-medical-grade air quality, businesses can ensure the health and well-being of their employees, leading to improved performance and reduced healthcare expenses.

Medical-Grade Air Quality: A Necessity, Not a Luxury:

In the post-COVID-19 era, investing in medical-grade air quality is not a luxury but a necessity. By adopting air monitoring and air purifier technologies, businesses can protect employees and customers from harmful contaminants, reduce healthcare costs, and boost productivity. The long-term benefits of these investments far outweigh the initial costs, making it a wise decision for any organisation.

References:

1. NIOSH (2011). Productivity Losses due to Poor IAQ. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/productivity.html
2. WHO (2000). Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/airpollution/guidelines/en/
3. Allen, J. G., MacNaughton, P., Satish, U., Santanam, S., Vallarino, J., & Spengler, J. D. (2016). Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers: A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(6), 805-812. Retrieved from https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1510037

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