Sick Building Syndrome is real, and we can help.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Overview
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) identifies a condition where building occupants experience acute health effects linked to time spent in a specific facility. Symptoms lack a specific illness or cause attribution but dissipate upon exiting the structure. According to the EPA, sick building syndrome affects a significant number of office buildings and can be traced to poor ventilation, contaminants, and inadequate air filtration.
Key Indicators for Facility Managers
- Neurological Distress: Frequent headaches and dizziness among staff.
- Respiratory Irritation: Increased reports of eye, nose, and throat irritation.
- Dermatological Issues: Dry or itchy skin among occupants in specific zones.
- Physiological Fatigue: Chronic tiredness and lethargy reported during work hours.
- Cognitive Impairment: Documented difficulty concentrating and decreased productivity.
- Nausea: Recurrent reports of gastrointestinal discomfort without external source.
- Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity to odors or environmental changes.
Sound Familiar?
If Your People Have These Symptoms, Your Building May Be the Problem
CERI has been diagnosing and resolving Sick Building Syndrome in Michigan and Chicago for over 30 years. We find what others miss and fix it.
Technical Assessment: Identifying Root Causes
Environmental remediation requires precise identification of contaminants. SBS typically stems from three primary vectors.
1. Inadequate Ventilation
- HVAC Performance: Failure to meet ASHRAE standards for outdoor air intake.
- Carbon Dioxide Accumulation: Levels exceeding 1,000 ppm indicate insufficient air exchange.
- Air Distribution: "Dead zones" with stagnant air pockets.
2. Chemical Contaminants (VOCs)
- Indoor Sources: Emissions from adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, and cleaning agents.
- Outdoor Sources: Vehicle exhaust or plumbing vents entering through poorly placed air intakes.
3. Biological Contaminants
- Fungal Proliferation: Mold growth in HVAC systems, ceiling tiles, or wall cavities.
- Bacterial Accumulation: Stagnant water in cooling coils and drain pans.
Regulatory Compliance and Standards
Facility managers must adhere to established safety guidelines to mitigate liability and ensure occupant health.
OSHA General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1))
Employers are legally required to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is governed under this clause in the absence of specific IAQ standards.
Environmental Guidelines (IDPH/EPA)
| Parameter | Recommended Threshold |
|---|---|
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | < 800 - 1,000 ppm |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | < 9 ppm |
| Formaldehyde | < 0.03 ppm |
| Radon | < 4.0 pCi/L |
| Relative Humidity | 30% - 60% |
| Particulate Matter (PM2.5) | < 35 µg/m³ (24-hour) |
Remediation Protocol: Sick Building Syndrome Solutions
CERI (Critical Environmental Remediation Industries) utilizes a multi-phase approach for commercial remediation in Michigan and Chicago.
Phase 1: Environmental Testing
- Air Quality Monitoring: Real-time tracking of VOCs, CO2, and particulates.
- Substance Identification: Laboratory analysis for mold, asbestos, and lead.
- Structural Inspection: Borescope inspection of wall cavities and ductwork.
Phase 2: Source Removal and Mitigation
- Asbestos and Lead Abatement: Certified removal of hazardous building materials.
- Mold Remediation: Containment and extraction of fungal growth.
- Duct Cleaning: Removal of debris and biological contaminants from HVAC systems.
Phase 3: Advanced Disinfection (SteraMist)
CERI utilizes SteraMist® Bit® (Binary Ionization Technology®).
- Technology: Ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP™) mist.
- Efficacy: 6-log kill (99.9999%) against bacteria and viruses.
- Application: Reaches nooks and crannies traditional cleaning misses without leaving residues.
Continuous Protection Systems
Post-remediation, long-term air quality maintenance is critical for high-occupancy spaces.
AerVi Air Sanitizers
AerVi technology provides 24/7 protection.
- Function: Continuous air and surface sanitization.
- Mechanism: Uses germicidal UV light and specialized catalysts.
- Installation: Suitable for reception areas, schools, and medical facilities.
CERI Professional Qualifications
Leveraging over 30 years of experience in environmental health and safety.
Service Areas
- Michigan: Including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and the Upper Peninsula.
- Illinois: Primary focus on the Chicago metropolitan area.
Certification and Expertise
- 30+ Years Experience: Pioneer in SBS resolution since 1996.
- EPA Visible Emissions Evaluation: Certified monitoring of outdoor air impact.
- Trained Technicians: Specialized in hazardous substance removal and bio-hazard remediation.
- Equipment: Deployment of iHP™ SteraMist systems for rapid decontamination.
Checklist for Facility Managers
- Conduct quarterly HVAC inspections.
- Calibrate CO2 and humidity sensors monthly.
- Schedule annual indoor air quality (IAQ) testing.
- Verify cleaning chemical safety data sheets (SDS) for low-VOC compliance.
- Inspect structural integrity for moisture intrusion after heavy precipitation.
Technical Data and Resources
- SteraMist Technical Overview (PDF)
- Introduction to Critical Services (PDF)
- COVID-19 and Virus Remediation Protocol (PDF)
Contact Information
For professional environmental assessment and remediation services:
CERI (Critical Environmental Remediation Industries)
- Website: ceri4u.com
- Service Inquiries: Contact Page
- Service Specializations: Mold, Toxins, Asbestos, Lead, Radon, Duct Cleaning, SteraMist Disinfection.
Ready to Act?
Get a Professional Indoor Air Quality Assessment
Don't wait for symptoms to get worse. CERI's certified technicians will test, identify, and remediate the source, so your building stops making people sick.