Sick Building Syndrome

Exposure of building occupants to an unhealthy and hazardous environment may cause various symptoms, collectively known as “sick building syndrome.” Any chemical, gas, fume, or smoke may potentially cause sickness or illness in occupants of such buildings; the term sick building syndrome, however, is usually referred to as nonspecific symptoms resulting from exposure to molds, bacteria, and their toxins or products. Many articles have associated the black mold “Stachybotrys chartarum” also known as “Stachybotrys atra” to this syndrome. However, the cause and effect has never been confirmed. This chapter discusses the etiology, symptoms, prevention, and management of the sick building syndrome.