Sick Building Syndrome: How to Recognize It and What to Do About It

December 9, 2025 | Tips & Maintenance

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) occurs when indoor environments trigger symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation, even though no single cause can be identified.
Poor ventilation, airborne contaminants, and inadequate HVAC maintenance are the most common contributors.
Indoor air quality improvements, from filtration upgrades to ventilation enhancements, can significantly reduce SBS symptoms, and professional service helps ensure long-term relief.

Indoor air quality affects how you feel far more than most people realize. If you’ve been dealing with headaches, fatigue, congestion, or irritation only while you’re indoors (and those symptoms ease when you leave), you may be experiencing Sick Building Syndrome, also known as SBS.

Many homes and commercial buildings across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties struggle with indoor air problems, especially during winter, wildfire season, or periods of high humidity. While SBS isn’t tied to one specific medical cause, it’s a real and well-documented phenomenon. The good news is that you can improve the situation dramatically with the right indoor air quality (IAQ) strategies.

This updated guide explains what Sick Building Syndrome is, how to recognize it, and what steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality, including when to call Elevated Comfort for help.

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome is a term used when people experience non-specific health symptoms linked directly to time spent inside a particular building, but no clinical illness or pinpointable contaminant can be identified.

Symptoms appear when individuals are inside the space and often improve or disappear shortly after leaving. SBS occurs in homes, offices, schools, medical facilities, and any building with problematic air ventilation or indoor pollutants.

The World Health Organization reports that up to 30% of new or remodeled buildings may have excessive indoor air quality complaints, making this a widespread global issue.

Factors that contribute to Sick Building Syndrome include:

Poor ventilation or blocked return vents
HVAC systems not maintained properly
High levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Mold or moisture problems
Contaminants from cleaning products, furniture, or building materials
Outdoor pollutants entering through leaks or unfiltered air
Overcrowded spaces with stagnant airflow

In many cases, SBS is a sign that a building’s HVAC system or ventilation design isn’t keeping up with modern indoor air needs.

How Do You Recognize Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms?

SBS symptoms vary widely, which is why the condition can be difficult to identify. However, the key defining factor is repeated symptoms that occur inside the building and ease once you leave the environment.

Common SBS symptoms include:

Sneezing or allergy-like reactions
Burning eyes or irritated throat
Tightness in the chest or breathing difficulties
Dry, itchy skin or unexplained rashes
Headaches or dizziness
Difficulty focusing or forgetfulness
Unusual fatigue
Nausea or general discomfort
Chills or intermittent fever
Irritability or feeling mentally “foggy”
Runny nose or congestion
Joint or body aches

People with asthma, COPD, or respiratory allergies are often more sensitive and feel symptoms sooner than others.

You should always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms, but improving indoor air quality is an important step toward relief.

What Causes Sick Building Syndrome in Sonoma & Marin Homes?

Homes and buildings in Sonoma and Marin counties face unique IAQ challenges due to:

Wildfire smoke and lingering particulate matter
High seasonal humidity, especially near the coast
Older buildings with poor ventilation
Homes sealed tightly for energy efficiency, which traps pollutants
Dust and allergens from surrounding vineyards and agriculture

When fresh air can’t circulate properly, pollutants accumulate, and that’s when SBS symptoms start to show up.

Struggling with poor indoor air quality? Schedule an IAQ assessment with Elevated Comfort and let our technicians help you create a healthier home or workplace.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Reduce SBS

You can take several steps to reduce Sick Building Syndrome symptoms, but long-lasting improvements usually require a combination of ventilation upgrades, filtration improvements, and reducing indoor pollution sources.

1. Improve Ventilation

Proper airflow dilutes airborne irritants. Ways to improve it include:

Adding exhaust fans
Running your ventilation cycle through your HVAC system
Ensuring return vents are not blocked
Considering a fresh-air ventilation upgrade

2. Install or Upgrade Air Purification

Modern IAQ systems remove pollutants at multiple levels using:

HEPA filtration
Activated carbon filters
UV-C light sanitation
Whole-home electronic air cleaners

These systems capture dust, smoke particles, mold spores, and chemical vapors.

3. Maintain Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system plays the biggest role in indoor air circulation. Key maintenance steps include:

Changing air filters regularly
Scheduling seasonal tune-ups
Cleaning ducts if airflow is restricted
Repairing failing components before they affect circulation
Inspecting for moisture buildup or mold

Regular HVAC maintenance with Elevated Comfort can significantly reduce SBS triggers.

4. Manage Indoor Pollutants

Simple changes make a big impact:

Avoid smoking indoors
Choose low-VOC paints and cleaning products
Keep pets groomed
Store chemicals properly
Address water leaks immediately

5. Control Humidity

Humidity swings worsen SBS symptoms. Use:

Dehumidifiers during damp seasons
Humidifiers during dry, heated indoor months
HVAC upgrades with built-in humidity control

A balanced humidity level (40%–60%) helps you feel more comfortable and breathe easier.

When Should You Call Elevated Comfort?

If you are:

Experiencing recurring symptoms
Smelling musty or chemical odors
Seeing mold or moisture issues
Noticing poor airflow or stale indoor air
Running your HVAC system constantly with little comfort improvement

…it’s time to contact our team.

When you schedule an IAQ service with us, we identify the sources of poor indoor air quality, recommend targeted solutions, and help you restore cleaner, healthier air in your home or workplace.

Ready to eliminate Sick Building Syndrome symptoms? Contact Elevated Comfort today for professional air quality solutions that make your indoor environment healthier and more comfortable year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sick Building Syndrome

Is Sick Building Syndrome the same as mold exposure?

Not exactly. SBS can include mold-related symptoms, but mold exposure has a clear cause. SBS refers to symptoms without a single identifiable contaminant.

Can SBS happen in new buildings?

Yes. New paint, flooring, adhesives, and sealed structures often trap VOCs and reduce ventilation, making SBS common in new or recently renovated buildings.