Sick Building Syndrome

For a number of years there has been an ever increasing demand for the construction of new build properties, more specifically commercial properties, to be compliant with legislation relating to emmission ouput. It has become a requirement that the size of a properties "carbon footprint" be minimised, an effective method of achieving this is through increased insulation ensuring that the level of energy required to either heat or cool a property is reduced.

A bi-product of increased and improved insulation is the reduction of ventilation, the very nature of insulation reduces the ability for air to escape from a property, to allow fresh air in old air must be allowed out.

This lack of ventilation causes the circulation of exisiting air that after a period of time becomes stale, the oxygen content reduces, carbon dioxide levels increase, it becomes packed with biological organisms and germs as it is recirculated internally passing through mechanical cooling systems, pesticides and cleaning agents are added as are the bi-products of printing and photo copying. Ultimately the air becomes old, stale and dirty.

It is this lack of ventilation and poor air quality that contributes to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) which can result in building occupants complaining of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odours. These symptom result in high levels of sickness, reduced activity and a significant reduction in productivity. Figures show that every European takes on average half a day off sick a year due to illnesses linked to air pollution - costing the European economy more than 80bn euros (£55bn).

There are different ways of combating SBS; the most simple being the introduction of plants in to the workspace, albeit that this may only be effective in smaller area's, plants produce oxygen and whilst not cleaning the air will replace this missing component. Alternatively increase the level of ventilation within the work place - open windows - leave doors open - force air in to the property through installing ventilation systems.

Where this is not possible clean the air - removing the smells, airborne particulates and any bacteria vastly improving the quality of the air being recirculated whilst increasing internal positive air pressure encouraging the older air to escape allowing fresh in.

Climate Hire & Sales offer state of the art air purification equipment designed for the commercial environment, removing contaminants from the air within offices and call centres aiding in the prevention of SBS.

Equipment has been independantly tested and has been proven to remove airborne particulates to log 5. This means that it will remove 99.999% of bacteria, contaminants, mould spores and smells, in fact anything up to 1/10,000,000 of a meter (0.1 micron) in size !

Where odours are a problem we also offer re-odourising equipment flooding a space with a choice of several essential oil flavours ranging from Chocolate, leather and coffee through to pine fresh.

Take a look at our range of air treatment products or give us a call 0845 6004499 and we can discuss your requirements.