Sick home syndrome is a common affliction in the Greater Toronto Area. When all or many occupants of a property collectively start to experience similar symptoms and illnesses such as dizziness, allergies, fatigue, or headaches, the source is likely linked to an air quality issue hidden within the building, whether it’s a home, business, or other type of family. If you notice a pattern among occupants in your property, it’s best to get to the root cause with home air quality testing in Burlington. A thorough assessment can help you identify safety hazards, pollutants, or allergens that may be affecting your health and those around you. With the expertise of industry leaders like Inch By Inch Inspections and targeted treatments such as mold removal and odour removal services, you can breathe easier and live healthier.
To learn more about how you can improve your indoor air quality to avoid sick house syndrome, read on.
What is Sick House Syndrome?
Sick House Syndrome is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that can arise from poor indoor air quality. Your home can contain various pollutants, such as chemicals, toxins, and biological contaminants, that can cause you and your family to become sick. Sick house syndrome can have a number of causes, from mold infestations, asbestos contamination, smoke and soot damage, radon or carbon monoxide leaks, volatile organic compounds, and more. To get to the bottom of it, schedule a comprehensive building inspection with Inch By Inch Inspections. Our experts will guide you and provide you with insights on how you can revive your space.
What is the Importance of Indoor Air Quality
Most of our time is spent indoors which means we are exposed to the air in a home or even workplace. If the indoor air is contaminated with mold spores, asbestos fibres, or other harmful pollutants it can lead to a range of health problems, including allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. It's crucial to identify the symptoms of Sick House Syndrome to take the necessary steps to prevent it. Based on the symptoms you experience, the solution will vary. Instead of trying to take matters into your own hands, it’s best to work with a certified service provider like Inch By Inch Inspections for asbestos abatement, mold removal, odour removal, and more.
Overview of Symptoms
Sick House Syndrome can cause a range of symptoms that can be difficult to identify. Here are some common symptoms of SHS:
- Fatigue and Headaches: If you and others who occupy the same building are feeling tired or experiencing frequent headaches, there may be a bigger problem at play.
- Allergies and Respiratory Issues: If you're experiencing allergies or respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, but don’t typically experience seasonal allergies, it may actually be Sick House Syndrome.
- Skin Irritation: If you're experiencing skin irritation such as rashes or hives, it could be due to poor indoor air quality. Contact with harmful chemical contaminants and even mold can create adverse skin and eye reactions.
- Odours and Poor Air Quality: If you're experiencing unpleasant odours or poor air quality, it could be a sign of Sick House Syndrome.
One of the most easy ways to identify poor indoor air quality is if more than one person is experiencing similar symptoms, or if you’ve sought medical advice and the cause of your illness has not been identified. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to take action with indoor air quality tests in Burlington. While some steps like opening windows for ventilation, using air purifiers, and reducing the use of chemical cleaners can help limit exposure, identifying and rectifying the cause is the best way to keep everyone healthy.
Causes of Sick House Syndrome
There are several causes of Sick House Syndrome, including:
- Poor Ventilation: Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of pollutants, causing poor indoor air quality.
- Chemicals and Toxins: Your home can contain various chemicals and toxins, such as cleaning products, pesticides, and building materials, which can cause Sick House Syndrome.
- Biological Contaminants: Biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and viruses can lead to Sick House Syndrome.
- Poor Home Maintenance: Poor home maintenance can lead to the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other pollutants, causing poor indoor air quality.
Prevention and Treatment of Sick House Syndrome
Preventing Sick House Syndrome is essential for maintaining good health. Here are some prevention and treatment methods:
- Home Air Quality Testing: Home air quality testing is essential for identifying pollutants that can make you sick. Inch by Inch Inspections provides professional air quality testing services to help you maintain a healthy home.
- Odour Removal: Odour removal is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Inch by Inch Inspections can help identify the causes of odours and provide effective odour removal methods to keep your home smelling fresh.
Don't let Sick House Syndrome compromise your health and well-being. Inch by Inch Inspections offers professional air quality testing and odour removal services to help you maintain a healthy and comfortable home.
Prevent Sick House Syndrome with Professional Air Quality Testing
Sick House Syndrome is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that can arise from poor indoor air quality. Poor ventilation, chemicals and toxins, biological contaminants, and poor home maintenance are the main causes of Sick House Syndrome. It's essential to take the necessary steps to prevent Sick House Syndrome to maintain good health.
Our IICRC and InterNACHI-certified inspectors at Inch by Inch Inspections provide odour removal and professional home air quality testing in Burlington, to help you maintain a healthy home.