Imagine this: Sarah, a diligent university lecturer, loves her job. But lately, she’s been struggling. Every time she steps into her office building, her nose starts to itch, her eyes water, and by mid-morning, she has a headache. She often feels unusually tired and sometimes even nauseous by the end of the day. These symptoms improve over the weekend or whenever she works from home. Sarah’s been to the doctor numerous times, but there’s no diagnosis—except that she’s frequently on medical leave. It may sound strange, but Sarah’s office might actually be the reason behind her symptoms, a phenomenon known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
Sick Building Syndrome refers to situations where building occupants experience health issues that seem directly linked to time spent in a particular building, but where no specific illness or cause can be identified. The symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat, and even difficulty concentrating. Although anyone can be affected, it’s often seen in office workers and students who spend long hours in one place. Buildings with poor ventilation, outdated HVAC systems, or mold issues can all contribute to SBS. Surprisingly, even in Malaysia, several higher education institutions have faced temporary closures due to SBS-related concerns. In Malaysia, one well-known case involved the Ministry of Health building in Putrajaya, where numerous employees reported respiratory issues and eye irritation. Investigations pointed to inadequate ventilation and mold growth, leading to necessary building renovations.
Similarly, Universiti Teknologi MARA’s (UiTM) main library in Shah Alam experienced issues attributed to SBS. Students and staff complained of constant headaches, coughs, and eye irritation after spending time in the library. This prompted the university to conduct an indoor air quality assessment, revealing high levels of indoor pollutants and mold, particularly in poorly ventilated areas. The library underwent extensive cleaning and renovations to improve air quality.
One well-known example is a University’s main administrative building, which was temporarily shut down after numerous staff members reported recurring headaches, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. Investigations revealed poor air circulation and a hidden mold problem behind the walls. In another case, a major public university’s library had to be closed for extensive cleaning and repairs due to similar complaints from students who felt constantly unwell while studying there.
For leaders in educational institutions or workplaces, it’s essential to consider SBS as a potential reason if employees or students are frequently ill. Frequent absenteeism or complaints about discomfort should be taken seriously. Addressing SBS may involve ensuring proper ventilation, checking for mold, and performing regular maintenance on air conditioning systems. By being proactive, leaders can help safeguard the health of everyone in the building.
Awareness of SBS is crucial, as it’s often overlooked. Simple changes can make a world of difference—not only in reducing sick days but also in creating a more comfortable and productive environment. After all, the health of a building’s occupants is closely tied to the building itself. And like Sarah, no one should have to suffer in silence or chalk up symptoms to just another “bad day” at work.
Dr Wan Fatein Wan Omar is a physiologist working at Kulliyyah of Medicine, IIUM.