In recent years, in parallel with the increase of construction, people have to live, work and maintain their social lives in closed areas; Usually we spend our time in shopping malls, sometimes plazas, office floors, home offices. Of course, so many buildings can be built, but ventilation, heating-cooling systems are not made? With each passing day, these systems have developed with technology. A building, after all, is a closed box; It will take fresh air from the outside and circulate it inside, while it will not take all of the air in so that it will save you money, the existing air inside the systems and filters will circulate it.
Anyway, let me not be too confusing, the important thing here is that these devices are maintained after the buildings are built and it is very important to have quality air in these spaces. What will happen if air quality is not taken into consideration? In a 200-square-foot office, the sick person in the corner can make the person in the other corner sick; People inside the building begin to experience symptoms of fatigue and their immune system is damaged.
Let’s talk a little more numerically; It is estimated that between 5.5 and 7 million people die each year due to air pollution. 4 million of this number is caused by indoor air pollution. Drawing attention to this issue, many scientists think that “illness and death are actually caused by indoor pollution.”
Since this is a complex problem, not only healthcare professionals, but also engineers and architects are required to have their views on building structures for diagnosis. However, it is known that it is possible to take some precautions based on the findings of the experts based on research results.
According to BOMA International, in order to create a working environment without sick building syndrome, it is necessary to optimize temperature and humidity conditions and to eliminate substances that cause indoor air pollution. We can list the measures to be taken to prevent sick building syndrome under 6 topics:
1. Cleaning and drying wet areas
Wet or damp areas need to be cleaned, dried and rinsed. Thus, dampness or pollution can be avoided. It is recommended to get a professional cleaning service in order to ensure high level hygiene.
2. Having proper ventilation and fans quality
The indoor air loop should be corrected by using HVLS fans for ventilation. The fans used must comply with high standards.
3. Energy control and management
Energy management in buildings should be made efficient by using HVAC and building management systems; Controls such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning should be controlled from a single source.
4. Taking care of smoking areas
Air circulation must be ensured, especially in smoking areas.
5. Construction material
It should be noted that the materials used in the building have low health damaging factor measurements and are made of natural raw materials.
6. Natural ventilation
It should be ensured that the building is ventilated regularly and the windows are used in appropriate places. Direct sunlight helps a lot by killing some of the bacteria that is in the air and not allowing mold to be created.
To sum up; Integrated building and facility management solutions, modern technology and personal awareness are needed for the solution of sick building syndrome.
