A workplace should be a place of productivity, focus, and safety. But what if the building you work in is making you sick? Many employees across Maine are experiencing unexplained health symptoms. This may be linked to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
At Evergreen Air Quality Services, we help business owners, property managers, and employers identify and fix the hidden problems that cause SBS. In this article, you will learn what SBS is, how it affects your staff, and why Maine offices, especially older buildings, should take this problem seriously.
What Is Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick Building Syndrome is a situation where people inside a building experience health issues. This appears to be connected to the indoor environment, but no specific disease can be identified.
Typical symptoms include:
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Eye, nose, or throat irritation
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Coughing
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Dizziness
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Trouble concentrating
These symptoms usually improve once employees leave the building, which is a clear sign that something inside the workplace is causing them harm.
Why It Happens
A group of factors that contribute to Sick Building Syndrome. About 3 in 10 new or updated buildings have poor indoor air quality, according to safety experts. In Maine, many office buildings are older than we can count, and they may have:
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Poor ventilation: Stale air traps pollutants inside. HVAC system evaluation is a must for this.
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Mold or bacteria: Moisture problems lead to hidden mold growth. This is why mold inspection becomes necessary.
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Dust and allergens: Accumulate in ductwork or carpets.
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Released by new furniture, paint, or cleaning products. This needs VOC testing.
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Asbestos: Common in older construction materials if not properly managed.
A combination of these factors creates an unhealthy environment that affects employees, customers, and even your own life. That is why awareness about it is necessary for commercial building safety.
Why Maine Offices May Be at Higher Risk
Maine has a high number of office and commercial buildings built decades ago. This means, employee productivity is a must in these areas. But older structures often have:
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Outdated HVAC systems that do not meet modern ventilation standards
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Water damage from harsh winter storms
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Insufficient air filtration
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Uncontrolled humidity levels
These conditions make it easier for mold, bacteria, and VOCs to build up, creating the perfect environment for Sick Building Syndrome to develop. That is why ensuring workplace health is essential.
The Business Impact of It
If you think SBS is just a minor annoyance, think again. It can cost your business in many ways:
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Higher sick days – employees get ill more often.
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Lower productivity – headaches, fatigue, and irritation distract people from work.
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Increased turnover – unhappy workers look for healthier environments.
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Potential lawsuits – failure to provide a safe workplace can create legal risks.
A sick building is not just a health hazard; it is a business hazard, too.
How Evergreen Air Quality Services Can Help
At Evergreen Air Quality Services, we know Maine’s unique challenges. We offer professional, science-based testing and solutions to identify and correct the causes of Sick Building Syndrome. Our services include:
1. Indoor Air Quality Testing
We test for a wide range of air pollutants, including mold spores, bacteria, allergens, and VOCs. This testing gives you a clear picture of what is in your office air and how it might be hurting employee health.
2. Mold and Moisture Inspections
Mold thrives in damp environments. We locate hidden leaks or moisture problems that allow mold to grow, especially in older Maine buildings where past water damage is common.
3. Asbestos Assessments
Many offices built before the 1980s may contain asbestos in flooring, pipe wrap, or ceiling tiles. Disturbed asbestos fibers can be dangerous if inhaled. We help you identify and manage these materials safely.
4. Ventilation Evaluations
Your HVAC system is the lungs of your building. We inspect airflow, filter conditions, and ductwork to be sure your system meets modern health standards.
5. Professional Recommendations
After testing, we provide clear, actionable reports. You will know exactly what steps to take to improve air quality and protect employee health.
The Benefits of Addressing This Issue
Fixing the causes of Sick Building Syndrome has many rewards:
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Fewer employee sick days
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Increased productivity
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Higher morale
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Better indoor comfort
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Compliance with health and safety regulations
By investing in air quality and building safety, you also protect your business reputation. Employees and customers will feel confident in a healthy, welcoming environment.
Why Choose Evergreen Air Quality Services?
We have served Maine and New Hampshire for over 20 years with reliable, science-driven testing and inspection services. Our team is certified, insured, and experienced in complex building challenges.
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Fast results – Accurate results in a week
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Industry – approved testing methods
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Local knowledge – we understand Maine’s climate and building conditions
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Tailored solutions – customized recommendations for your building
Whether you manage a small office or a large commercial complex, Evergreen Air Quality Services is your partner in protecting employee health and ensuring your building is up to modern standards.
Protect Your Team Today
Your employees deserve a safe and healthy workplace. Do not wait until productivity drops or someone gets seriously ill. With rising concerns about indoor air safety, now is the perfect time to schedule a building evaluation.
Evergreen Air Quality Services is ready to help you identify and solve Sick Building Syndrome before it affects your business.
📞 Call 207-310-7733
📧 Email: info@evergreenairquality.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Sick Building Syndrome cause long-term health problems?
Yes. If the root causes are not fixed, repeated exposure can lead to chronic allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
2. Do air purifiers help with SBS?
Air purifiers can reduce some pollutants, but cannot fix hidden mold, moisture problems, or asbestos. Professional testing is still needed.
3. How do I tell if my building has SBS?
If people feel sick at work but get better after leaving, and there is no specific illness diagnosed, your building may be the problem.
4. How long does air quality testing take?
Most office air quality tests can be completed in a few hours, with results in 1–2 days.
5. Does Evergreen help with asbestos removal?
Evergreen tests for asbestos and can help you coordinate with certified removal professionals if needed.
