Poor Indoor Ventilation: Health Symptoms, Risks & Immediate Actions

Acute Symptoms (Sick Building Syndrome)

• Headache, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating.
• Eye/nose/throat irritation, dry cough.
• Nausea, skin irritation.
• Worsen with time in building; improve on leaving.

Chronic Health Risks

• Respiratory: Asthma exacerbation, allergic sensitization, COPD worsening, hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
• Cardiovascular: PM2.5, CO, NO₂ → endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, arrhythmia.
• Cognitive: CO₂ >1000 ppm → impaired decision-making, reaction time.
• Infectious: Poor dilution → higher airborne pathogen concentration (TB, flu, COVID).
• Carcinogenic: Radon, formaldehyde, benzene, asbestos (if disturbed).

Life-Threatening Extremes

• Carbon monoxide poisoning (faulty heaters) → death.
• Severe asthma attack / anaphylaxis triggered by concentrated allergens.
• Chronic hypoxia in confined spaces.

Immediate Actions

1. Open windows/doors for cross-ventilation.
2. Leave the space if symptoms severe.
3. Check CO detector (if gas appliances).
4. Report to building management/OSHA (workplace).

Long-Term Solutions

• Mechanical ventilation (HRV/ERV) per ASHRAE 62.1.
• Source control: low-VOC materials, no indoor smoking, exhaust fans (kitchen/bath).
• Air cleaning: HEPA + activated carbon (supplement, not substitute).
• CO₂ monitoring (target <800 ppm).

Ventilation is a determinant of health. Act on symptoms; they are early warnings.