Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term applied to a building that makes its occupants sick because of indoor air pollutants. Indoor air quality (IAQ) problems fall into three categories: SBS, building-related illnesses, and multiple chemical sensitivity. Of the three, SBS accounts for 75% of all IAQ complaints.

Indoor air is a health hazard in 30% of all buildings, according to the World Health Organization. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists IAQ fourth among top environmental health threats. The problem of SBS is of increasing concern to employees and occupational health specialists, as well as landlords and corporations who fear the financial consequences of illnesses among tenants and employees. Respiratory diseases attributed to SBS account for about 150 million lost work days each year, $59 billion in indirect costs, and $15 billion in medical costs.

Sick building syndrome was first recognized in the 1970s around the time of the...