Sick building syndrome can turn a routine workday into a series of uncomfortable episodes, as illustrated by the experiences of two office workers who found their health deteriorating once they stepped inside their workplace.
Personal accounts reveal a pattern of symptoms
Jess Farmery, a 31‑year‑old communications professional, reports that walking into her office triggers sneezing, itchy skin and intense fatigue. “I thought it was hay fever or something at first, and then winter came around, so it couldn’t be hay fever,” she told the outlet. The fluorescent lighting in the building also brings on headaches, and she feels better almost immediately after leaving the premises.
Another employee, a 30‑year‑old named Lizzie, described her condition as “unmanageable.” She had no issues in a previous building, but after her nonprofit moved to a new, purpose‑built office in January 2024, she began to feel sick within ten minutes of arrival. “I was like, oh God, these lights are really affecting my brain,” she said, adding that she experiences migraines, dizziness, acid reflux and a near‑certain urge to vomit if she stays too long.
Both workers note that their symptoms subside quickly once they are away from the office, suggesting a direct link between the indoor environment and their health.
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Symptoms disappear quickly outdoors.
What experts say about the condition
The Environmental Protection Agency defines sick building syndrome as “the acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building,” encompassing brain fog, nausea, dizziness, migraines, rashes and other complaints. The World Health Organization first described the phenomenon in the 1980s, linking it to indoor air quality, lighting, noise and chemicals, while also acknowledging a psychological component that can amplify discomfort.
Dr. Leonard Bielory, a professor of allergy, immunology and ophthalmology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, calls the term a “catchall.” He stresses that the building, not the individual, is the source of the problem. “It’s the building that’s sick, not the person,” he told reporters. According to him, irritants such as mold spores, volatile organic compounds from carpeting, adhesives, insulation, furniture or paint can trigger reactions that are not classic allergies but still provoke sneezing, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms.
Research shows that women report these symptoms more often than men.
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Steps employees can take
Those who suspect their office is affecting their health should document symptoms, noting the time, location and specific triggers. Alan Hedge, a professor emeritus at Cornell University, advises keeping a diary to help pinpoint problem areas.
Improving ventilation is often the first line of defense. Workers can request a desk near windows or doors, or suggest installing air purifiers. Regular cleaning of surfaces to remove dust and debris can also reduce irritant levels.
Addressing lighting issues may involve asking management to dim fluorescent lights or replace them with softer alternatives. Taking regular breaks—short walks away from screens—can lessen eye strain and improve overall energy.
Open communication with supervisors is essential. Employees should discuss their concerns with managers, who may relocate them within the building or allow more remote work to alleviate symptoms.
