Sick Building Syndrome
Sick building syndrome is the term used to describe the prevalence of acute health effects in people who spend a prolonged amount of time in a particular building. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, common symptoms of sick building syndrome include:
- Headaches
- Eye, nose and/or throat irritation
- Vertigo
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to odors
- Dry or itchy skin
Symptoms can vary greatly between occupants of a building and are usually only present when a person is in a building; symptoms are generally relieved immediately upon leaving the building. Illnesses caused by a sick building are most likely related to poor indoor air quality due to poor building design, improper building maintenance and occupant activities; but finding a specific cause of illness is often difficult to determine.
Prolonged exposure to toxic mold and other substances (i.e., cleaning chemicals, asbestos, etc.) that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can result in serious health conditions. You may be eligible to sue for damages if you develop a serious illness as a result of prolonged exposure to a toxic environment.
It can be difficult to prove sick building syndrome as symptoms can greatly vary among occupants of a building and can also be attributed to stress and other socio-psychological factors. For this reason, it is important to hire an attorney with experience representing sick building syndrome cases. An attorney should have access to medical doctors and health inspectors who can testify as to a building’s toxicity; be able to determine who should be accountable for a sick building based on careful investigation; and organize a class action lawsuit if appropriate.
If you believe that you suffer from sick building syndrome, contact an attorney right away. A qualified attorney can give you the advice you need to make informed decisions about your situation and help you determine if you have a case against an employer, builder, building management company or landlord.
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I have not been able to locate an attorney. I had to move my business and move my family due to home and office being infested with black mole. I did testing and have medical reports for my own visits to the doctor. This issue nearly bankrupt me.
I need an attorney.
Thanks, Nancy Taylor
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