Sick Buildings Cause Serious Illness

Swedish researchers have found that people affected by so called sick-building-syndrome can stay ill for a significant period of time. Sick building syndrome is caused by problems with the building’s environment, like poor ventilation or dampness.

Researchers at Umeå University looked at 189 patients who became ill due to their working conditions and followed them for up to 20 years. They found that almost half of the patients were still seriously ill after seven years, and registered for at least part time incapacity benefit as a result.

The scientists hope that their study will get this syndrome taken more seriously in the future, as seeking help early is crucial to long term chances of recovery.