Why Water Damage Restoration Is Key to Preventing Sick Building Syndrome

Many people spend most of their time indoors, whether at home, school, or work. But did you know that poor indoor air quality caused by water damage can make people sick? This is called Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), and it happens when a building’s environment causes health problems like headaches, allergies, and breathing issues. One of the biggest causes of SBS is untreated water damage. That’s why water damage restoration services are essential to keeping buildings safe and healthy.

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome occurs when people inside a building experience symptoms of illness with no clear cause. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Skin rashes
• Fatigue and trouble concentrating

These symptoms often get worse when people spend time inside the building and improve when they leave. The main culprits behind SBS are mold, bacteria, and poor air quality—all of which can result from untreated water damage.

How Water Damage Leads to Sick Building Syndrome

1. Mold Growth and Airborne Spores

Mold loves damp places, and when water leaks or floods aren’t cleaned up properly, mold can grow fast. Mold spores float in the air and can cause allergies, asthma, and serious breathing problems. If a building smells musty, it’s often a sign that mold is growing somewhere hidden, like behind walls or under floors.

2. Bacteria and Contaminants in the Air

Floodwater and leaks can introduce bacteria and other harmful microorganisms into a building. If the water isn’t cleaned up properly, these contaminants can spread through air vents, causing infections and making people sick.

3. Damp Materials and Musty Odors

When water soaks into carpets, drywall, and insulation, it creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew. Even if the water dries on its own, the materials can still hold moisture, leading to bad smells and ongoing health risks.

4. Poor Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Buildings that have suffered water damage often have higher humidity levels. This can make indoor air feel heavy, damp, and hard to breathe. Poor ventilation allows mold spores and bacteria to stay in the air longer, making symptoms of SBS worse.

How Professional Water Damage Restoration Helps

1. Fast Water Removal and Drying

The first step in stopping Sick Building Syndrome is getting rid of all excess water. Professionals use powerful pumps and vacuums to remove standing water quickly. They also use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out walls, floors, and furniture completely.

2. Mold Prevention and Removal

Mold begins to grow within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Water damage experts:

• Apply antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold growth.
• Use HEPA air scrubbers to remove mold spores from the air.
• Remove and replace water-damaged materials when necessary.

3. Deep Cleaning and Sanitization

Floodwater, sewage backups, and leaks can leave behind bacteria and viruses. Restoration teams use EPA-approved disinfectants to clean all surfaces, making sure the environment is safe.

4. Improving Air Quality

Professional restoration services improve indoor air quality by:

• Using HEPA filters and dehumidifiers to remove allergens and moisture.
• Cleaning and repairing HVAC systems to stop mold and bacteria from spreading through vents.
• Testing air quality to make sure the building is safe before people return.

Preventing Water Damage to Avoid Sick Building Syndrome

While water damage restoration is crucial, preventing water damage in the first place is even better. Here are some steps to keep your home or office safe:

• Fix leaks in pipes, roofs, and windows as soon as possible.
• Keep indoor humidity below 50% with dehumidifiers and proper ventilation.
• Clean and maintain gutters and drainage systems to prevent water buildup.
• Use waterproof materials in areas prone to moisture, like basements and bathrooms.
• Get regular inspections from water damage professionals.

Sick Building Syndrome is a serious issue that can make people feel sick just by being indoors. Water damage is one of the biggest causes of SBS, leading to mold, bacteria, and poor air quality. That’s why water damage restoration services are so important—they remove water, stop mold, and keep buildings safe to live and work in. If you notice musty smells, moisture problems, or unexplained health issues in a building, it’s time to call in professionals to protect your health and your space.