Preventing sick building syndrome

Sick building syndrome, which causes misery for millions of office workers can be easily prevented, according to scientists.

Researchers writing in medical journal The Lancet tested three offices where people suffered from sick building syndrome. They found that adding ultraviolet (UV) light to ventilation systems kills the germs that make office workers ill.

Where there were UV lights there was a 20% reduction in all symptoms. There were 40% fewer complaints about respiratory problems and a 30% reduction in people complaining of stuffy noses. Muscular complaints halved.