How does Building Related Illness (BRI) differ from Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Building Related Illness (BRI) is characterized by symptoms that are directly linked to specific contaminants or conditions within a building. This clear connection to a known source—such as mold, volatile organic compounds, or specific allergens—means that BRI is often more serious and can lead to diagnosable illnesses that may require medical treatment.

In contrast, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) involves a range of symptoms experienced by occupants that cannot be directly attributed to specific building-related sources. While occupants of a building suffering from SBS may report feeling unwell, the lack of identifiable sources makes SBS more about a collective discomfort rather than a defined illness connected to particular bio-contaminants or chemical exposures.

This distinction is vital in the field of indoor air quality management, as addressing BRI involves pinpointing and rectifying the specific cause of illness, while managing SBS often focuses on improving overall building conditions to alleviate occupants' symptoms.