Some of the symptoms associated with SBS include headaches, eye, nose, throat or skin irritation, coughs, dizziness, nausea and fatigue, yet symptoms rapidly improve after leaving the building. However, the effects can be accumulative and become severely disabling to those sensitised to the situation. SBS occurs when people in a particular building or part of it feel their health is being affected by the building's environment. The incidence of SBS has occurred more commonly since 1970, following the energy crisis when many buildings were draught-proofed and more effectively sealed to make them more energy efficient. However, a recent study by Dr Mai Stafford of University College London reports that the ten symptoms commonly associated with the illness (which costs businesses millions of pounds each year) are linked to long hours and lack of support at work - in short, by poor managers rather than a poor environment.
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