Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, eye irritation and throat dryness typically appear within hours of exposure. They are the body's earliest signal that ventilation, pollutant load or humidity is outside the comfort and safety envelope. Acute symptoms that improve on leaving the building are the single most useful clue. SBS symptoms reference →
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Acute symptoms
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Respiratory effects
Cough, wheeze, throat irritation and increased asthma exacerbation are linked to fine particulates (PM2.5), mould spores, formaldehyde and other reactive VOCs. Children, elderly occupants and people with existing respiratory conditions show effects at lower exposures than healthy adults. PM2.5 health effects →
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Cognitive and mood effects
Difficulty concentrating, slower decision-making, low-grade brain fog and mood disturbance. Controlled-chamber studies show measurable cognitive decline as CO₂ rises through the range routinely seen in UK offices and classrooms. The effect is real, reproducible and reversible. CO₂ and cognition →
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Allergic and dermatological signs
Itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing fits, rashes and skin dryness. Linked to dust-mite proliferation (humidity above 50%), mould bioaerosol, off-gassing furnishings and dry winter air below 30% RH. Humidity & health →
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Long-term effects
Sustained exposure to PM2.5 and selected VOCs is causally linked to cardiovascular disease, reduced lung-function development in children, cognitive decline in later life, and increased respiratory infection severity. Indoor air is where most UK adults spend 90% of their time — chronic IAQ matters at the population level.
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When to act
If symptoms cluster geographically (specific rooms, floors or buildings), correlate with time of day or activity, or improve when occupants are elsewhere, commission a structured IAQ investigation. Two weeks of continuous monitoring against a defined symptom log produces a diagnosis far more efficiently than guesswork. IAQ testing →