Problems related to indoor air quality and sick building syndrome have been increasingly documented in the local and national press. Modern office buildings are generally considered safe and healthful working environments. However, numerous incidences of building-related air quality problems have occurred in office buildings and educational institutions throughout the U.S.

Many affected parties (building owners, employers and insurance providers) have recognized the potential impact building-related air quality issues can have on their operations. Indoor air quality episodes begin with the report of various health related symptoms that employees believe are attributed to their work environment. These symptoms, which include headache, nausea, tiredness, allergies, and eye, nose and throat irritation typically appear on Monday and disappear over the weekend while the employee(s) is away from their working environment. This association leads the employee to conclude that their work environment is the causative agent.

Studies conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have indicated that the primary sources of indoor air quality problems are inadequate ventilation, contamination from inside or outside the building, and interior mold growth. There are a number of potential ramifications of indoor air quality problems, to include increased employee absence, reduced employee moral, employee' relation issues, negative publicity, increased medical costs, and legal liability. When faced with indoor air quality concerns, it is critical that employers and building owners take a proactive, approach in order to address the issue in a timely fashion. Such a quick, proactive responses often can prevent or minimize many of the problems mentioned above.