Why Get Indoor Air Quality Testing?
The quality of our indoor air has become a critical factor in the health and comfort of building occupants. The World Health Organization has estimated that more than half of all asthma and allergic responses are due to indoor contaminants.
Virtually all federal agencies in the US recognize the potential effects of poor air quality. The federal EPA, NIOSH, AIHA and ASHRAE have all published guidelines and standards to address the many health issues that can ensue from indoor air quality problems.
Due to an emphasis on
energy conservation, our buildings are tighter than ever. The use of
building materials that support massive mold growth, such as drywall,
fiberglass insulation and carpet, has increased dramatically. The use
of building furnishings made from synthetic chemicals has
also increased. The sum result has been a steady increase in the
frequency of indoor air quality complaints.
Our Air Quality Testing Process:
The evaluation of indoor air quality requires a combination of several assessment tools. The inspector considers the effects of:
1. Chemical emission sources
2. Moisture and humidity control issues
3. Biological contaminants (mold, bacteria)
4. Fresh air ventilation
5. Thermal comfort
A thorough inspection by an experienced professional is essential to the assessment. A
key aspect of our air quality consulting service is the use of information to
establish focus for the survey. Without information to the contrary,
all five elements noted above must be considered suspect and are
evaluated. Our Standard Operating Procedures for air
quality investigations delineate the need for building systems
inspection, identification of chemical and biological emission
sources, evaluation of thermal and air ventilation conditions, and the
development of an exposure hypothesis.
Air testing is conducted
as required to demonstrate and confirm the hypothesis. Air contaminant
testing may include mold testing and bacterial agents, chemical contaminants
such as volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and pesticides,
and various particulate parameters such as asbestos, fiberglass and
silica. The use of established sampling procedures allows for a
definitive and documented conclusion.
Today!