General Information
Indoor air quality can be affected by many factors; chemicals, particles, water issues, biological growth, radon, and other items. Conducting comprehensive air quality and odor assessments requires a solid understanding of chemistry, microbiology, human health, and building science. Our assessments include identifying potential concerns, determining exposures to occupants, and providing a report with recommendations on addressing items. Using microscopes and specialized monitors, we can get real-time results for most items that impact air quality. Some of the items that we assess for that impact air quality include:
- Volatile chemicals
- Formaldehyde
- Water damage and mold
- Particle sources
- Common allergens
- Ventilation concerns
- HVAC hygiene
- Radon
- Asbestos
Our Services
General Air Quality Assessments (Proactive Assessments)
A general air quality assessment can be completed to both establish a baseline of metrics in which to compare in the future and to identify current areas of concern that require attention. Our assessments can be focused to a few contaminants or can include a wide range of services. Testing for some contaminants can also be completed over several days to weeks to determine changes over times, such as the presence of volatile chemicals with measurements occurring every five minutes to chart changes.
Occupant Concern Assessments (Reactive Assessments)
Assessments can be completed to address specific occupant concerns. These concerns may be very focused, such as identifying the source and impact of a chemical odor, to more general assessments to determine baseline exposures. A common general assessment is used to determine the potential cause of health symptoms, such as fatigue or coughing. An occupant concern assessment is an interview with the occupant to determine potential hypersensitivities or allergies, which may help direct the focus of the assessment.
Odor Assessments
Abnormal odors in buildings can be the result of moisture issues, nesting animals, chemical releases, and other more rare events. Our services include identifying the likely cause and location of the odor and recommendations on addressing the situation.