"...there has been increasing concern within the scientific community over the effects of indoor air quality on health... We know much less about the health risks from indoor air pollution than we do about those attributable to the contamination of outdoor air. This imbalance must be redressed by the provision of adequate funding, and the development of a strong commitment to action within both the public and private sectors." A.P.Jones. Indoor air quality and health. School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK, October 1999.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of air in and around buildings and structures.
IAQ directly affects the health and comfort of the people in the building.
There has been increasing concern within the scientific community over the effects of indoor air quality on health.
Advances in construction technology have caused a much greater use of synthetic building materials providing indoor environments in which contaminants are readily produced and may build up to much higher concentrations.
There are health issues associated with pollutants emitted from building materials.
Undesirable odors inside a building is a sign of poor indoor air quality.
It is important to evaluate the existance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which arise from sources including paints, varnishes, solvents, and preservatives.
IAQ is affected from indoor exposure to combustion products from heating, cooking, and the smoking of tobacco.
The health effects of inhaled biological particles, like mold, can be significant.
Mold and other biological source may induce illness through immune mechanisms, infectious processes, and direct toxicity
The exposure to asbestos may be an important risk factor for the chronic respiratory disease mesothelioma.
Radon and its decay products are now recognised as important indoor pollutants. It is a radioactive gas that arises from outside, but only presents a serious health risk when found inside buildings.
Understanding and controlling common indoor contaminants can help reduce the risk of indoor health problems.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD) and NADCA are actively engaged in research that is designed to focus on issues related to IAQ source management.
WE CAN HELP
Buildings rely on Air conditioning systems to maintain acceptable temperature, humidity and ventilation levels for occupant health and comfort.
We verify the operation of building HVAC control systems.
Determine whether adequate ventilation exists.
Monitor air flow and velocity, temperature and humidity.
Test for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
Optimize HVAC systems to manage energy costs.
Measure filter efficiency.
Formaldehyde and chemical testing.
Locate particle sources for remediation.
Mold, bacteria and Allergen testing.
Odor investigation and remediation.
We investigate, remediate and maintain the air quality in your building.
Report the effectiveness of the completed work to customers.