Many people call us because they are concerned about musty odors, and then we conduct a mold inspection. But there are other sources of building odors that can sometimes make people sick and that may indicate the presence of a variety of building problems. Then the odor testing required may be more complex.
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Posted: November 11th, 2009 under Articles, Indoor Air Quality.
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“Indoor air quality consultant” is a title that can stand for different levels of education and experience. Home inspectors, air conditioning technicians, pest control operators, and even lead, asbestos and mold remediators may do air quality testing. Some people who call themselves indoor air quality consultants have had only a few days of training in a “certification” course. Others have studied architecture, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or biology. Some indoor air quality consultants are certified industrial hygienists, who have been trained to deal primarily with air quality problems in manufacturing workplaces, rather than in residential or office buildings.
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Posted: November 11th, 2009 under Articles, Indoor Air Quality.
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Indoor air quality testing may be done to determine levels of allergens, irritants, or contaminants indoors, and also generally involves determining whether the temperature and humidity are within the “comfort zone.” The concentrations of particles in the air are often included. The concentration of carbon dioxide may also be measured. Carbon dioxide is always present outdoors, but may be present in greater concentrations indoors as people work and live in closed spaces, inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. But elevated levels of this gas indoors generally indicate inadequate building ventilation, and cause people to feel sleepy and describe the air as “stuffy.” A lack of fresh air indoors also results in higher concentrations of other chemicals that can be found in buildings, including formaldehyde, solvents, or even carbon monoxide. So indoor air quality testing may include measuring levels of these gases and chemicals, too.
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Posted: November 11th, 2009 under Articles, Indoor Air Quality.
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