The term “indoor air quality” is a term used to broadly describe environmental factors which may adversely impact the air quality in an indoor environment. This can include laboratories, classrooms, and general office spaces. Poor indoor air quality impacts individuals in different ways, but symptoms can range from simple respiratory tract irritation to allergic reactions.

Environmental Health and Safety has the ability to test for a wide array of contaminants which may negatively impact one’s health. We offer the following services:

Mold

Mold spores can be found in virtually every environment, including both outdoor and indoor settings. Spores will not typically cause a problem, unless they begin to grow indoors on surfaces including walls, desk, and stacks of paper. Increased indoor humidity can greatly increase the chances of a mold growth issue. 

A typical mold investigation begins with a visual inspection of the affected area(s). Air samples may be taken if deemed necessary. Air samples are compared to outdoor ambient spore levels to assess whether the affected space shows elevated spore count levels.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality encompasses a wide array of air quality parameters that may impact an individual’s overall health. During an IAQ assessment, EHS will assess temperature, humidity, and ventilation rates within the area of concern. A visual inspection of the HVAC system is also conducted.  Additional sampling may be conducted based on initial findings.

Industrial Hygiene

Industrial hygiene is a specialized field that looks at specific environmental factors or stressors arising from the workplace that may cause adverse health effects. This can include looking at exposure in a lab to a particular chemical, measuring sound levels in a workspace, or measuring particulate matter in a construction area.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Are there currently any regulations on mold?

    No, there are currently no established levels for mold exposure. The effects from mold exposure can vary between individuals based on many factors.

  • Is there a single test that can find an IAQ problem?

    No, there is no single test that will identify all IAQ issues. EHS typically uses a variety of instruments to produce a comprehensive summary of air quality parameters.

  • How long does sampling take?

    Depending on the type of monitoring that is required, sampling can range from a few hours to a week or more. EHS can provide additional information on sampling times during the initial meeting.

  • What are the most common causes of IAQ problems?

    ​The most common causes of IAQ problems in buildings are:

    • Not enough ventilation, lack of fresh outdoor air, or air that has been contaminated with allergens, such as pollen or dust, being brought into the building
    • Poor upkeep of ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning systems
    • Dampness and moisture damage due to leaks, flooding or high humidity
    • Occupant activities, such as construction or remodeling
    • Indoor and outdoor contaminated air
    • Lack of proper upkeep with regard to cleaning activities such as cleaning of carpets, removal of trash, and other regular “housekeeping” activities.

  • What is considered good IAQ?

    The qualities of good IAQ should include comfortable temperature and humidity, adequate supply of fresh outdoor air, and control of pollutants from inside and outside of the building.