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 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 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 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.
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