Indoor Air Quality Evaluation
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is an integral part of every building affecting the well being and productivity of occupants and the efficiency of equipment as well as operational costs. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists have found that people are exposed to far greater concentrations of common toxic organic chemicals indoors than they are outdoors. Common ailments caused or exacerbated by poor air quality include:
- Eye, nose, and/or throat irritation
- Headaches
- Blood abnormalities
- Asthma
- Fever
- Increased incidence of upper respiratory system infections
- Fatigue
We provide Air Contaminant Sampling Evaluation, Building Diagnostic Evaluation, and Microbial Evaluation Services.
The energy crisis of the 1970s caused building owners to
conserve energy through reduced filtration of outside air. This
movement coincided with an increase in new office building construction
and the rehabilitation of older buildings as well as an influx of new,
and often chemically treated, office products and furnishings. Buildings
became more efficient, but at an cost. IAQ suffered and building
occupants developed new and persistent health conditions. This
phenomenon is known as “Sick Building Syndrome” or “Tight Building
Syndrome.” Sick Building Syndrome
Sources of IAQ Problems
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Air Contaminant IAQ Sampling EvaluationWhen an IAQ evaluation reveals active or potential contaminant sources, PDG may be retained to conduct subsequent air sampling and analysis to document the extent of contamination. An IAQ sampling evaluation will determine whether certain baseline guidelines are achieved. PDG has performed customized IAQ sampling evaluations for a variety of air contaminants, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted from construction materials, office furnishings, and printing operations. |
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IAQ Building Diagnostic EvaluationWe generally begin a building diagnostic evaluation by
reviewing the system’s preventative maintenance program and inspects the
condition of system components, including air filters, condensate drain
pans, cooling coils, and humidifiers. We also perform direct-reading
measurements of indoor air contaminants including respirable particulate
and carbon dioxide, as well as temperature, and relative humidity. We
also inspect the building for microbial reservoirs and amplifiers as
well as sources of odors, chemical contaminants, and combustion
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Microbial InvestigationsWe have conducted microbial investigations at office buildings, industrial, commercial, and health care facilities and for insurance companies and home owners that have experienced water disasters and fires resulting in water damage. Our staff examines specific microbial sources and water damaged occupied spaces. We conduct indoor and outdoor sampling of these sources using a variety of sophisticated instrumentation to determine the species and concentration of airborne fungi and bacteria. Based on the investigation results, our experienced staff develops remediation protocol and specifications for remediation contractors and provides post-remediation clearance testing. |
 | Arpad Kolozsvary REM IH
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