Indoor Air Quality

Did you know if you frequently have symptoms while at home (for example) but better while you are gone, there could be something in your air that is causing those symptoms? Figuring out what is causing those symptoms is our job!

Maybe together we can avoid this.

IAQ =

• Physical characteristics
• Chemical characteristics
• Airborne constituents
• AND how all of this affects occupants health and comfort!

Health Symptoms of Indoor Air Issues:

• Headache
• Stuffiness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Itchy Eyes
• Trouble Thinking
• Dry Skin
• Rashes
• Sore Throat

OZONE:

Ozone generators (some air cleaners) claim to be “energized oxygen” or “pure air” when in fact ozone is dangerous to your health! The EPA does not certify air cleaning devices.

“Good up high-bad nearby” is the EPA’s phrase to teach the public that ozone is not safe or healthy for you.

RADON:

• 1 in 15 homes in America have high levels of radon
• Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the US
• NOW is the time to test for radon in your home IF:
  • it’s been two years or more since you’ve tested for radon
  • you are planning to remodel or convert “unoccupied areas” into “occupied areas”

MOLD:

Musty smell? Good chance there is mold growing somewhere. Call us for a free assessment.

If you see this, you do not need to call us. You know there is mold.	What about here, though?

HOW TO AVOID MOLD:

• Fix any water leaks ASAP
• Clean up or remove all water in 24-48 hours
• Keep the humidity level below 50%
• Keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees
• Ensure air movement
  

FLOOD CLEANUP

After a flood, try to clean up the water within 24-48 hours to avoid mold.

Straight from the EPA website: During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Click here for a resource on how to clean up after a flood.

Air pollutants D&M Industrials, Inc. tests for:

	Mold Radon VOC’s (fumes) Bacteria Particulates Allergens	CO & CO2 Pesticides Viruses Ozone Sewer gas/methane Combustion by-products
Visable example of what's invisible!

HOW TO COMBAT IAQ ISSUES:

• Ventilation – bring in outdoor air
• Exhaust – remove indoor air
• Removal of source – example: remove all the materials that mold is growing on; discard unused paint strippers and thinners that are releasing VOC’s

“Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)”

Building occupants experience acute helath and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.

Symptoms:

• Headache Fatigue Dry Cough Dry or itchy skin
• Dizziness & nausea Difficulty concentrating Eye, Nose or Throat irritation Sensitivity to odors
  • Cause of symptoms is unknown
  • Most symptoms subside soon after leaving the building

CAUSES:

• Inadequate Ventilation
• ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers) standard is a minimum of:
  • 15 cfm of outdoor air per person
  • 20 cfm/per person in office spaces
  • up to 60 cfm/person depending on the activities of the space

Chemical Contaminants from Indoor Sources

Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. There are MANY different possibilities, some are listed below.

• Adhesives
• Carpeting
• Copy machines
• Cleaning agents
• Carbon monoxide
• Pesticides
• Tobacco smoke
• Combination of VOC’s (fumes)
  

Chemical Contaminants from Outdoor Sources

Examples:

• Motor vehicle exhaust
• Plumbing vents
• Building exhausts

Biological Contaminants

Examples:

• Bacteria
• Molds
• Pollen
• Viruses
  • These may breed in stagnant water. Places to find stagnant water: ducts, humidifiers, drain pans, ceiling tiles, carpeting or insulation
• Insect or Bird Droppings

These elements may act in combination and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity or lighting.

“Building Related Illness (BRI)”

Symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.

• Symptoms: cough, chest tightness, fever, chills & muscle aches
• Symptoms can be clinically defined & have clearly identifiable causes.
• Complainants may require prolonged recovery times after leaving the building.
  

Note: Complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the building, allergies, job related stress and other psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, studies show that symptoms may be caused or exacerbated by IAQ problems.