Indoor Air Quality Evaluations

Contact:
Ronald Block
President
(800) 682-7255

Indoor Air Quality Evaluations

Building management should be quick to respond to these complaints. Complaints consist of odors or actual health effects. The investigation may consist of a building walkthrough, occupant interviews and possibly building testing to determine an evaluation of the problem. Almost 90% of the time the HVAC system is the cause of the problem. Other sources of IAQ problems are discussed below.

MICROORGANISMS

These organisms include fungi, bacteria, viruses and protozoa which are all present in the indoor environment. These organisms are essential components of the ecosystem. However, when indoor levels exceed outdoor levels, building occupants may suffer from runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. Some microorganisms such as Stachybotrys chartarum, Penicillium and Aspergillus may release potent mycotoxins possibly resulting permanent lung damage.

I SEE VISIBLE MOLD!

If you see visible mold, clean it up as rapidly as possible. The amount of mold present on surfaces will dictate whether you can clean it yourself or hire an expert for remediation. Also, you must be sure to determine and correct the cause of moisture resulting in mold.

WHEN TO TEST FOR MOLD

If building occupants are feeling any of the symptoms described above and no visible mold is present, then it is time to have a qualified expert test for mold. There are no indoor standards for mold, but if the indoor spore count is greater than outdoors, most likely you have a mold problem that must be remediated. Testing can also be used to locate sources of mold.

AIR TOXICS

Air toxics may arise from volatile inorganic compounds (VOCs) from remodeling projects. Products like paints, wood strippers, adhesives, waxes and cleaners can emit VOCs. Formaldehyde may off-gas from new building materials like plywood and pressed wood. General symptoms may be headaches, lethargy, fatigue, and poor concentration. Complaints may be nonspecific.

IAQ INVESTIGATION

An IAQ investigation begins with an initial walkthrough which evaluates the basic factors influencing IAQ (occupants, HVAC system, exposure pathways and contaminant sources). The investigation may be simple or require appropriate sampling methodologies. For example, over spraying of pesticides is sampled differently than VOCs.

NEW CALIFORNIA MOLD LAWS

AB 732 Toxic Mold Protection Act

Passed on October 7, 2001
Requires DHS to adopt exposure limits
Requires landlords to disclose to tenants and homeowners to disclose when selling house
DHS to give report by July 7, 2003
Compliance to begin 6 months afterward
$1,000 fine per occurrence

AB 284

Passed October 7, 2001
Requires California Research Bureau to study fungal contamination in indoor environments, i.e. toxic effects
Organize a review panel to assist in study
Report findings by January, 2003

AB178-COX

Still proposed on books
Requires landlords who should have known mold is (or has been) present to disclose to current and prospective tenants
$1,000 fine for each occurrence
Takes similar provisions from AB 732
Actually a civil code relating to housing standards

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES

BES is a full service environmental consulting firm specializing in air quality. Staff consists of toxicologists, scientists, and engineers to assist in evaluations. BES has more than 15 years experience in IAQ investigations. IAQ services include:

· Indoor and ambient air quality sampling, testing and evaluations

· Bacteria and mold sampling and testing

· Worker’s Compensation claims

· Insurance Claims Assistance

· Litigation support

· Pre Occupancy Evaluations

For more information, see Indoor Air Quality Links

Visit BES Consulting for more information about BES Consulting Services.

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