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What's the Problem?
EHS Innovator's staff is
highly experienced at performing all types of indoor air quality (IAQ)
and industrial hygiene investigations. All our experts have
received specific training in the advanced evaluation of IAQ problems,
and frequently participate in professional development opportunities on
a variety of subjects. We are experienced at performing all
levels of air quality assessments from diagnosing the causes of odors,
to complete insurance restorations and mold remediation
oversight. An ABIH Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or
Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) will routinely initiate the
investigation by determining the symptoms, complaints and
conditions. Often no sampling is performed until we ascertain the
problem and develop a strategy focusing on the complaint.
Basic IAQ Services
On-site investigations will often
begin by doing a visual inspection of the affected area(s). If
permitted, the investigator will question those individuals expressing
complaints to further identify their symptoms and the frequency of
on-set. Since building ventilation (or lack thereof) is often a
leading cause of indoor air complaints, the items to be reviewed focus
on....
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- Observation of potential sources
of airborne chemical contamination (e.g., engines, chemical processes,
neighboring facilities, garbage and debris)
- Inspection of the layout and
distribution of air supplies to the spaces.
- Inspection of the condition of
the HVAC system and accessible components, namely filters, condensate
drip pans, cooling & heating coils, air intakes, air supply and
return grills, and the type of ductwork.
- Observation for evidence of
water infiltration, excessive moisture or microbial growth.
- Contaminant sources near HVAC
air intakes and returns.
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Air
measurements for basic indicators of air quality and potential common
airborne contaminants can be collected using direct-reading instruments
usually at no additional cost. These include:
- Carbon Dioxide (as an indicator
of fresh air supply)
- Temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Carbon Monoxide
- Total & Respirable
Particulates
- Total Volatile Organics (w/ PID)
Further Air Testing
If potential sources of chemical or
microbial contamination are suspected, EHSI may recommend that further
testing be done to identify these substances or eliminate
possibilities. EHSI utilizes the latest direct-reading
instruments and government-approved laboratory test methods when
performing measurements. Examples of routine tests for chemical
contaminants include:
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- Total Volatile Organics using
Summa canisters and EPA methods - Vapor Intrusion
- Building Material Moisture
- Building Diagnosis using Infrared Thermography
- Formaldehyde
- Asbestos or Fiberglass
- Lead
- Pesticides
- Odor Identification from Waste
Treatment and Decay
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EHSI offers comprehensive services
in the investigation and remediation of
mold and other microbial growth. The testing we offer
includes:
- Mold
& Biological Particles
- air - viable spores, total
spores, PCR
- bulk material
- surface wipes and tape lift
samples
- Bacteria
- Endotoxins
- Legionnella in water
- Allergens - e.g., pollen, insect
parts, cat, dog, cockroach, dust mites, mice
- Full Particle Identification -
looks for fibers, animal & insect parts, minerals and unusual
materials when standard testing is not conclusive
All lab samples are forwarded
immediately to highly-qualified and accredited third party
microbiological laboratories.
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What You Can Expect to Receive
Upon receipt of lab results, a
comprehensive report will be issued outlining the results of
testing. The report will include a description of the
observations made, sampling methodologies used, means of interpreting
the data, a description of results, and recommendations for follow-up
action (if any). Chemical and basic air quality results will most
often be compared to prevailing occupational exposure limits and other
industry consensus standard, such as those from the American Society of
Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE),
the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH),
the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Professional Follow-up Services
Periodic follow-up testing is
offered to confirm consistently good air quality in your facility, and
proactively satisfy employee concerns in advance of problems. If
needed, EHSI's professional staff can discuss findings with your safety
committee, company physician or school board. Certified
Environmental Trainers and public health specialists can train your
staff on diagnosing and resolving IAQ complaints before they become
employee relations problems. Certified Industrial Hygienists are
also experienced at providing expert testimony services in support of
IAQ matters in the event of civil litigation.
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Knowledgeable
Professional
Attention to Details
Timely Responses
EHSI's goal is
to partner with our customers to accomplish their EH&S challenges.
What
Causes IAQ Problems?
Most IAQ complaints are caused by a lack of outside fresh air and
symptoms related to the condition of the HVAC system. This often
leads to symptoms of discomfort and generalized, non-specific
symptoms. Indoor and outdoor sources of chemical contaminants may
be created by work processes, debris and neighboring operations.
Mold, mildew and microbial growth are often caused by water leaks or
high humidity conditions.
What Can You
Do to Investigate IAQ Complaints?
Be a detective. Start by looking around and smelling. Are there any
odors? What kind? - chemical-like or biological (e.g., musty/moldy).
Take a look at your HVAC system. Do filters need changing? Are outside
air dampers open, or even present? Is the HVAC working properly?
Is it clean and free of dirt or condensation inside the units?
Clean, service and adjust HVAC systems as necessary.
Next ask some questions - How
many people are affected? One, many? Are they in the same or different
areas? Do they have anything in common, including proximity to certain
equipment, work activities, HVAC system components, etc? What time of
day does it occur? What might have changed recently to cause the
complaints (e.g., work done by contractors; new operation; water
leaks/rain)? Try to determine if there were any chemicals,
incidents or work activities in common. Make some changes to
these factors to see if they change the complaints.
Why Should
You Get An IAQ Survey?
IAQ surveys by an impartial consultant are recommended whenever you
have health complaints or concerns that remain unresolved. The
purpose of the IAQ survey is to either identify the contaminant or
condition responsible for the concerns, or at least rule out
possibilities. EHSI can offer a wide variety of Phase 1
inspections and Phase 2 testing to resolve your critical issues.
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Second-hand smoke