Most people are aware that outdoor pollution can damage their health but many do not understand the more subtle effects of indoor air pollution. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate that indoor air concentrations of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally more than 100 times higher, than outdoor concentrations. These levels can be of utmost concern since most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.
Recent concern addresses the issue of microbial growth and the extent of area contamination. Depending upon local conditions, the growth might be isolated to one area or be widespread through a home, office space or other structure.
ECMS regularly conducts air quality investigations within office buildings, hospitals, schools, retail and industrial plants for the purpose of identifying potential health hazards.
ECMS offers a wide range of services for indoor air quality:
- Sampling to identify and enumerate air & surface microbiological contaminants, including air, swab and bulk sampling
- Remediation of fungi and bacteria that grow in water-damaged areas and become airborne through HVAC systems
- Short-term and long-term air sampling to identify and quantify airborne contaminants, including radon, lead, dust, PCBs, pesticides, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and solvents
- Response to complaints made by building occupants, including evaluation symptoms and interviewing occupants
- Implementation of operations and maintenance programs to prevent IAQ problems