Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) simply refers to the quality of the air we breathe and make contact with the inside of buildings. Building sciences’ primary focus is to design and engineer structures that provide a healthy and comfortable environment for their occupants. This can be easily accomplished by maintaining comfortable temperatures, minimizing indoor pollutants, and limiting excessive humidity.

Overview of a Residental and Commercial IAQ Assessment

  1. A visual inspection of the home for excessive moisture and fungal appearing growth including the basement, first floor, 2nd floor, a review of the attic as accessible. The forced air system is visually inspected including the air handling unit and ductwork as accessible.
  2. An IAQ Assessment will be taken on each living level (3. IAQ Assessment Profile below).
  3. A mold spore trap air sample will be taken on each indoor level for total mold spore identification and airborne concentration, analysis performed by a third-party certified mold lab.
  4. The development of an IAQ profile as to the prevention of disease transmission and compliance to current exposure guidelines and standards.
  5. The development of an IAQ Remediation plan to address identified concerns.

Description of IAQ Assessment Services

  1. Visual Inspection of the HVAC Systems
    • An inspection into accessible areas of the system to find any conditions that contribute to poor indoor air quality or active fungal/bacterial growth.
  2. Moisture and Mold Assessment with Mold Air / Surface Sampling
    • An inspection of all available areas and surfaces throughout the home for the presence of fungal appearing growth or excessive structural moisture that would support fungal growth. Also, mold samples are taken and submitted to a mold certified labs to be analyzed for mold types and concentrations (See Addendum 1 for further definition).
  3. IAQ Assessment Profile
    • TVOC- total volatile organic compounds measured by electrochemical sensor meter.
    • HCHO- formaldehyde measured by electrochemical sensor
    • RPC- respirable particle counts from .3 to 10. Microns as measured by a laser particle counter
    • PM 2.5 and 10.0 – Inhalable Particle mass as measured by electrochemical sensors.
    • CO- carbon monoxide- by handheld meter
    • Co2- carbon dioxide- by handheld meter
    • Temperature- by handheld meter
    • RH% (Relative humidity) by handheld meter
  4. IAQ Profile Index Rating
    • The following ratings will be applied to each result to better clarify IAQ factors and environmental conditions that were found as to the effectiveness in minimizing the transmissions of virus and diseases and promoting better health. These ratings are based on current Industry Standards/Guidelines or at IAQ recommendations supported by ongoing current research.
    • The following ratings will be applied to each result to better clarify IAQ factors and environmental conditions that were found as to the effectiveness in minimizing the transmissions of virus and diseases and promoting better health. These ratings are based on current Industry Standards/Guidelines or at IAQ recommendations supported by ongoing current research.
    • Index Ratings by Definition:
      • ONE (1)- This is classified as a physical site condition and IAQ environment that does NOT meet current Industry standards or the targeted range to minimize virus/disease transmission and may not support better health.
      • THREE (3)-This is classified as a physical site condition and IAQ environment that meets or is within most current Industry standards but may not meet some current Recommendations for the prevention of disease transmission or allergic responses by a MCS afflicted person.
      • FIVE (5)- This is classified as a physical site condition and IAQ condition that meets or exceeds current Industry standards to minimize disease transmission and promotes better health and safety indoors.
  5. Documentation of Findings/Action Plan
    • Each environmental factor will be reported and compared to existing Guidelines and Standards.
    • A comprehensive and certified IAQ Remediation/ Abatement Plan will be provided to be used for
      obtaining a quotation for services. Contractor referrals are provided upon request.

Why do you need Indoor Air and substance testing?

Indoor air pollutants range from pollen to bacteria as well as elevated VOC’s. While the symptoms of breathing in these pollutants are quite noticeable; most homeowners don’t even realize that they have air quality problems. Poor indoor air quality can often cause allergic reactions and more severe health conditions over time. In fact, the EPA has listed indoor air quality as one of the top 5 health risks which affect the population. Some may see this as an exaggeration of the issue. But if notice how many hours we spend indoors, then the seriousness of the matter is understandable. If there was something dangerous, odorless, microscopic, and virtually undetectable in the air, would you even notice it? Probably not. Now imagine breathing this harmful air hour after hour, year after year. Ultimately, this could have short and long term effects on your health, such as:

  • Upper respiratory congestion
  • Weakening of the immune system
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Lethargy and Fatigue
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing (especially pertinent for those w/ Asthma)

Therefore, it is important to speak with an Indoor Air Quality Specialist if you think you may need to improve the indoor air quality of your home.

happy lady with child with good air quality
Happy lady reading a book with good air quality

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Refining the air quality inside your home might involve a number of tactics. First, our Air Quality Inspectors will identify and eliminate the source of pollutants in the most effective way to enhance your indoor air quality. Updated HVAC systems, portable air purifiers and cleaners can assist clean indoor air while making sure that the source of irritants is fully eliminated. Humidity levels inside your home can also affect air quality, and most homeowners choose to put dehumidifiers in specific parts of the house, especially in places with poor or improper ventilation.

At Advanced IAQ, we can answer all your questions and help you in deciding if you require an air filtration system. We can also offer experience and guidance in enhancing the ventilation and continual and effective air purification opportunities through your HVAC systems in your home or commercial building.  Don’t wait to reach us for advice and to schedule an on site consultation.

Reference Material on Sources of Indoor Particulate Matter (PM)