Mold
You can’t always see mold even at high concentrations.
Mold and mold spores adversely affect indoor air quality (IAQ). In low levels, molds and mold spores are generally harmless but if their levels increase they can affect people; especially people with allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions or suppressed immune system. We air test for the type and concentration of mold spore. Mold is known as an indoor air pollutant, alongside carbon monoxide, asbestos, and cigarette smoke. According to the EPA, indoor air pollutants are known to cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, in addition to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Fine Particulate Matter
Fine Particulate Matter – We measure and mitigate it!
Fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or millionths of a meter (PM2.5) are not only inhalable but easily respirable and easy to deposit into deeper parts of the lung to induce tissue damage and lung inflammation and some may even get into the bloodstream.
These indoor respirable particulates are fine solid particles, aerosols, mist, smoke, dust, fibers and fumes. Some are Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) or Secondhand Smoke (SS) released from the burning edge of cigarette, cigar or pipe and the smoke exhaled by the smokers.
Some fine particulates are carcinogenic to humans and animals.
For PM2.5, short-term exposures (up to 24-hours duration) have been associated with premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, respiratory symptoms, and restricted activity days. These adverse health effects have been reported at higher risk in infants, children, and older adults with preexisting heart or cardiopulmonary diseases.
Of all of the common air pollutants, PM2.5 is associated with the greatest proportion of adverse health effects related to air pollution, both in the United States and world-wide based on the World Health Organization’s Global Burden of Disease Project.
Short-term exposures to PM10 have been associated primarily with worsening of respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to hospitalization and emergency department visits.
Long-term (months to years) exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, particularly in people who have chronic heart or lung diseases, and reduced lung function growth in children.
Particulate matter and these procedures often apply to water, mold, fire and smoke loses.
Volatile organic compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have high vapor pressure, have higher volatility molecules and become gas at room temperature. Bad air quality has implications on productivity and may be harmful to health. Volatile organic compounds may be the least known. We measure total volatile organic compounds (TVOC).
Tracking VOCs is important for nasal and odor sensitive individuals in tracking and removing scents, smells and odors for environmental comfort.
Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs and off-gassing is emitted by a wide array oFormaldehyde or HCHO is a VOC that is causally associated with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and leukemia. Formaldehyde is surprisingly found in many products. VOC off-gassing may cause eye irritation and nasal / airway sensitivity or burning. f products numbering in the thousands.
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in everyday household and commercial products. VOCs may come from spray, aerosols, cleaners, disinfectants, pesticides, air fresheners, glue, electronic devices, cosmetics, degreasers and hobby products. New construction and renovation may cause significant health concerns due to construction materials, new furniture, carpet or plywood. Paints, varnishes and wax may all contain organic solvents.
These organic compounds can be emitted by both natural sources and man-made (anthropogenic) sources such as industrial pollution and vehicle exhaust.
Formaldehyde or HCHO is a VOC that is causally associated with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and leukemia. Formaldehyde is surprisingly found in many products. VOC off-gassing may cause eye irritation and nasal / airway sensitivity or burning.
We focus on identifying, removing and mitigating the source of the VOC to produce a healthy and safe working and living environment.