Air quality is the term used to refer to the level of pollutants in the air. Good or clean air is needed for optimum health for humans, animals and the environment. Air quality can be become compromised because contaminants and particles cannot be seen, likely not noticed until someone is sick. ANSI/ASHRAE standards 62.1 and 62.2 are the recognized standards for ventilation system design and acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ). Both standards specify minimum ventilation rates and other measures in order to minimize adverse health effects for occupants.
Detail Associates can evaluate the air quality of your home or business by providing a full range of indoor air quality services to evaluate the presence of asbestos, bacteria, chemical vapors, dust, fiberglass, formaldehyde, heavy metals, lead, mold, pesticides, crystalline silica, and other contaminants. Many of our assessments are performed in response to occupant health and odor complaints. We will visit your location, provide testing services, and take samples to have them analyzed by a certified laboratory. Upon completion and evaluation of our assessment we will provide you with a full report and a certificate of analysis which will be comprehensive and helpful to determining the level of the problem and steps to correct it.
Airborne and surface mold/moisture
Mold is an integral element of Indoor Air Quality. See our full discussion of mold in the NY/NJ area here.
Temperature & humidity
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggest that offices maintain room temperatures in the range of 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. They also recommend a humidity level between 20 and 60 percent. If it is too hot or too cold in the office, it can create health risks. The same is true of your home. If the air is not ideal it is easier for pathogens to transfer through the air and make you sick. Taking care of your employees and family is job number one. Maintaining the proper levels for air quality allows you to develop and retain workers, help you sleep better and even lower your energy bills in the process. It may not seem important, but office and home temperature and humidity are something that affect your livelihood.
Carbon dioxide/Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are both are colorless, odorless, tasteless and invisible gases that are dangerous in high levels. Carbon dioxide becomes a poisonous gas when there is too much of it in the air you breathe. Too much of it can lead to central nervous system damage. Symptoms include feeling faint, breathless, dizziness and headache Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the silent killer, it is a toxic gas and one of the most overlooked dangers in the home. The most accurate way to detect the presence of carbon monoxide is with an indoor air quality test. We will use testing tools to evaluate for the presence of carbon monoxide. Our equipment is calibrated to detect trace carbon monoxide gas from nearly 0 PPM and at increments as small as 1 PPM.
VOCs – volatile organic compound.
VOCs stands for volatile organic compound. VOC is a type of gas or vapor that is caused by toxic solids or liquids and have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. Though these compounds can also be found outdoors, numerous household products contain VOCs. Many building materials contain high levels of VOCs that become trapped inside once construction had been completed. Paint, paint thinner, adhesives, wall boards, ceiling tiles, and many other materials used to construct buildings all contain VOCs. Thus, those people who spend a large amount of time inside of office buildings or homes that contain these materials may contract sick building syndrome. Sick building syndrome is due to poor air circulation inside of newly constructed buildings, toxic gasses that are contained within building materials are not able to escape. As a result, those people that breathe VOC-laden air often become ill.
Nuisance dust
Nuisance dust is any airborne liquid, or solid, that is not harmful to the human body if the levels of concentration in the air and the duration of exposure to the environment is kept below a specific level. Nuisance dust occurs as a result of manufacturing activities such as grinding, sanding, smoking, and polishing. In the workplace, employees may be required to work in or be exposed to environments that contain nuisance dust. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe environment and protect the employee from illness or harm as a result of this contamination by ensuring that nuisance dust levels are controlled. Lung damage caused by dust is a major health problem. Once the lungs are damaged there is no way to reverse it.
Silica exposure monitoring
The disturbance of cement, concrete, and brick during the performance of demolition work, unavoidably results in the release of high levels of crystalline silica, which is an eye, nose, and throat irritant and an IARC category 1 carcinogen. We provide air monitoring services to make sure the dust is at acceptable levels while you work. We also provide fit testing for certification of breathing respirators.
Lead-in-Paint
Lead paint or lead-based paint is paint that containing lead. Lead is added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability and, maintain a fresh appearance. Even though the United States has regulations prohibiting lead paint, lead paint is still found in older properties. Lead paint is hazardous and can cause nervous system damage, stunted growth, kidney damage, and is especially dangerous to children. Lead inspections are performed, and samples are collected and analyzed to test for the presence and components of lead in paint.
Latest blog posts about Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality and You
The most prevalent concern regarding indoor air quality (IAQ) is related to health impacts. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a wide range of health problems, including: 1. Respiratory Issues: Indoor air pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander can exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing,…
Climate Change and Your Home
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