Services for the inspection, testing, and assessment of indoor air quality issues.
We specialize in comprehensive indoor air quality testing services, dedicated to helping you identify potential health risks associated with poor indoor air quality. When issues are detected, we provide expert recommendations and solutions, adhering to the highest industry standards to ensure your well-being.
Poor indoor air quality can have lasting consequences on your health, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) encompasses the overall air quality within and around buildings, influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and the presence of chemical or biological contaminants. According to the EPA, subpar indoor air quality ranks among the top 5 environmental hazards to public health. Common symptoms of inadequate indoor air quality include:
Our services are aligned with the latest industry standards, including adherence to ASTM standards related to indoor air quality, compliance with SMACNA's IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction (often required for LEED certification), and in accordance with ASHRAE's Standard 62 for Indoor Air Quality Testing.
Our highly trained professionals conduct air and surface sampling, with subsequent analysis at an accredited third-party laboratory, to ascertain:
Air pollution stemming from dust and various forms of particulate matter (PM) represents a pervasive health concern, particularly in proximity to roadways and construction sites. It ranks as a prominent environmental health risk, especially for children, seniors, and individuals with sensitive respiratory systems.
Dust, as classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), falls under the category of "inhalable coarse particles" — minuscule solids capable of deeply penetrating the lungs. The size of dust and particulate matter directly correlates with the potential health risks it poses, including persistent throat and airway irritation, coughing, increased phlegm production, and breathing difficulties.
To assess the size and quantity of dust particles, a static dust collector is employed. At ABCEnvironmental Consulting and Testing Inc., we diligently track research findings from the EPA and other federal entities to conduct precise evaluations of health risks associated with dust and PM, providing well-informed recommendations for effective solutions.
Secondhand smoke, often referred to as environmental tobacco smoke, contains an array of more than 400 chemical compounds. It has been officially categorized as a confirmed human carcinogen, known to cause cancer, by both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Thirdhand smoke, on the other hand, denotes the lingering chemical residues left behind on indoor surfaces due to cigarette and tobacco smoke. These remnants present a concealed health hazard, particularly for individuals, notably children, who come into contact with contaminated surfaces or inhale off-gases emanating from them.
The accumulation of thirdhand smoke residue is a gradual process. It can be detected on various surfaces, including clothing, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles, and more, persisting long after smoking activities have ceased. It's important to note that thirdhand smoke cannot be effectively eradicated by merely ventilating rooms, opening windows, employing fans or air conditioning, or designating specific smoking zones within a residence or building.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a range of immediate health symptoms and comfort-related problems resulting from exposure to harmful chemical toxins within residential or commercial structures.
Common symptoms associated with SBS encompass headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritations of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, dry coughs, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, an increased likelihood of asthma attacks, and even personality changes.
Risk factors for SBS include spending extended periods in inadequately ventilated buildings housing indoor air toxins or contaminants. These may include synthetic fibers in furniture, formaldehyde used in manufacturing, dust mites, mold, cigarette smoke, adhesives, pesticides, VOCs, and more.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) represent a group of chemicals released as gases from specific solids or liquids, posing potential short- and long-term health risks. Indoors, VOC concentrations are typically significantly higher, sometimes up to ten times, compared to outdoor levels.
VOC emissions originate from a wide array of products containing organic chemicals. Common sources encompass paints and varnishes, cleaning agents, pesticides, construction materials, furnishings, office equipment like copiers and printers, photographic solutions, cosmetics, and various arts and crafts materials.
Possible adverse health effects linked to VOC exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, impaired coordination, nausea, as well as potential harm to the liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system.