IAQ Services

People spend the majority of their time indoors, where they face significant health risks due to repeated exposure to air pollutants in their indoor environments. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to numerous immediate and long-term health problems.

Creating Healthier Indoor Environments

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), the most effective way to reduce indoor air pollution is to reduce exposure levels for indoor pollutants or eliminate the pollutants’ sources.

Health Problems Caused by Pollutants

Many factors determine if people get sick from exposure to indoor pollutants, including the type of pollutant, its concentration, the duration of exposure, the method of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or dermal absorption) and the individual sensitivities of those exposed. Building conditions, such as the amount of ventilation, age of the building, indoor temperature and humidity levels, can also have an impact.

Immediate or Acute Health Effects:

  • Headaches
  • Eye, nose and throat irritation
  • Allergic Skin Reaction
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Nosebleeds

Long-Term or Chronic Health Effects:

  • Damage to the heart, liver or kidneys
  • Damage to the central nervous system
  • Cancer

Many chronic conditions commonly associated with indoor exposure to both VOCs and mold are allergic respiratory diseases. These diseases may permanently worsen the health of persons affected even after they have been removed from exposure. These conditions include:

  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Asthma

Health Problems Associated With Mold

Health problems caused by mold may be acute, which occur immediately, or within a few days of exposure. Health problems may also be chronic, which are long-term health effects that might not occur immediately.

Acute health problems associated with indoor mold exposure include:

  • Irritated eyes, nose and throat
  • Headache
  • Difficulty with concentrating or short-term memory

These symptoms together are often called sick building syndrome but are more correctly referred to as building-related symptoms. Generally, acute symptoms resolve when the person is removed from exposure.

However, mold exposure may also aggravate chronic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and may trigger asthma and allergy attacks.

Indoor Air Quality Services

Our indoor air quality services focus on the identification of indoor pollutants through indoor testing services and remediation actions to control the growth of such organisms in buildings and prevent health complaints. Biological and chemical contamination can be present in all types of buildings including new buildings, potential green buildings, domestic dwellings and industrial premises.

Cleverly, indoor chemicals do not present health symptoms until they are contained within less ventilated spaces. Sometimes, only small levels are required to feel ill effects and can cause some very unpleasant working conditions for occupants affected.

Get your premises tested and approved today to ensure a safe and compliant indoor environment for your occupants.