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Indoor Air Quality Investigations
The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is a relatively new term used to describe situations in which building residents experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a specific indoor environment, with no specific illness or cause identified. In many instances, the complaints can be localized to a specific area or room, or complaints can be widespread throughout an entire building or complex.
The World Health Organization Committee reported in 1984 that up to 30% or new and remodeled buildings worldwide, may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality (IAQ).
The Following have been cited as causes of, or contributing factors to sick building syndrome.
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Inadequate ventilation -- Back in the early 1900's, building ventilation standards called for approximately 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of outside air for each building occupant, primarily to dilute and remove body odors. As a result of the oil embargo of 1973, national energy conservation measures called for a reduction in the amount of outdoor air provided for ventilation to 5cfm per occupant. In many cases, these reduced outdoor air ventilation rates were found to be inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of the building occupants. In light of this, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers revised its ventilation standard to provide for a minimum of 15cfm of outdoor air per person (20 cfm/person in office spaces). |
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Chemical Contaminants from Indoor Sources -- Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building such as carpets, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit volatile organic compounds (VOC's), including formaldehyde. Research shows that some kind of VOC's can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs may produce acute reactions. Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from un-vented kerosene and gas space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, and gas stoves. |
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Chemical Contaminants from Outdoor Sources -- The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. These pollutants can consist of pollutants form vehicle exhausts; plumbing vents; and building exhausts. These pollutants can enter a building through poorly located air intake vents, windows, and other openings. |
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Biological Contaminants -- Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. The contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers, and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. One indoor bacterium, legionella, has caused both legionaires Disease and Pontiac Fever. |
All of the elements may act in combination, and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting. By far, the best way to determine the possibility of sick building syndrome is to have an Indoor Air Quality Investigation completed by certified Industrial Hygienist.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Eco-Genesis provides complete Indoor Air Quality Investigative Services. In looking at probable sources, the presence of mold, water damage, or musty odors should be addressed immediately. In all instances, any sources of water must be stopped and the extent of water damaged determined. Water damaged materials should be dried and repaired. Mold damaged materials should be remediated in accordance with the services described herein.
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Visual Inspection -- A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible contamination problem. This assessment is important in determining remedial strategies. The extent of any water damage and mold growth will be visually assessed. Ventilation systems will also be checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness. Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard, cardboard, paper, and other cellulosic surfaces will be given careful attention during this phase of the assessment. The use of specialized equipment such as a boroscope, to view spaces in ductwork or behind walls, or a moisture meter, to detect moisture in building materials, may be used in identifying hidden sources of fungal growth and the extent of water damage |
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Bulk/Surface Sampling -- Bulk or surface samples may need to be collected to identify specific fungal contaminants as part of a medical evaluation if occupants are experiencing symptoms which may be related to fungal exposure or to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g., discoloration, and staining) . A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) trained in sampling methodology will perform the bulk or surface sampling. A Laboratory specializing in mycology will be consulted for specific sampling and delivery instructions. |
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Air Monitoring -- Air sampling for fungi should not be part of a routine assessment. This is because decisions concerning appropriate remediation strategies can usually be made on the basis of a visual inspection. In addition, history shows that air sampling methods for some fungi are prone to false negative results and therefore are not used to definitively rule out contamination. However, air monitoring may be necessary if there personnel have been diagnosed with a disease that is or may be associated with a fungal exposure. Additionally, air monitoring may be necessary if the visual inspection or bulk sampling indicates that the ventilation system may be contaminated, or if the presence of mold is suspected, and cannot be identified by a visual inspection or bulk sampling. A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), trained in conducting specialized air sampling, will be utilized to perform all testing/sampling activities. A laboratory specializing in mycology will be consulted for specific sampling and shipping instructions. |
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Design\Remediation\Project Management Services -- The goal of remediation is to remove or clean contaminated materials in a way that prevents the emission of fungi and dust contaminated with fungi from leaving a work area an occupied or non-abatement are, while protecting the health of workers performing the abatement. Once a contaminated source has been identified, Eco-Genesis provides complete services that provide for a comprehensive solution, that is cost effective and cost efficient. Additionally, our highly trained staff will work closely with our clients through the entire pre-bid processes, contractor qualification, and project management activities to ensure that all objectives are met. |
Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome -- Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort. these symptoms include headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; a dry cough; dry of itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. With SBS, no clinically defined disease or specific chemical or biological contaminant can be determined as the cause of the symptoms. However, most of the complainants feel relief soon after leaving the building. If you or workers in your facility are experiencing the symptoms as described, it is our recommendation that you have an Indoor Air Evaluation conducted immediately.
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