Health Hazards

[ASBESTOS] [LEAD] [RADON] [VOCs] [FORMALDEHYDE] [MOLD & MILDEW] [ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS]
[INDOOR AIR QUALITY] [UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS] [LANDLORD TENNANT RESPONSIBILITIES]
hazards  indoor air quality

indoor air quality

Indoor Air Quality Services
  • Preliminary Consultation
  • Baseline Testing
  • Cause of Loss Investigations
  • Structural Evaluations
  • Remediation Protocols
  • Remediation Oversight
  • Post-Remediation Clearance Testing

    • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Survey in Response to Water Entry Incident Water that has infiltrated a home can support mold and mildew growth if left un-abated. Mold growth can occur within 24 to 48 hours of water entry under the right conditions. Visible growth may not be evident and more often than not, the first indications that a homeowner will get is the presence of a musty odor within the air. The mustiness is an indication that microbial growth is occurring. If left un-abated, the fungus will actively spread through the release of spores (amplification) into the air. The airborne spores can be transported throughout a house and will settle-out on various surfaces. If the spores come into contact with the right moisture conditions and food source, they will begin the growing process all over. Without the right moisture and food source, the spores will remain dormant.

    Exposure to occupants occurs when the spores are inhaled or when the by-products of the fungal metabolism (mVOCs, microtoxins, etc.) are inhaled. Many of the fungal spores and their metabolites are toxic or can induce allergic reactions in sensitive persons.

    In houses where mold growth is identified or mustiness is present, EnviroHome recommends that an inspection be performed by a trained professional. The purpose of the inspection is to assess the extent of hazard that the mold and mildew presents and to recommend the appropriate level of response action to safely abate the problem. Air monitoring or other testing should be performed to document exposure levels and worker protection requirements.

    Inspections Related to Homeowner Health Problems Indoor air quality (IAQ) surveys performed in response to health complaints are primarily targeted at identifying the source of the problem in a homeowners environment. Simple, relatively inexpensive Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) investigations performed in the home of the patients can go a long way in assisting in the identification of the specific fungus, bacteria or allergens that are present in a patient’s home environment. Armed with that information, doctors can provide specifically targeted medical treatment. The testing will provide an evaluation of the bioaerosol concentrations and indicate if remedial responses are required. Without such responses, on-going exposures are going to continue and the medical problems will persist.

    The Health Complaint IAQ Survey includes the conducting of an in-depth interview of the person experiencing the problems to try and identify environmental and/or ergonomic factors that influence the on-set of symptoms. Doctors may also be included in the background information gathering process. Upon completion of the interview, the inspection can develop a testing plan that is designed to identify the source of the problem. The testing protocols can range from very simple testing to complex multi-media procedures for total unknowns.