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  • Indoor Air Quality Testing Services

    • Importance of Good Indoor Air Quality

    Since most daily life puts us indoors, it is important to provide an office or work environment with good air quality. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is important not only for overall worker health, but also to improve comfort in the workplace and to show that the environment is healthy and not dangerous for people to work in. 

    Poor indoor air quality may typically produce headaches and eye and throat irritation. It can also cause or increase respiratory symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulty or a full-blown asthma attack. Indoor contaminants can also cause cancer and other diseases such as Pontiac Fever and Histoplasmosis.

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    Importance of Good Indoor Air Quality

    Since most daily life puts us indoors, it is important to provide an office or work environment with good air quality. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is important not only for overall worker health, but also to improve comfort in the workplace and to show that the environment is healthy and not dangerous for people to work in. 

    Poor indoor air quality may typically produce headaches and eye and throat irritation. It can also cause or increase respiratory symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulty or a full-blown asthma attack. Indoor contaminants can also cause cancer and other diseases such as Pontiac Fever and Histoplasmosis.

    Contact Us

    Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality

    Since most daily life puts us indoors, it is important to provide an office or work environment with good air quality. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is important not only for overall worker health, but also to improve comfort in the workplace and to show that the environment is healthy and not dangerous for people to work in. 

    Poor indoor air quality may typically produce headaches and eye and throat irritation. It can also cause or increase respiratory symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulty or a full-blown asthma attack. Indoor contaminants can also cause cancer and other diseases such as Pontiac Fever and Histoplasmosis.

    Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality

    Since most daily life puts us indoors, it is important to provide an office or work environment with good air quality. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is important not only for overall worker health, but also to improve comfort in the workplace and to show that the environment is healthy and not dangerous for people to work in. 

    Poor indoor air quality may typically produce headaches and eye and throat irritation. It can also cause or increase respiratory symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulty or a full-blown asthma attack. Indoor contaminants can also cause cancer and other diseases such as Pontiac Fever and Histoplasmosis.

    Read More +

    The Need for a Holistic Approach to IAQ Investigations

    IAQ Investigations should take a holistic approach to evaluate multiple potential concerns, ultimately identifying the underlying cause(s) of the problem(s). A key factor is understanding the nature of the complaints by interviewing building occupants. In general, solutions must be approached analytically and scientifically to find more successful, cost-effective measures to address the underlying indoor air quality complaint. 

    ECS will often recommend outside resources to assist with corrective measures to find the most effective means of addressing the problem. It is important to note, however, that there are some instances where our evaluation does not find an environmental concern. 

    In these instances, we will stand behind our findings and report the data. There are numerous studies that show poor indoor air quality perception can be influenced by social factors, poor working conditions, lack of comfort and/or space, etc. and are not necessarily related to an environmental factor.

    Read More +

    The Need for a Holistic Approach to IAQ Investigations

    IAQ Investigations should take a holistic approach to evaluate multiple potential concerns, ultimately identifying the underlying cause(s) of the problem(s). A key factor is understanding the nature of the complaints by interviewing building occupants. In general, solutions must be approached analytically and scientifically to find more successful, cost-effective measures to address the underlying indoor air quality complaint. 

    ECS will often recommend outside resources to assist with corrective measures to find the most effective means of addressing the problem. It is important to note, however, that there are some instances where our evaluation does not find an environmental concern. 

    In these instances, we will stand behind our findings and report the data. There are numerous studies that show poor indoor air quality perception can be influenced by social factors, poor working conditions, lack of comfort and/or space, etc. and are not necessarily related to an environmental factor.

    AC vents in a office

    What Is Indoor Air Quality Testing?

    IAQ testing is the process of assessing the air within a home or business to determine the level of contaminants or other potentially harmful substances. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines indicate that testing should begin with basic screening, which involves collecting samples to identify areas within a building that may require more in-depth analysis.

    Overview and Tools for Indoor Air Quality Testing

    Examples of the available testing tools include:

    • Screening kits: Choose a kit that targets families of contaminants like mold, radon, lead or formaldehyde and provides specific results. You can then verify whether the levels of the substance are high enough to require more extensive sampling. 
    • Gas analyzers: These handheld or wall-mounted units can detect the existence of potentially deadly gases such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the air. They can also provide temperature and humidity readings for a more comprehensive analysis.
    • Combustible gas detectors: Use these handheld devices to check for gases that may negatively impact IAQ, including butane, ammonia, methane and several others.
    • Particle counters: While these detection tools do not identify specific contaminants, they can measure the concentration of microns that indicate their possible existence. They can also gauge air temperature, dew point and other potentially relevant IAQ factors.

    What Is Indoor Air Quality Testing?

    IAQ testing is the process of assessing the air within a home or business to determine the level of contaminants or other potentially harmful substances. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines indicate that testing should begin with basic screening, which involves collecting samples to identify areas within a building that may require more in-depth analysis.

    Overview and Tools for Indoor Air Quality Testing

    Examples of the available testing tools include:

    • Screening kits: Choose a kit that targets families of contaminants like mold, radon, lead or formaldehyde and provides specific results. You can then verify whether the levels of the substance are high enough to require more extensive sampling. 
    • Gas analyzers: These handheld or wall-mounted units can detect the existence of potentially deadly gases such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the air. They can also provide temperature and humidity readings for a more comprehensive analysis.
    • Combustible gas detectors: Use these handheld devices to check for gases that may negatively impact IAQ, including butane, ammonia, methane and several others.
    • Particle counters: While these detection tools do not identify specific contaminants, they can measure the concentration of microns that indicate their possible existence. They can also gauge air temperature, dew point and other potentially relevant IAQ factors.
    Read More +

    Why Is Indoor Air Quality Testing Crucial?

    Environmental air quality testing is important for several reasons.

    Early Identification of Harmful Pollutants

    In many cases, people cannot see or smell the contaminants in the air. Testing is often the only way to confirm their existence before they cause health problems. One example is carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal. 

    Reduction of Energy Costs

    In some cases, testing can uncover an IAQ issue that helps solve a related problem. For instance, if dirty air ducts are impacting air quality, they may also be causing the HVAC system to operate inefficiently, leading to higher energy costs. Comprehensive duct cleaning can contribute to healthier air and lower the building’s heating and cooling expenses.

    Improves the Occupants’ Health

    Indoor air quality testing services can contribute to better health for the building’s occupants. Removing contaminants produces healthier air that reduces occurrences of issues from runny noses and irritated eyes to more serious conditions like respiratory illnesses, heart disease and cancer. 

    Increased Productivity

    Employees who feel healthy can complete more work and increase their value to their organizations. IAQ testing can help reduce illnesses that lead to sick days and prolonged absences. Companies benefit from having their workforce present to help achieve their quality and productivity objectives. 

    More Hospitable Environment

    IAQ contributes to fresher, more pleasant air within a home or business. In situations where contaminants cause unpleasant odors, testing can lead to purification remedies that occupants and visitors will notice. This outcome can play a significant role in improving comfort and happiness.

    Provides Peace of Mind

    The numerous issues poor air quality can cause —  including health problems, occupant discomfort, unnecessary costs and property damage in the case of mold — can be worrisome to business owners and family members. By helping to alleviate these situations, air quality testing services can deliver more peace of mind and make everyone feel more comfortable.

    Why Is Indoor Air Quality Testing Crucial?

    Environmental air quality testing is important for several reasons.

    Early Identification of Harmful Pollutants

    In many cases, people cannot see or smell the contaminants in the air. Testing is often the only way to confirm their existence before they cause health problems. One example is carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal. 

    Reduction of Energy Costs

    In some cases, testing can uncover an IAQ issue that helps solve a related problem. For instance, if dirty air ducts are impacting air quality, they may also be causing the HVAC system to operate inefficiently, leading to higher energy costs. Comprehensive duct cleaning can contribute to healthier air and lower the building’s heating and cooling expenses.

    Improves the Occupants’ Health

    Indoor air quality testing services can contribute to better health for the building’s occupants. Removing contaminants produces healthier air that reduces occurrences of issues from runny noses and irritated eyes to more serious conditions like respiratory illnesses, heart disease and cancer. 

    Increased Productivity

    Employees who feel healthy can complete more work and increase their value to their organizations. IAQ testing can help reduce illnesses that lead to sick days and prolonged absences. Companies benefit from having their workforce present to help achieve their quality and productivity objectives. 

    More Hospitable Environment

    IAQ contributes to fresher, more pleasant air within a home or business. In situations where contaminants cause unpleasant odors, testing can lead to purification remedies that occupants and visitors will notice. This outcome can play a significant role in improving comfort and happiness.

    Provides Peace of Mind

    The numerous issues poor air quality can cause —  including health problems, occupant discomfort, unnecessary costs and property damage in the case of mold — can be worrisome to business owners and family members. By helping to alleviate these situations, air quality testing services can deliver more peace of mind and make everyone feel more comfortable.

    two engineers looking up at ceiling

    Comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Testing Services at ECS

    • Sick Building / Indoor contaminant studies (including asbestos, formaldehyde, mold, soot, dust, volatile organic hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde)
    • Unknown contaminant identification
    • Mold and moisture intrusion diagnosis – initial and post remediation testing, including remediation protocols, building envelope review, cause and origin diagnosis
    • Bird droppings (histoplasmosis) sampling
    • Gray and/or black water contamination testing, including remediation protocols
    • Legionella / Pontiac Fever sampling
    • Ventilation studies
    • Methamphetamine contamination sampling
    • Radon exposure sampling
    • Moisture intrusion / infrared camera surveys
    • LEED credit testing and analysis
    • General Industrial Hygiene consulting

    Comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Testing Services at ECS

    • Sick Building / Indoor contaminant studies (including asbestos, formaldehyde, mold, soot, dust, volatile organic hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde)
    • Unknown contaminant identification
    • Mold and moisture intrusion diagnosis – initial and post remediation testing, including remediation protocols, building envelope review, cause and origin diagnosis
    • Bird droppings (histoplasmosis) sampling
    • Gray and/or black water contamination testing, including remediation protocols
    • Legionella / Pontiac Fever sampling
    • Ventilation studies
    • Methamphetamine contamination sampling
    • Radon exposure sampling
    • Moisture intrusion / infrared camera surveys
    • LEED credit testing and analysis
    • General Industrial Hygiene consulting
    Read More +

    Connect with ECS for Expert Indoor Air Quality Testing

    When you partner with ECS for air quality testing services, you receive assistance from a provider that has been in the industry since 1988. We can provide professional consultation and recommend solutions for a healthier environment in homes and businesses. We are problem solvers that deliver practical, cost-effective solutions for our clients. 

    Take the next step and contact us to ask questions or request additional information about our services today. We can also provide a free quote. 

    Contact Us

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      ECS ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and applicable state law. If you need more information or to make a request for special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact us by email at accommodations@ecslimited.com.