How can I tell when indoor air quality (IAQ) is poor? What are the symptoms?
"Sick building syndrome" (SBS) refers to the acute health problems and discomfort experienced by building occupants after spending time in a building. SBS appears to be linked to the amount of time spent in a building, but its symptoms cannot be attributed to a specific cause or illness. Typical symptoms of SBS include headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.
In contrast, the term "building related illness" (BRI) refers to a diagnosable illness that can be attributed directly to certain airborne building contaminants.
As part of its commitment to improving indoor air quality, Air Quality Sciences (AQS) reviews building occupants’ concerns, evaluates the building’s HVAC system, identifies all airborne contaminants and develops a plan for corrective action.
What are reoccurring noxious odors and can they be identified?
Odors are typically caused by low levels of certain airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Building materials, furnishings, cleaners and certain personal care products or processes can all produce VOCs and, therefore, cause odors. Odors may be constant, intermittent or exacerbated by high humidity and elevated temperatures.
To avoid costly IAQ complaints from building occupants, it’s important to identify odor sources and eliminate them. AQS consultants are experienced in identifying odors based on a perceived description of the odor, and can verify identifications using specialized air testing and a comprehensive database of chemicals, odor descriptors and sources.
Our building recently suffered a major water disaster. What do we do?
It’s important to act quickly. In most cases, the quicker the response, the less damage the building will suffer — and the easier the damage will be to fix. Whenever possible, take action while the water incident, or “water loss,” is occurring. Stop the source of water immediately if possible, and begin the drying process.
If several days have passed since the water incident and the building is not yet dry, mold growth is likely, and remediation — or the removal of the fungal colonization — will be required. (It’s important to note that remediation does not kill mold; rather, it stops mold growth in the building. Consequently, dead mold may still exist and be allergenic or irritating.)
Mold may be removed from some surfaces and materials by cleaning with soap and water, but it may have to be physically removed (i.e., cut out) from other materials if it cannot be adequately cleaned. Once the mold has been removed, the area should be thoroughly cleaned so that all surfaces are free of the dust that’s associated with mold growth and/or the removal of materials.
Mold has been found in our building. What do I do?
Recognize that mold growth is the concern. Airborne mold spores may or may not be an issue, but the growth of mold on or in materials requires immediate attention.
Rather than trying to “kill” the mold, the most effective way to eliminate it is to remove all affected materials. To do this, determine how many square feet of mold growth are present. Keep in mind that the mold growth may in be spaces that are difficult to see or that can only be seen by cutting open walls or ductwork. (For more information about what materials can be salvaged and which must be thrown away, see our Tech Brief about restoring water-damaged buildings).
I need litigation support. How do I choose the right consultant?
In litigation, experts provide defensible technical input. Expert witnesses must have a command of the technical aspects of their field. They must be able to both support their position and advise their attorney/client of any weaknesses. In addition, they must be able to communicate in terms that are understandable to ordinary citizens and non-experts (for example, discussing technical details in plain language without using jargon). If the expert has experience from both the plaintiff and defense position, his or her experience is even more valuable.
In addition to his or her communication skills, an expert’s input must withstand scrutiny by both the opposing counsel and the court. Opposing counsel is likely to be hostile, so an expert must be prepared, able and willing to defend his or her position. The expert must accept also that his or her testimony and findings will be criticized, which may be difficult to accept.
At AQS, our consultants have shared their expertise with both the defense and prosecution in cases related to mold and moisture, natural disaster and general IAQ cases. We are familiar with the process and have over two decades of experience.
How can I ensure acceptable IAQ in a newly-constructed building?
The IAQ of a newly-constructed space is best addressed during the beginning stages of design and construction: Be sure to choose low-emitting materials, finishes and furnishings.
During construction, it’s important to ensure proper sequencing and staging of materials, adequate ventilation and material application rates ― and minimal VOC exposure rates.
By using low-emitting products and following smart building practices, you will help ensure that the IAQ in the final built space is acceptable.