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Indoor air quality refers to the quality of air inside buildings where people work or live. Air quality can be a problem when there is inadequate fresh air ventilation, when chemicals are used in the building, when gas furnaces malfunction, when outdoor pollutants enter fresh air intakes, or when mold or other microorganisms grow inside the building or in the heating and ventilation system. The term "indoor air quality" is usually used in reference to non-industrial workplaces, such as office buildings, governmental institutions, hospitals, libraries, and schools.
There are many different types of indoor air toxins and contaminants. Some originate from the improper use or storage of hazardous chemicals. Examples of these include something as common as storing gasoline cans in a confined area or the improper use of heating units, water heaters or boilers. Another leading environmental concern amongst law enforcement departments around the nation is the closing and restoration of Methamphetamine laboratories. Because Meth Labs are illegal, they are usually poorly operated with no environmental safeguards. In addition, a wide range of hazardous and toxic chemicals are used. These two factors contribute to Meth Labs posing a substantive threat to the environmental and indoor air quality. Another threat to indoor air quality comes from the building materials such as asbestos containing materials, lead-based paints and formaldehyde. While another threat to indoor air quality can come from naturally occurring mold. Molds are found in most moist areas throughout the country. However, when present in an enclosed structure and at high concentrations they can pose a significant threat to indoor air quality and human health. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Indoor air quality is a major concern to businesses, building managers, tenants, and employees because it can impact the health, comfort, well being, and productivity of building occupants.
Most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors and many spend most of their working hours in an office environment. Studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others show that indoor environments can have levels of pollutants that are actually higher than levels found outside.
Pollutants in our indoor environment can increase the risk of illness. Several studies by EPA, states, and independent scientific panels have consistently ranked indoor air pollution as an important environmental health problem. While most buildings do not have severe indoor air quality problems, even well-run buildings can sometimes experience episodes of poor indoor air quality.
An EPA Report to Congress concluded that improved indoor air quality can result in higher productivity and fewer lost work days. EPA estimates that poor indoor air may cost the nation tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and medical care.
Excerpt from "An Office Building Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality"; United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Indoor Environments Division (6604J), EPA-402-K-97-003, October 1997 |
EME’s staff have overseen, managed and completed indoor air quality inspections at numerous facilities throughout the United States. Our specialists have over 20 years of experience working with applicable national, state and local regulations. EME’s focus is on providing our clients with the information they need and helping them develop practical solutions that are designed to minimize their cost burden and liability. Specifically, EME’s specialists have performed assessments that address issues such as:
- Mold
- Asbestos
- Moisture control
- Radiation
- PCBs
- Lead-based Paint
- Noise
- Industrial Hygiene
- Chemical Hazards
- Laboratory Safety
- Emergency Response Procedures
- Public Health and Safety
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Ambient Air Sampling
EME’s specialists also have an extensive background in all phases of asbestos management including: surveying, sampling, designing remediation projects, developing inspection and maintenance programs, overseeing contractors, and preparing cost estimates for each of these tasks. Members of EME’s staff have also provided technical and/or litigation support activities on numerous mold and indoor air quality-related issues. In addition, one of our specialists has served and continues to serve on several American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) committees.
Some of the Indoor Air Projects that EME’s staff and specialists have worked on through their careers include:
Indoor Air Quality 1
At a United States Naval base, the Navy was asked to respond to allegations that toxic vapors had migrated from a former landfill and impacted indoor air quality in almost 100 buildings. The subsurface vapors were suspected to have migrated to the buildings through cracks, utility chases and openings in the concrete floors. After an inspection of all of the potentially impacted buildings, nine buildings were selected for further evaluation. The CIH designed and implemented an investigation strategy using state of the art sampling analytical procedures. The procedures allowed detection of airborne compounds that were present at concentrations of less than 1 part per billion. The results of this survey allowed the Department of Defense to demonstrate that their facility was safe for building occupants and that their facility was unaffected by the nearby landfill.
Indoor Air Quality 2
Managed a project that evaluated the indoor air quality at all eight public schools within a New England municipality. Determined carbon dioxide levels, carbon monoxide levels, ventilation rates, fresh air intake rate and whether boiler exhaust gasses were being re-entrained into the schools. Personnel also looked for evidence of microbial contamination. As a result of these inspections and persistent complaints, two schools required an investigation for microbiological contamination. The same project team conducted this investigation.
Indoor Air Quality 3
Conducted an indoor air study for a utility company in Canada. This project was unique in that the client’s primary concern was that ink on original mylar drawings was failing. Human health issues were thought to be a significant issue. Teaming with a chemist that specialized in inks, the team determined that ammonia vapors in conjunction with very low relative humidity were identified as the culprits. Laboratory testing confirmed these findings. Process changes and redesigning the drawing storage area saved the client millions of dollars worth of drawings and reduced employee complaints regarding eye, nose and throat irritation and noxious odors.
Asbestos/Lead-Based Paint/Radon
For the U.S. Navy provided project management and technical oversight to Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments conducted at three SOUTHDIV Naval bases (located in SC, TN and TX), covering over 1600 facilities. Responsible for investigating indoor air exposure threats from asbestos, radon and lead paint.
Asbestos/Lead-Based Paint
For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provided project management and subcontractor oversight for a task order contract to provide architect and engineering services for hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste projects at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Under this project, managed projects valued at a total of $600,000 including eight Delivery Orders, each not exceeding $75,000. Delivery orders consisted of asbestos surveys, asbestos abatement air monitoring and lead-based paint surveys. Asbestos surveys were generally completed within 14 days of receiving the work request; provisions were made for some projects to be completed within 48 hours. This work was bid based on a unit price schedule. Throughout this project billings averaged approximately 25% less than the unit price.
Asbestos
Managed an asbestos survey for a state university. This survey required inspecting 160 buildings; determining the quantity, location, and condition of each building material suspected of containing asbestos; developing a quality assurance and control program; photo-documenting each sample and sample location; and submitting drawings showing the location of all asbestos containing materials and all sample locations.
Asbestos/Lead-Based Paint/Mercury
Site owners of a hospital were concerned about lead-based paint, asbestos, residual mercury contamination, and radiological contamination. An investigation strategy was developed and implemented for each of these toxic materials. The investigation evaluated the presence, location and significance of these materials and recommended remedial strategies.
Assessment of Worker Exposures
Implemented a hazardous material control program for an aerospace company. This included ascertaining the location and use of highly toxic compounds, documenting employee exposures, observing employee work practices, evaluating potential health risks, and recommending corrective actions.
Pre-start Safety Review
Provided technical support during a Pre-Start Safety Review (PSSR) of a new oil refinery constructed in Venezuela. Before accepting this refinery as operational, the client required a PSSR be completed and that any identified concerns be resolved. During the PSSR, representatives of the construction company and the client inspected every component of the refinery. All safety, ergonomic, and industrial hygiene concerns were identified, prioritized and assigned to either the client or the construction personnel to be resolved.
Air Quality Monitoring
Conducted an ambient air sampling program at an asphalt storage facility. The facility was located adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Sample results were used for air modeling and public health risk assessments. As a result of having actual data to use in the risk assessment, the potential risks were shown to be acceptable and the facility was able to maintain their permit and ease tension in the neighborhood.
Mold Remediation/Property Restoration
A hotel in Florida had 20 low rise buildings where storm water entered the first floor; wind driven rain also entered many units on the second and third floor. An EME Industrial Hygienist was one of three Projects Hygienists responsible for conducting mold surveys in approximately 900 rooms; identifying all building materials and furnishings impacted by mold growth; overseeing the cleaning of contents; overseeing the remediation and/or cleaning of mold-contaminated wallboard, ceilings drywall and carpeting; conducting post-remediation testing to ensure contractors met pre-established clearance criteria.
Mold Clearance Assessment
After a waterline broke at an airline reservation center in Nashville, TN, Mr. Isenberg was responsible for allowing building occupants to reoccupy the building. Before occupants were allowed to return he conducted a microbiological survey including: visual inspection, air sampling and wipe sampling and provided technical assistance to the restoration contractor.
Mold Investigation/Property Restoration 1
For the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - an EME staffer was one of two industrial hygienists investigating mold contamination at an Indian Reservation in North Dakota. This investigation surveyed 1,300 homes. The purpose of the survey was to determine 1) if mold was present 2) if present, was mold related to or a result of groundwater intrusion 3) provide recommendations for mold control and remediation, regardless of causation.
Mold Investigation/Property Restoration 2
In Virginia, during the construction of 300 new apartments, several buildings, approximately half the project developed mold on drywall, wood framing and concrete walls. Mold was able to grow because of period of extensive rain and high humidity prior to, during and after hurricanes (in the summer/fall 2004). EME worked with the developer to promptly restore the site and prior to rental through sampling EME was able to ensure that units had fewer mold spores than were present in outdoor air. (Presently ongoing, the sampling phase is not yet complete.)
Mold Investigation/Property Restoration 3
Conducted several mold investigation and remediation projects in Washington State. One involved an office building with water intrusion through exterior ceramic tiles; a second was an elementary school that had several water related problems. Also conducted mold surveys at an assisted living facility and a 12 unit condominium complex.
Mold Investigation/Propetry Restoration 4
A HVAC unit was improperly installed in a residential property and a water line to the humidifier system broke. The line leaked an unknown quantity of water into the structure and the water drained into the subsurface duct work on the lower floor. Mold developed in the lower portions of the building, but became fairly widespread due to an in appropriate initial response by the insurance agencies contractors. After more than one year of the building being unoccupied and failed remediation attempts, EME was called upon to develop the remediation protocols, to oversee the remediation contractor and to perform verification sampling. EME determined that the failure of prior remedial efforts was due in part to the original contractors failure to properly identify the areas of concern. As soon as all of the areas of concern were properly identified, the moisture removed from those areas, and the mold infestation arrested and removed, the indoor air quality within the structure was restored. Within approximately three months of EME’s involvement the occupants were able to return to their property. This project also had legal action associated with the mold issues. EME provided support to those proceedings.
Mold Investigation
A private residence was flooded by vandals while the owner was away from the property. Mold developed in many areas of the structure. After more than 15 months of attempted restoration of the property to make it habitatable again, EME was called in by the home owner’s legal counsel to evaluate the condition of the structure after remedial actions had been taken and to determine whether additional actions were needed. EME also aided in arbitration proceedings between the home owner and insurance provider.
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