Sick building syndrome is a concern
of commercial building owners, homeowners and employees. Mold
and bacteria are frequently the cause.
The Government continues to develop
regulations in recognition of the fact that most of us spend
much of our lives indoors.
Problems arise when individuals begin
to complain about not feeling well at work or at home. They report
headaches, eye irritation, fatigue and a variety of other symptoms,
which disappear after prolonged absence from their place of work
or from their homes if that is the source.
Contributing conditions sometimes are
found in the Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning System
(HVAC), or are the result of accidental, unknown introduction
of a toxic substance into the working or living space. Roof leaks
often result in mold growth that can be irritating or even toxic.
To save money, our investigation is
done in stages with a fixed cost for each stage.
Certain problems are looked for first-
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, make-up air, and
et cetera. If the solution is found, the project is over, and
the cost is low.
If the solution is more elusive, more
sophisticated techniques may be necessary, such as air sampling
with a portable Infra-red Spectrometer, or mold and bacteria
sampling with an Anderson Sampler. Sometimes it is useful to
measure trace organic compounds using Summa canisters on which
the air is absorbed for analysis in the laboratory by Gas Chromatography
and Mass Spectrometry.
Our consultants are very experienced
in these matters, and understand the sensitivity of both the
employer’s and the employee's health concerns. Where mold
and bacteria are the culprits, we offer full-service from detection
through correction including construction remodeling and remediation of the contaminated
structure, if necessary, for eradication.
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