-
Have occupants reported any of the following:
- Headaches, dizziness, fatigue
- Eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing
- Allergies or asthma that seems worse indoors
- Strong odors (chemical, moldy, musty)
- Stuffy or stagnant air
-
Is there visible evidence of water damage, mold growth, or insect/rodent infestation?
-
Are there any concerns about gas heaters, fireplaces etc. not functioning properly:
-
Has there been recent construction or renovation using strong-smelling materials (e.g. paint, carpet):
-
Are there known sources of indoor pollutants present such as:
- Smoking (current or past)
- Strong cleaning products or pesticides
- High humidity
-
Is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system regularly inspected and cleaned and does it seem to be functioning properly with no signs of:
- Uneven temperatures
- Drafts
- Inadequate air circulation
If any of the above questions are a concern, it is highly recommended to consult an Indoor Air Quality professional to conduct an assessment.
Air pollution is one of the top 5 factors causing chronic disease, according to the World Health Association. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major concern to businesses, schools, building managers, tenants, and workers because it can impact the health, comfort, well-being, and productivity of the building occupants. OSHA recognizes that poor IAQ can be hazardous to workers’ health and that it is in the best interest of everyone that building owners, managers, and employers take a proactive approach to address IAQ concerns.
Additional Resources:
- Applied Environmental has trained Indoor Air Quality Professionals that can answer any additional questions you may have regarding IAQ in buildings. Even if occupants aren’t experiencing health problems, an air quality survey can be a good presentative measure.
- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers resources on indoor air quality https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
About Applied Environmental:
We are a Herndon, Virginia based Woman-owned, Small Business providing professional Environmental, Industrial Hygiene, Indoor Air Quality, Hazardous Material Assessments, and Abatement Air Monitoring services to both private sector and government clients since 1986. Applied Environmental provides environmental services throughout the nation. Our local clients are based in Washington, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties.
