1. review building history
The first stage of an IAQ investigation is to review the building’s history and gather information about building occupants’ health symptoms, recent renovations, flooding events, or any changes in building use. This will involve: interviews with building management, building occupants, and contractors; and a review of relevant documents such as maintenance records, and architectural and mechanical drawings.
2. visual inspection
The purpose of the visual inspection is to look for clues that might explain the problem. Items to include in the inspection:
the outdoor environment for contaminant sources
ventilation equipment
the building envelope (roof, walls, foundations)
equipment in the indoor spaces
areas in the building identified in the interviews as problems
The visual inspection includes making note of the temperature, presence of chemicals, water damage, odours, and visible signs of fungi. Clues of an HVAC system problem may include any signs of the occupants interfering with the air distribution such as altering the supply or return grilles, bringing in fans, or supplementing heat with a portable heater.
the outdoor environment for contaminant sources
ventilation equipment
the building envelope (roof, walls, foundations)
equipment in the indoor spaces
areas in the building identified in the interviews as problems
The visual inspection includes making note of the temperature, presence of chemicals, water damage, odours, and visible signs of fungi. Clues of an HVAC system problem may include any signs of the occupants interfering with the air distribution such as altering the supply or return grilles, bringing in fans, or supplementing heat with a portable heater.
3. testing
Contaminants in the indoor environment include airborne particulates, noxious gases, radon, volatile organic compounds and contaminants of biological origin. Contaminants may be generated indoors or brought in from outside.
Other parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide may also be tested to provide an assessment of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
Information about pollutant pathways, contaminant concentration and potential for human exposure will help to identify the contaminant source and the health risk.
Other parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide may also be tested to provide an assessment of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
Information about pollutant pathways, contaminant concentration and potential for human exposure will help to identify the contaminant source and the health risk.
4. Interpret results
Once measurements of indoor air parameters are obtained and the laboratory reports their findings, IAQm will compile the data and interpret the results. IAQm will address any deficiencies by recommending actions that will bring about solutions.
A scope of work may be generated.
A health risk assessment may be formulated.
A scope of work may be generated.
A health risk assessment may be formulated.
5. report with recommendations
IAQm will generate a detailed report based on the building assessment. It will include:
a description of the building
methodology of the investigation
results from the building history, visual inspection, and testing
recommendations for making improvements and preventing the problem from recurring
a description of the building
methodology of the investigation
results from the building history, visual inspection, and testing
recommendations for making improvements and preventing the problem from recurring
HOW TO DETERMINE IF HEALTH SYMPTOMS ARE BUILDING-RELATED
Symptoms occur at a particular time
Symptoms seem to be associated with the building
Symptoms improve upon leaving the building
Symptoms coincide with an event or activity in the building
Symptoms are shared by other people
Medical opinion suggests building related cause
Symptoms seem to be associated with the building
Symptoms improve upon leaving the building
Symptoms coincide with an event or activity in the building
Symptoms are shared by other people
Medical opinion suggests building related cause
Indoor air quality management system
IAQm is a pioneer and leader in providing indoor air quality risk management solutions to clients.
An indoor air quality management system (IAQMS) provides the opportunity to make plans ahead of time to reduce the likelihood that indoor air quality becomes an issue.
It involves commitment at the top, making appropriate resources available, assigning responsibilities, policy, communication, education, documentation, and a means of assessing the system to continually make improvements.
An indoor air quality management system (IAQMS) provides the opportunity to make plans ahead of time to reduce the likelihood that indoor air quality becomes an issue.
It involves commitment at the top, making appropriate resources available, assigning responsibilities, policy, communication, education, documentation, and a means of assessing the system to continually make improvements.