| 14. Indoor Air Quality | | | International Human Factors can provide basic Indoor Air Quality expertises with ability, through our partners to investigate, test and correct IAQ problems such as mold, bacteria, chemicals, allergens, asbestos, lead and more. If your employees or building occupants are complaining of poor air quality or increased illnesses as colds, flu, asthma, weakness, burning eyes, itching skin, rashes, sore throats, allergies, lethargy, or headaches, then there is a possibility this could be Building Related Disease or Sick Building Syndrome and although the cost of Industrial Hygiene or Complete AIQ is often unattainable at first during primary investigations, IHFC can provide preliminary information to identify possible issues or concerns which may warrant further investigations. IHFC can inspect your offices, building's environment for evidence of mold or found chemicals that may be adversely affecting building occupants. Our services include air quality testing, including evidence of mycotoxins and endotoxins, thorough building inspections (may be done in air handlers, filters, ductwork, crawl spaces, attics, rooftops, air intakes, and exhausts). Our objective is to identify potential concerns and if issues are found, specific actions needed to correct the situation will be offered. In many cases, local expertise can correct the problem with the use of some remediation, especially in the case of mold and bacteria contamination. If not, IHFC's partners can offer more involved research and solutions to your organization. International Human Factors' Initial Survey 1. As part of our Corporate Ergonomic Assessments, Indoor Air Quality can be measured for HVAC efficiency, thermal differential, relative humidity and issues that can adversely affect your employees. 2. In addition to our main ergonomic services, IHFC can provide you with results showing presence of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These parameters are measured with direct reading instruments. Additionally, a basic review of the indoor environment which and may including the following actions can be offered. Ammonia- Hydrogen sulfide- Chlorine- Sulfur dioxide- Nitrogen dioxide- Acetylene- Carbon monoxide- Ethylene- Phosphine- Hydrogen- Methylmercaptan- Propylene- Carbon dioxide and more. These are measures with testing equipment and results in +- ppm. Furthermore, a vast range of specific gases or vapours can be measured (Halogenated hydrocarbons- hydrogen chloride and nitrogen dioxide. As well formaldehyde, asbestos, acrolein, acetaldehyde, etc. Peliminary information gathering & fact finding will be completed to obtain information on the building, its systems, occupants, activities, complaints (if any) and illnesses (if any). While on-site, investigation of general environmental conditions which could influence the Indoor Air Quality in the areas of study. An inspection also will be made of the systems supplying these areas. Mold/fungus testing can be performed to test for the presence of airborne microorganisms and above chemical agents, along with any others, if identified during the preliminary information gathering, will be sampled. If any substances are found in all of the above tests or others, air samples will be collected not only from the area of concern, but also from non-complaint area and/or from outdoors, for comparison purposes. Findings will be provided in the ergonomic report and suggested action items for further investigations will been identified. International Human Factors provides only basic review and preliminary identification of concerns, expert witness or litigation support is provided under legal action by partners such as Athlantic Environment Inc or Bonhomme Inc. OTHER IN DEPTH INVESTIGATION by Partners
Where situations cannot be resolved by International Human Factors, and the extent of the problem is greater than anticipated, or more testing and evaluation is necessary, a Phased Investigation can be performed. Each situation is unique, cost will be reviewed (approximately $2500 to $4000.00 per day, perhaps less or more depending on the work required) but the following are some of the tests that could be performed from our partners. More extensive examination of the interior of the HVAC System including opening ductwork (we can cut openings that can later be sealed) and test for molds, bacteria or chemicals. Continuous monitoring of basic air quality parameters (CO2, CO, Temp. RH) - 24 hrs/day for up to 14 days. Testing and analysis of airborne bacteria;/fungi (Bioaerosols), specific mycotoxins or endotoxins. Microscopic assays - Air-O-Cells and Transparent Tape Imprints for mold mold, bacteria, fibers, dander, or pollen. Particulate assays - microscopic identification of fibers, pollens, fungi, or asbestos. Chemical assays - Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's), specific chemicals and identification of unknowns including Industrial Hygiene. Indoor allergens - dust mites, cat and dog dander, cockroach allergens, endotoxins.
REMEDIATION
Once problems have been identified, IHFC or our partners can participate in corrective measures. Using AEI's internal staff or other affiliate organizations, necessary corrective measures or recommend reputable contractors can be performed. This includes: Mold Remediations, Bacterial Decontamination using State of the Art control methods. Oversight and project management of abatement or remediation. Chemical removal, clean-up as part of a Phase II project. Asbestos and lead abatement by licensed and reputable contractors under strict supervision by qualified project monitors and sampling technicians. Final air sampling, mold or bacteria sampling, chemical analysis to insure clean-up was complete. | | |
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