Mold testing is only one factor affecting indoor air quality in the workplace

During the 1970s, business owners weren’t worrying about formaldehyde testing, VOC testing or mold testing. Fuel shortages saw drivers forming long lines at gas stations around the country. But it wasn’t just car engines that were dependent on the petroleum that was suddenly in short supply. As the energy crisis gripped the nation and energy prices soared, businesses looked for ways to save money. 

Unfortunately, some of the steps taken to reduce energy consumption had unexpected consequences. As WebMD, “In the 1970s, there was a movement amongst builders and regulatory authorities to button-up buildings to save on fuels for heating and air conditioning. Many buildings became virtually air-tight.”

Heating and air conditioning bills went down, but so too did the quality of the air in these buttoned-up buildings giving rise to what has commonly been dubbed “Sick-Building Syndrome.”  

Indoor Air Pollution

According to WebMD, which drew of information provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, factors contributing to the pollution of the air circulating in such facilities include:

• Indoor combustion (heaters, ranges, smoking)
• Carbon monoxide buildup
• Volatile organic compounds (AirMD provides testing for these VOCs ) such as benzene, styrene, and other solvents
• Airborne-allergens and pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, and protozoans.
• New building materials (plywood, carpet glue) and fabrics (rugs, furniture) that “offgas” toxic fumes

The Centers for Disease Control adds to that list. “Indoor environments are highly complex and building occupants may be exposed to a variety of contaminants,” they say. Unhealthy gases and particles can be produced by a number of common items, including:

• Office machines
• Cleaning products
• Construction activities
• Carpets and furnishings
• Perfumes
• Water-damaged building materials
• Microbial growth (fungal, mold, and bacterial)
• Insects

But that’s still not everything. “Other factors such as indoor temperatures, relative humidity, and ventilation levels can also affect how individuals respond to the indoor environment,” the CDC says. “Understanding the sources of indoor environmental contaminants and controlling them can often help prevent or resolve building-related worker symptoms.”

Our experts have developed a system that allows businesses to effectively manage the indoor air quality of their facilities. The AirMD IAQ Environmental Management System is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary system that can help to prevent and/or minimize potential IAQ issues and also offer resources to assist with such problems in the event they do occur.

Eliminate the need to worry about scheduling asbestos testers one week and a mold inspection for your Florida-based business the next. AirMD’s comprehensive system will ensure the quality of your indoor environment, which may increase worker productivity and lower worker’s compensation costs.   

We also offer a variety of a la carte services, ranging from a mold inspection in Houston to mold remediation in Boca Raton, FL.