Problem

Despite having extremely low levels for multiple years, a commercial office building discovered high levels of Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, on one particular quarterly assessment. 

Actions

They hired Indoor Science to regularly sample their water for Legionella bacteria. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science recommended instituting a water management plan in conformance with ASHRAE standards and helped the property manager evaluate different remedial actions. Indoor Sciences’ regular water sampling was able to quickly diagnose a serious health risk and help prevent this issue in the future.

Problem

During a construction project in the basement of a commercial building, contractors used an oil-based sealant rather than a low-VOC water-based sealant. The emissions created a strong chemical odor in the property which prompted everyone in the first two floors to evacuate. 

Actions

Indoor Science conducted an indoor air quality assessment and found highly elevated concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) throughout the first two levels. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science recommended improved ventilation of the affected areas and was able to monitor the reduction of TVOC levels. When the concentrations were no longer elevated a few days later, Indoor Science recommended the space be reoccupied.

Problem

A commercial office was experiencing an objectionable odor. Several companies had been hired to determine the source before turning to Indoor Science.

Actions

Indoor Science started the assessment with a thorough olfactory evaluation of the space. Walls, floors, furnishings, and electrical outlets were sniffed for the odor source, without any success.  We then proceeded to slowly and thoroughly sniff the ceiling throughout the office. Indoor Science found the source of the odor on the ceiling of the foyer. The paint used on the foyer ceiling had spoiled and was emitting an objectionable odor.

Conclusion

Indoor Science’s investigation skills were able to identify the problem before any expensive samples were collected.

Problem

A commercial office tenant was concerned about COVID-19 risks in their leased space.   

Actions

Indoor Science measured airflow throughout the office and found several areas with deficiencies.  This was despite the building engineer’s insistence that all was fine based on his computer readouts.  

Conclusion

We were able to demonstrate that the building engineer’s readings were wrong and that ASHRAE ventilation standards were not being met.  Further investigation led to the discovery that two key VAV boxes providing airflow to the office were stuck closed.  The two areas with insufficient airflow exactly matched the two areas of the office where employees were complaining most frequently.

Problem

A performing arts studio sustained severe water damage throughout their property due to an aging roof. Indoor Science was hired to conduct moisture readings and mold air testing in the facility to evaluate the extent of the damage. 

Actions

The assessment showed water damage was present on both floors of the property and that property had highly elevated levels of mold spores in the air. Additional dampness was uncovered in areas with no suspected water damage. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science discovered water-damaged asbestos-containing materials, which was not present in the original scope of the project.

Problem

Indoor Science conducted an assessment to evaluate airborne particulate matter (PM) levels within a museum’s storage facility in response to ongoing dust concerns and complaints. The dust was originating from a neighboring manufacturing tenant. 

Actions

Indoor Science conducted continuous particulate monitoring for PM2.5 and PM10 over one week. It was determined that the museum’s storage room had PM levels that were above the recommended industry limits. Measurements taken away from the neighboring manufacturer were within acceptable limits. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science made recommendations for establishing a positive pressure, sealing up openings along the demising wall, and improving the filtration used in the storage facility.

Problem

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an old high-rise office building was experiencing a low level of occupancy.  Those still working in the building complained that the water looked brown and contaminated. They weren’t sure if it was safe to wash their hands with this water, which was concerning due to the importance of hand-washing during the pandemic.  The building maintenance staff would go around and open the water taps for a minute each working day but there was uncertainty if this approach was sufficient.

Actions

Indoor Science collected water quality samples for regulated metals, total coliform bacteria, E. coli, and Legionella. The domestic hot water lines were elevated for copper at 3 times the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level! Indoor Science worked with the building maintenance staff to develop a plan which involved a more systematic method for water flushing.

Conclusion

Follow-up testing demonstrated that the new water flushing plan was able to keep copper levels below federal regulations.

Problem

During the filming of a Hollywood blockbuster franchise, Indoor Science was hired to conduct indoor air quality in a large abandoned church. The results from the visual inspection and testing indicated a serious concern for mold exposure.

Actions

Indoor Science worked with the producers of the film along with a local restoration company to establish a remediation plan in order to make the location safe for filming activities. 

Conclusion

After the remediation was completed, Indoor Science conducted post-remediation monitoring, which showed filming activities could commence. 

Problem

A client hired Indoor Science to conduct an indoor air quality assessment after feeling unwell in the home after having a lung transplant.

Actions

Indoor Science conducted an assessment on general indoor air quality parameters throughout the client’s property.

Conclusion

We were able to determine the source of the issue was carbon monoxide from a faulty burner on the kitchen stove. There was also elevated particulate matter. Once these were addressed the client’s symptoms improved.

Problem

A senior living community hired Indoor Science to conduct a radon assessment of the property.

Actions

Indoor Science conducted an assessment of radon throughout the ground floor level over a week long test period to determine the levels of radon present in the facility.

Conclusion

We were able to determine that radon was elevated in half the building, while the other half showed normal levels. As a result, Indoor Science recommended a proper mitigation solution and was interviewed by local media to discuss the findings and how they eliminated a potentially severe health hazard.

Problem

A client hired Indoor Science to prove there was tobacco smoke in her unit. This client complained that there was a terrible tobacco odor that she believed came from a tenant next door. The neighbor smoked regularly during the afternoon on the opposite side of a common wall.

Actions

We removed the cover plate of an electrical outlet to expose the interior of the common wall.  We then placed the sorbent tube in very close proximity to this wall cavity during a period of time when we thought the neighbor would be smoking. Fortunately, we could detect the odor of cigarette smoke while running the test. 

Conclusion

By using this device, we were able to show the presence of ETS in the common wall.  Our client was able to present this lab result to building management to address this problem directly with the offending neighbor.

Problem

A high school hired Indoor Science to evaluate the ventilation in their facility. The client wanted to see if recent ventilation upgrades made in regards to COVID-19 had been effective.

Actions

Indoor Science conducted a ventilation study of the facility and conducted general indoor air quality monitoring to determine the effectiveness of the upgrades.

Conclusion

We were able to determine various problem areas in the facility in terms of ventilation and filtration. We were able to make recommendations bringing in additional fresh air into the facility and considering installing portable air quality in problematic areas.

Problem

Indoor Science conducted a mold inspection which showed ongoing moisture in the unit along with the painted fungal growth progressing into adjacent rooms and impacting the HVAC system. Severe levels of mold were found in the air along with visible growth in over half of the rooms of the unit.

Actions

Indoor Science conducted a mold inspection which showed ongoing moisture in the unit along with the painted fungal growth progressing into adjacent rooms and impacting the HVAC system. Severe levels of mold were found in the air along with visible growth in over half of the rooms of the unit.

Conclusion

Indoor Science created documentation of the ongoing issues and presented it to the occupant. The occupant was able to break their housing agreement and pursue legal action against the property manager.

Problem

During the filming of a Hollywood blockbuster franchise, Indoor Science was hired to conduct indoor air quality measurements in a large abandoned church. 

Actions

The results from the testing indicated elevated concentrations of mold spores in the air. Indoor Science worked with the producers of the film along with a local restoration company in order to establish a remediation plan in order to make the location safe for filming activities. 

Conclusion

After the remediation was completed, Indoor Science conducted post-remediation monitoring which showed filming activities could resume.

Problem

A food manufacturer experienced a structural fire with damage to one area of their facility. A restoration company was hired to dry the water from fire suppression, remove fire-damaged materials, and clean remaining surfaces. Due to food safety concerns, the food manufacturer wanted to confirm that surfaces were clean and safe for food processing. 

Actions

Indoor Science used several environmental surface tests to detect soot, char, biological activity, Salmonella and Listeria.  

Conclusion

Indoor Science identified some areas missed by the restoration company and helped ensure that food was safely manufactured going forward.

Problem

A large online retailer was building a new facility in the City of Chicago. However, early site assessments determined the soil in the construction zone was contaminated with both mercury and lead.

Actions

Indoor Science provided perimeter testing and personal monitoring for the site to assure that employees were safe while working in contaminated areas.

Conclusion

Indoor Science provided sampling that generated results which were compared to the OSHA Standards and exposure limits. This allowed Indoor Science to safely say individuals were safe working in these areas and were wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.

Problem

A large fire at a concert venue resulted in fire damage and water damage. There was debate about the recommended scope of work between the property owner, insurance company, and restoration contractor. 

Actions

Indoor Science was hired to provide an independent analysis and develop a remediation plan that would right-size the project. Our team listened to the concerns of all interested parties and used analytical methods to determine the true extent of the damage, rather than just eye-balling it. The results of the testing showed that the smoke damage was more extensive than originally presumed by the insurance company, as it traveled inside certain wall cavities and plumbing chases. Indoor Science developed a site-specific remediation plan that was agreed upon by all parties. 

Conclusion

The remediation work was performed as specified and the concert venue was restored to its former glory—without hidden contaminants inside the walls.

Problem

A contractor remediated mold damage in large home. The owner insisted that a 3rd party consultant be hired to evaluate the work, and Indoor Science was hired.  The remediation contractor was initially reluctant to have their work critiqued, but they had no say in the matter. 

Actions

Upon completion of the remediation, Indoor Science inspected the work area and identified a few spots that needed re-cleaning. Indoor Science deemed the home to be properly remediated and provided the owner with a report stating this conclusion. Over a year later, the same home experienced another mold problem, and the homeowner accused the remediation contractor of not properly remediating the mold originally. The contractor reminded the home owner that Indoor Science independently verified the quality of their work and that this new problem must be stemming from an unrelated issue. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science’s post-remediation verification (PRV) and clearance testing helped the contractor avoid an unnecessary and costly legal dispute.

and the homeowner accused the remediation contractor of not properly remediating the mold originally. The contractor reminded the home owner that Indoor Science independently verified the quality of their work and that this new problem must be stemming from an unrelated issue. Indoor Science’s post-remediation verification (PRV) and clearance testing helped the contractor avoid an unnecessary and costly legal dispute.

Problem

A construction project next door to a large, downtown retailer resulted in a layer of dust on all of the store’s products.  There was concern about the presence of lead and asbestos in the dust.  

Actions

Indoor Science was hired by the retailer’s insurer to determine if the store’s products had to be discarded or if they could be cleaned. We conducted large-scale sampling of the product and found multiple items with elevated levels of lead and asbestos in the dust. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science recommended disposing of the merchandise using licensed abatement contractors rather than attempting to clean the products and re-sell them to the public.

Problem

A homeowner submitted a claim for extensive mold damage in a home stemming from a raccoon that was living in the attic. The claim was that the raccoons created holes in the roof that lead to water damage during rain events. 

Action

Indoor Science was hired to determine if all of the home’s mold was caused by the raccoon damage.  Indoor Science analyzed the mold present throughout the home.  

Conclusion

We concluded that some, but not all, of the mold was caused by the covered damage.

Problem

A large distribution center for a footwear company had over 50,000 pairs of moldy shoes. Due to the large insurance claim, it was important to determine the source of the problem: did mold happen somewhere in the supply chain or in the distribution center itself? 

Actions

Indoor Science deployed over 20 air quality sensors across the unconditioned distribution center in order to track humidity throughout the facility. We found elevated humidity levels indoors on cooler, humid days.  We then tracked weather patterns over the four months prior to the mold event and compared them to nearly 20 years of historic weather data. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science found that the unseasonably cool and humid conditions of that summer were previously unseen since the company started using the distribution center.  Indoor Science set up a monitoring system whereby key staff would be notified if the situation arises again and a new dehumidification system could be activated to help prevent mold growth in the facility.