Building Owners and Property Managers

Building Owners and Property Managers

  • Our assessments identify root causes, guide investments and validate solutions to solve indoor environmental quality risk factors
  • IEQ assessments and certifications are a marketing vehicle to drive customer traffic, colleague/tenant acquisition & retention
  • IEQ assessments, certifications & education progresses sustainability/safety/compliance initiatives plus promote wellbeing and productivity
  • Our National presence enables a single vendor & consistent experience to quickly react and root cause all IEQ complaints
  • Our consultative support and recommended corrective actions support solution implementation to optimize value, safety and efficacy

Case Studies From Our Clients

Legionella / Office Building

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.

VOCs / Commercial Office

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.

Radon in Department Store

Problem

A high-end department store had unusually high rates of cancer among long-term employees. The store wanted to evaluate the property for common carcinogens such as radon, asbestos, and formaldehyde.  

Actions

Indoor Science deployed radon measuring devices throughout the department store discreetly so the clientele would not be alarmed. 

Conclusion

After monitoring the store for over 48 hours, extremely high levels of radon were discovered in a back area of the store. The peak concentration was nearly 20 times higher than the EPA action level. Indoor Science identified an area in the foundation where excessive radon was entering the store. After the problem was mitigated, Indoor Science was able to confirm that the space had safe levels of radon.

Odor / Commercial Office

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.

Ventilation / Commercial Office

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.

Mold / Commercial Office

Problem

An office building had a faint must odor throughout the facility and Indoor Science was hired to identify a source. 

Actions

During our investigation we found mold in the first few feet of ductwork in several of the air handling units. A root cause evaluation identified that the cooling coils, despite the appearance of being clean, were clogged deep within. This led to excessive velocity across the coils, which in turn led to condensation from the coils being picked up and deposited into the first few feet of ductwork. The dust and moisture together lead to mold growth and the odor was circulating around the building. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science recommended coil cleaning to address the root cause and mold remediation to correct the immediate health hazard.

Mold and Asbestos in Performing Arts Studio

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.

museum exhibit
Particulate Matter / Museum

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.

hospital building
Mold in Hospital

Problem

A pediatric hospital in the Middle East had multiple cases of fungal infections following open heart surgery. Indoor Science was hired to conduct root cause analysis to identify the problem. 

Actions

Through intensive investigation, we found a number of issues. There was no discernible positive pressure in the cardiac intensive care unit, which allowed for naturally ventilated hallway air to seep into the critical area. Open windows in the hallways lead to elevated humidity throughout the hospital, causing condensation buildup on several supply diffusers. On top of that, multiple “jump ducts” found in critical areas hindered the hospital’s ability to create the correct pressure relationships.  

Conclusion

Indoor Science’s expertise and science-backed procedures were able to create a report that identified 19 unique contributing factors that increased risk of fungal infections.

Brown Water from Faucet
Brown Water in an Office Building

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.

Brown Water from Faucet
Blockbuster Mold

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. 

Brown Water from Faucet
Rapid Response to a Pipe Burst

Problem

A polar vortex resulted in wind-chill temperatures of negative 50° F. A water pipe burst and flooded below-grade commercial office space.  Although there were several inches of water on the floor, no one was sure from where the water was coming.

Actions

Indoor Science was able to immediately respond to help identify the location of the burst pipe. By using an infrared camera and moisture meter, we were able to identify the exact area where the pipe had burst. A wall was opened up and the rupture was located. Once the problem area was identified, we directed the building engineer to shut off the water supply to limit further damage. Indoor Science played a pivotal role in overseeing the drying process and recommended further removal of materials that were not properly drying. 

Conclusion

Indoor Science’s rapid response and project oversight resulted in a warm and healthy workspace.

Brown Water from Faucet
Hidden Dangers of Gas Ovens and Cook Tops

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.

Brown Water from Faucet
Where Does Radon Come From?

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.

Brown Water from Faucet
Should I Conduct ERMI Sampling?

Problem

A client hired Indoor Science to conduct an indoor air quality assessment after an ERMI test showed elevated mold concentrations in the property.

Actions

Indoor Science conducted a thorough assessment for mold growth throughout the client’s property. The assessment used ambient and disturbed mold air sampling.

Conclusion

We were able to determine the ERMI test did not correlate with air sampling results. Followup testing confirmed that there was no microbial problem in the property.

Brown Water from Faucet
The Issues of Testing For Second Hand Smoke

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.

Brown Water from Faucet
Effective Ventilation In Schools

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.

Brown Water from Faucet
Concerns with Perchloroethylene (PCE) after purchasing old dry cleaner

Problem

A property owner had concerns with Perchloroethylene (PCE) after purchasing a commercial property. The owner noted a sweet odor and that the property was previously a dry cleaner.

Actions

Indoor Science conducted an indoor air quality assessment of the property and conducted laboratory based volatile organic compound (VOC) testing to determine if PCE was present.

Conclusion

Indoor Science found that PCE was still present in the property. After efforts were made to ventilate the property, the property owner hired an environmental remediation firm to deal with the soil contamination.

Brown Water from Faucet
Contractor accidentally released asbestos vermiculite into the home

Problem

A homeowner had concerns about the presence of asbestos at their property after a contractor accidentally released vermiculite into the home.  The contractor was trying to install recessed lighting in the home but drilled in to the ceiling near the attic which caused vermiculite to fall into the living spaces.

Actions

Indoor Science conducted Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) aggressive air sampling and asbestos TEM dust sampling to determine the extent of the contamination.

Conclusion

Indoor Science found low levels of asbestos in the air, and was able to connect the client to a local abatement contractor to abate any of the remaining debris.

Brown Water from Faucet
Elevated humidity causing mold in university room

Problem

A university discovered a room that impacted by mold due to elevated humidity and wanted to have the area remediated.

Actions

Indoor Science developed a remediation protocol for the impacted room to show the best industry practices for mold remediation.

Conclusion

The university retained a remediation contractor to conduct the mold remediation using the protocol that Indoor Science developed to bring the room to pre-loss conditions.

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