Residential
Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Testing
Why Choose Us
Indoor Science was founded in 2004 and we have grown to 62 company owned offices where we can service roughly 90% of US population within a 2 hour drive. Scientific expertise is core to our fundamentals. Our team is made up of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs), Professional Engineers (PEs), Certified Indoor Environmentalists (CIEs) and other ACAC certified subject matter experts. Our field team uses laboratory grade instruments and we process samples at AIHA certified labs.
Our services are independent (we aren’t trying to sell you remediation services or air cleaning technology) and we use the same methodologies refined by our scientific advisory board and designed for commercial clients for application with residential customers. We take pride in our easily digestible final reports summarizing indoor environmental quality risk factors and explain exactly what corrective actions are needed to ensure a healthy home.
Blog Posts
Asbestos-Containing Materials in Fires Can Lead to Health and Regulatory Consequences.
Structural fires can be devastating to a property owner. Outside of the loss of possessions is the added burden of environmental hazards from fire byproducts such as soot, dioxins, or char. An environmental obstacle that is often overlooked is damaged asbestos-containing materials in the property. In today’s blog we will discuss asbestos-containing materials and how […]
Environmental Impacts of Septic Tanks and Testing for Hazards
Why are Septic Systems Important? Septic systems is to take wastewater from your home and purify it so it can safely reenter the ground water system without chemicals or treatments. How do Septic Systems Work? Septic systems start with a main sewer line coming out from your home. All waste water originating from inside of […]
How does an entire town become contaminated with asbestos dust? The story of Libby, Montana
When we think of asbestos we often think of building materials – floor tile, pipe insulation, black flooring mastic/glue, and popcorn ceilings. When it comes to abatement, teams remove or repair the broken materials along with isolating or encapsulating the area to prevent disturbance. But, what happens when an entire town becomes contaminated with asbestos? […]
Two overlooked communities with severe ongoing environmental pollution
Cancer rates 190x the EPA’s acceptable level and an area referred to as the ‘toxic donut’ – two overlooked communities with severe ongoing environmental pollution Major environmental disasters such as the water quality of Flint, Michigan or the wildfires in California have stood out given their media coverage in the last decade but many more […]
Common deodorizing and cleaning techniques can result in dangerous levels of indoor air pollution
Why are Air Fresheners and Common Cleaning Techniques Potentially Harmful? While surface cleaning is important, deodorizing and cleaning with harsh chemicals can negatively affect indoor air quality and your health if not managed correctly.[1] Many common and sometimes unlisted ingredients used in air fresheners and surface cleaning products have been linked to serious health issues […]
The Health Hazards of Dry Cleaning
Are you aware dry cleaning can have detrimental effects to the environment? Perchloroethylene also known as tetrachloroethylene, perc and PCE, is a solvent widely used in dry cleaning due to it not being flammable. In June of 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a revised risk evaluation of perchloroethylene. The evaluation states that “perchloroethylene […]
Knowing the EPA’s RPP rule can save contractors from big fines and keep homeowners safe
A property owner was recently fined for failing to comply with the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP) in regards to lead paint. The owner was fined for conducting work without being licensed or using lead safe practices. This blog will discuss the RRP rule and how to prevent violations. Basics of Lead Paint. […]
PFA Exposure – An underpublicized threat impacting 200 million Americans
There has been increased media attention on PFAs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in regard to their potential health effects. They are often labeled as “forever chemicals” and are known to be persistent in indoor dust and water supplies. This blog will discuss PFAs, how they can impact your health and how to test. What Are […]
Could Carbon Nanotubes Have The Same Dangers As Asbestos?
If you are a technology enthusiast, you have likely heard of the carbon nanotubes. These microscopic, extremely durable, fibers are an emerging technology which can have drastic impacts on technology and infrastructure. However, many experts have noted similar characteristics to asbestos. Today’s blog will discuss nanotubes and potential health risks. What Are Carbon Nanotubes? Carbon […]
New Requirements for Hospitals and Nursing Homes Regarding Legionella Bacteria
Recent Amendments to Illinois House Bill 158 The new amendments added to Section 90-10 of The Hospital Licensing Act and Section 90-5 of the Nursing Care Act have made it a requirement for nursing homes and hospitals to test their water systems in accordance with a written policy which states the testing frequency and provides […]
Case Studies From Our Clients
Asbestos / Multifamily Building
Problem
During renovation activities in a multifamily building, a tenant became concerned with indoor quality after materials infiltrated her unit from a work area below. The HVAC supply ductwork below the unit had been removed during the renovation, causing air from the work area to pass into the unit’s hallway.
Actions
Indoor Science evaluated the indoor air quality and sampled for asbestos and lead. The test results of bulk, air, and dust samples showed elevated levels of an extremely rare asbestos type: Anthophyllite. Lead paint was also detected in the dust. Follow-up testing showed the presence of Anthophyllite in other units.
Conclusion
The reporting from Indoor Science was forwarded to local health agencies which launched an investigation into the building’s work practices.
Water Damage / Multifamily
Problem
A water supply line for a swimming pool disconnected, leading to water flowing down several floors into residential condos below.
Actions
Indoor Science was hired to assess mold risks after materials had been wet for over 48 hours. We found over 50 damp areas missed by the drying contractor and recommended specific porous materials to be removed. Surface samples were collected according to a sampling plan, and some areas of mold growth were identified.
Conclusion
After all the areas were cleaned, Indoor Science performed a post-remediation evaluation and determined the affected areas were safe for re-occupancy.
Mold in Home
Problem
The owner of a large home complained about a musty odor although there were no obvious signs of mold and the air ducts were recently cleaned.
Actions
Indoor Science thoroughly inspected the property and found a whole-house humidifier that was on a relatively high setting. A detailed inspection identified that the multiple chimney chases were uninsulated. The elevated moisture from the humidifier was condensing on cold, uninsulated surfaces and leading to mold growth in the walls.
Conclusion
After spending thousands of dollars with other “experts” to identify the cause, Indoor Science was able to pinpoint the cause with their extensive knowledge of building science.
Dust mites in Home
Problem
A world-famous athlete was experiencing breathing difficulty at home and was concerned that these symptoms would affect his professional performance.
Actions
Indoor Science conducted a comprehensive indoor air quality assessment of his home to identify any possible causes. One particular test conducted by Indoor Science evaluated the air for common allergens.
Conclusions
When the lab results came back, we were all surprised to find extremely high levels of dust mite allergen in his bedroom. Indoor Science coached the client on how to reduce dust mites with humidity control, cleaning strategies, and encasements for the mattress and pillows.
Over-humidification in the winter
Problem: A new, multi-million dollar home installed custom woodwork that required precise humidity controls. A humidification system was installed to maintain a target relative humidity of 50% in the home. Despite the highest quality finishes, the builder cut corners and used insufficient insulation for the walls. The combination of increased indoor humidity and decreased wall temperatures lead to condensation in the walls during freezing weather. The condensation and subsequent mold growth happened within the walls, so the damage was happening unnoticed.
Actions: Indoor Science was hired to investigate a musty odor in the home. Rather than just taking samples like other consultants, we used our knowledge of building science to not only identify the mold problem, but to understand the underlying causes.
Conclusion: Our findings were used by the owner to have the builder rectify the issues—at the builder’s expense.
Mold assessment leads to cost savings
Problems: A client hired Indoor Science to conduct an initial mold assessment after receiving a 5-figure remediation quote for fungal growth in their property.
Action: Indoor Science conducted a mold assessment in the property to determine the type and extent of growth present in the home.
Conclusion: We were able to determine that there was no fungal growth present in the property, only an adhesive. This inspection saved the client over $10,000.
Lead dust breaching containment
Problem
Homeowner had concerns that the lead abatement occurring on the property was done improperly due to the lead dust breaching the containment.
Actions
Indoor Science performed lead dust sampling in various locations in the property to determine the extent of the lead dust breach from the abatement activities.
Conclusions
Indoor Science performed lead dust sampling in various locations in the property to determine the extent of the lead dust breach from the abatement activities.
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