Residential
Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Testing
Why Choose Us
- 25+ years of scientific expertise, a nationwide presence, and a customer centric mindset to assess your IEQ concerns
- Before you trust a service provider, our independent assessments ensure you invest in the right corrective actions
- When we leave your property, you will have peace of mind for the wellbeing of your family and loved ones
- Following an IEQ assessment, our consultative support and robust recommendations of corrective actions ensures handoff for solution implementation that optimizes value, safety and efficacy
Blog Posts
Everything You Need to Know About the Omicron Variant
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized a new variant of the coronavirus — strain B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant. Governments around the world are scrambling to collect data and make preparations for lockdowns; and while the variant is in its early stages, there are some insights to be […]
Top 3 Water Quality Concerns
The air, water, lighting, and acoustics impact a building’s overall indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Although the primary focus of Indoor Science is air, we also care a great deal about water. As we assess buildings, we commonly perform water quality testing for three of our top concerns. This water testing is especially important when buildings […]
IAQ Short Term Monitoring
If a building wants to evaluate its indoor air quality (IAQ), there are three main methods available. In this article, we will highlight a method that is rarely performed, yet is one of the most powerful tools for assessing IAQ. It balances collecting high quality data with a lower price point and has a […]
5 IAQ Implications of Switching from Cooling to Heating
As temperatures drop in the northern hemisphere, many areas are now switching from cooling mode toheating mode. Before your attention gets pulled away by the busyness of the holiday season, it is worthnoting how this switch to heating can impact the indoor air quality (IAQ). In this article, we highlight fiveindoor environmental concerns that arise […]
Legionella: Do you have a Plan?
Legionella is a bacterium that can be found outdoors in freshwater environments. Legionella can find its way indoors through the plumbing and mechanical systems. This bacteria becomes a health hazard when water containing high concentrations gets aerosolized and inhaled.
The Instascope: Mold Testing with Real-Time Results
Our indoor air quality instruments can measure dozens of different contaminants and provide us immediate results. However, up until now, no instrument could measure airborne mold spores leaving us to rely on collecting samples and laboratory analysis. The whole process can take a few days to get the results. Earlier this year, Indoor Science purchased […]
The Fundamentals of Air Cleaning
Due to energy concerns, the majority of air in buildings is recirculated rather than replaced with freshair. This means you are breathing in air that was already in someone else’s lungs. Cleaning the air isimportant, but with all the options available, it can be difficult for property owners and managers toknow the best strategy. In […]
Your Brain Wants Better Air Quality
It is self-evident that good indoor air quality (IAQ) improves lung health. But did you know that good IAQcan improve cognitive function? If you are experiencing brain fog at the office, maybe it isn’t the lack ofcaffeine. A recent article from researchers at Harvard found that exposure to key air quality contaminants, PM2.5and carbon dioxide, […]
Everyday Chemicals are Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality and Why it’s Important
In recent decades, there have been major pushes for reform when it comes to air quality and air pollution in general. Legislation such as the Clean Air Act has helped to reduce outdoor smog drastically in thriving metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles. But while clean outdoor air is indeed necessary to improve quality of […]
VOCs and Indoor Air Quality
VOCs (or Volatile Organic Compounds) can have a huge impact on indoor air quality. For some, this could also have a negative effect on people’s health and well-being. Because we spend so much time indoors, it is important to understand how these gases can affect our health. What is a VOC? VOCs are chemicals that […]
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 expensive 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.
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