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
Can PM2.5 Impact Depression and Dementia
May is mental health awareness month. The link between mental health and indoor air quality is often overlooked. This week’s blog will discuss how elevated particulate matter might impact our mental state. What is PM2.5 According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in […]
Can Climate Change Contribute to IAQ Problems?
Climate change can be an unsettling topic to discuss for some. Many tend to think of the consequences of rising temperatures and the increasing severity of weather patterns. One topic that is not usually discussed is how climate change will impact Indoor Air Quality, the focus of today’s blog. Climate Change Projections According to NASA, […]
UV 222 – Safe for exposure and effective at eliminating microorganisms?
A UK study published by Scientific Reports in March 2022 showed UV light at a 222 nanometer wavelength emitted from krypton chloride lamps inactivated Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and proved safe for human exposure. UV light is a long proven technology for inactivating bacteria and viruses and is widely advocated by ASHRAE and the EPA. The […]
Black Lung Disease Linked to Silica Exposure?
A recent study published by the American Thoracic Society (ATC) revealed that the driving force for black lung disease is respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust exposure. Until recently there was limited direct evidence of linking RCS to black lung disease, fibrosis of the lungs caused by coal dust exposure. This blog will discuss RCS, how […]
What is the EPA’s Clean Air in Buildings Challenge?
Have you heard about the EPA’s Clean Air in Buildings Challenge? In March 2022, the Biden administration announced this challenge as a call to action to building owners and operators to meet recommended guidelines to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce the spread of airborne pathogens. By following the guidelines, buildings will promote health […]
The Issues of Testing for Secondhand Smoke.
Having a neighbor who smokes can be irritating when you live in a multi-unit building. This secondhand smoke can cause short term effects such as triggering asthma, eye and respiratory irritation, and hoarseness. Long term exposure has been documented to cause the development of lung cancer. It can be especially irritating if the neighbor is trying to […]
Testing Heavy Metals in Drinking Water
In major cities such as Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Milwaukee and others, lead contamination in drinking water has been a lingering issue. In Chicago specifically, the city formed a tentative plan to remove all lead water lines. However, as of September 2021, only three out of more than 400,000 lead water lines had […]
Should I Conduct ERMI Sampling?
There is a growing concern of mold affecting indoor air quality in properties. Many clients ask about the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) testing for their properties. Often, clients learn about ERMI through blogs or medical professionals which market it as a cutting edge mold sampling procedure to discover fungal contamination on properties. In this […]
Where does radon come from?
We often get the question ‘where does radon come from?’ after our testing uncovers elevated readings on a property. This is a very good question. After all, by knowing where it comes from, we have a better understanding of how to get rid of it. The EPA provides an excellent answer: “Radon comes from the breakdown […]
The Hidden Dangers of Gas Ovens and Cook Tops
There has been lots of recent news about how natural gas ovens are impacting the climate. Studies have shown natural gas ovens can passively leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. While this may be alarming that a common household appliance can contribute to climate change, many homeowners are unaware of the impact […]
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.
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.
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