Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality conditions have become an increasing concern for hospitals, building managers, employee relations groups, real estate investors, public housing authorities, insurance companies, and healthcare professionals. Temperature and humidity, airborne contaminants from off-gassing building materials (such as formaldehyde from particle board), housekeeping chemicals, and poor ventilation system design are examples of frequently inter-related concerns raised by building occupants. These concerns may lead to “Sick Building Syndrome” which can include various symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and respiratory irritation not related to a specific illness. In some cases, conditions in the indoor environment can lead to “Building Related Illnesses”, such as Legionnaire’s Disease. Investigating and resolving these concerns is a complex matter, frequently involving a methodical process of elimination.
KTA professionals initiate indoor air quality evaluations through conferences and fact-finding interviews with occupants, as well as building maintenance and housekeeping staff. The nature of complaints, temporal pattern of symptoms, HVAC systems, potential sources of poor indoor air quality (such as the presence of mold or Legionella bacteria) and related issues are investigated in order to determine likely causes of occupant concerns. Air or bulk sampling may be performed as part of the investigation to evaluate the relationship of building conditions to indoor air quality problems. Sample analysis is performed by AIHA certified laboratories with microbiologists on staff. Following a review and discussion of all findings, KTA presents recommendations to the client for corrective action.