Commercial office spaces differ from residential spaces in that for the most part they are dependent upon building environmental controls. This means that the heat, air conditioning, and fresh air ventilation is controlled and provided by the building’s systems.
In a home, windows are open, and/or there is enough exchange with “fresh air” through the opening and closing of doors to the outside. However, in a commercial space there is little or no “fresh air” exchange, and due to the location of the building, you probably wouldn’t want that air inside your building anyway.
If there are any problems with this HVAC system or with the ducts through which the air travels, then air quality can be compromised. In addition, any issues with housekeeping or infiltration by moisture (mold, bacteria), rodents, cock-roaches, or fumes from manufacturing (or the like) can cause building related symptoms and employee complaints (please see the article: What is Sick Building Syndrome?).
Below is an outline of what you might be experiencing and how you can expect us to help you. Please look through the following and call us with any questions. We are always happy to help in any way we can:
COMPLAINTS:
- “Strange” Odor
- Tiredness / Fatigue
- Headaches
- Runny Nose
- Allergic Reactions
- Lack of Ventilation
- General Discomfort Related Specifically to the Space
POSSIBLE CAUSATION:
- Insufficient Fresh Air Intake
- Construction / Demolition Debris
- Biological Contaminant
- Mold / Water Damage
- Legionella
- Allergen
- Dust Mite
- Cockroach
- Mouse
- Rat
- Dog
- Cat
- Latex
- Etc…
- Environmental Stressors
- Lighting
- Sound
- Vibration
- Noxious Odors
- VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds – “Off Gassing”
- Furniture
- Carpeting
- Wall coverings
- Etc.
- MVOC – Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds
- Mold
- Bacteria
- Sewer Gas
- Pesticides
- Diesel Fuel Odor
- Combustion Gases
- VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds – “Off Gassing”
- Toxic Gasses
- Carbon Monoxide
- Sulfur Dioxide
- Ammonia
- Formaldehyde
- Ozone
- Natural Gas
- Related to Vehicle Emissions
- Related to Equipment Emissions
- Related to Pesticides
- Related to Mold
- Related to Manufacturing Processes
- Related to VOC-s
- Related to Environmental Tobacco Smoke
- Etc…
THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS:
- Visual Inspection
- Interviews
- Sampling
- Air
- Bulk
- Source
- Settled Dust
- Water
- TVOC / VOC
- Toxic Gas Sampling
- Presence / Non-Presence
- Full – Quantitative Analysis
Our purpose is to ascertain the source, and provide the solution. All our findings and recommendations are written in a thorough report and includes the specific steps needed to resolve the problem and return your indoor environment to normal.