IAQ & CHEMICALS

A sample report chart of IAQ test

Before we do the test check with your staff if they have any respiratory concerns in specific areas, we will spend extra time in areas with complaints. We will do a walk-thru IAQ test for Temperature, Relative Humidity, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, and there are other gas tests available. IAQ test results with a full report and recommendations will be forwarded to your company contact = preferably by email.

Some gases or off-gassing chemicals are listed below.

Benzene found in - tobacco smoke, gasoline, synthetic fibers, plastics, inks, oils, detergents,
Side effects – causes chronic poisoning from cumulative effect to small amounts, destruction to the bone marrow, leading loss of red & white blood cell count, and sometimes leukemia, carcinogen.

Bleach (sodium hydrochloride) found in - liquids, powder or wipes usually used as a strong stain removal, or in laundry.
Side effects - severe burns to the skin and tissue destruction, vapour and mists may cause burns to the respiratory tract.

Trichloroethylene found in – dry cleaning, inks, paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives. Side effects – swallowed or inhaled, affects heart, central nervous system, liver and kidneys, severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation carcinogen

Alcohols – generally anesthetics – irritate eyes and upper respiratory tract.
Methanol - can cause dizziness, blurred vision, possible liver & kidney damage. IF SWALLOWED can cause blindness and even death

Amyl – (used in shellac thinner, paint & varnish remover, lacquer thinners) acts on the nervous system causing dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and double vision.

Formaldehyde found in – Clothes, foam insulation, plywood, particleboard, furniture, paper goods, household cleaner, water repellants.
Side effects - Causes burns, very toxic by inhalation, ingestion and through skin absorption. Readily absorbed through skin, probable human carcinogen. Mutagen, may cause damage to kidneys. May cause allergic reactions, may cause sensitization. May cause heritable genetic damage, destructive of mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Carcinogen.

We might as well bring up the subject of mold and mildew. There are related plants in the fungus family, and can be found in miniscule or problem amounts in most buildings. Mold and mildew are problems choosing to stay hidden in dark and recessed areas.

Mold needs water to start and grow, a small persistent drip, a leaking window, roof, or basement crack.
When water and organic matter exist, mold will find it and start a family that will grow rapidly