Remodeling and Indoor Air Quality

August 21, 2009

You may not have realized that your remodeling project may be creating unhealthy indoor environment. These 8 questions and answers will help you understand the possible concerns of a remodeling and your indoor air quality.

Q 1: What remodeling hazards should I be concerned about?

A: Asbestos, formaldehyde and other organic solvents, and leaded paint dust are the main ones. These hazardous materials can be released into the air when you remove paint, hang cabinets or disturb other existing products that contain these materials. Paints, stripping and finishing products, and adhesives can also create indoor air pollution.

Q 2: By remodeling with products that don’t include these hazardous materials, won’t that minimize my exposure?

A: Not necessarily. Lead and asbestos were commonly used in home building until the late 1970s. Remodeling or attempting to remove these materials from a building can actually increase your risk of exposure. Often it’s better to leave the lead- or asbestos-containing materials in place, but cover or seal them to reduce exposure. If you suspect these materials are in your home, seek professional help before remodeling. If you remodel, remember that careful clean-up is important to control exposure.

Q 3: What does asbestos come from? Why should I be concerned?

A: Major sources of asbestos are deteriorating, damaged or disturbed asbestos-containing insulation, fireproofing or acoustical materials, and floor tiles. In isolated cases, asbestos could be found in vermiculite attic insulation. Exposure to asbestos in the air during renovation or maintenance on asbestos containin gmaterials may cause irritation reactions. Asbestos can also cause cancer and chronic lung diseases. Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung doseases. If you need to work on or remove asbestos containing materials, use a professionally certified contractor.

Q 4: What should I do if I have vermiculite attic insulation?

A: According tothe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendations, DO NOT DISTURB IT. Any disturbance has the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air. Limiting the number of trips you make to your attic and shortening the length of those trips can help limit your potential exposure. EPA and ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) strongly recommend that: Vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed in your attic. Due to the uncertainties with existing testing techniques, it is best to assume that the material may contain asbestos. Limit trips to the attic,if possible. You should not store boxes or other items in you attic if retrieving the material will disturb the insulation. Children should not be allowed to play in an attic with open areas of vermiculite insulation. If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite, hire professionals trained and certified to handle asbestos to safely remove the material. You should never attempt to remove the insulation yourself. Hire professionals trained and certified to safely remove the materials.

Q 5: What does formaldehyde come from? Why should I be concerned?

A: Formaldehyde is an important industrial chemical used to make other chemicals, building materials and household products. It is used in glues, pressed-wood products (such as plywood and particle oard), preservtives, permanent presss fas a preservative or as an adhesive in pressed wood products, such as paneling and particle-board, and furniture. Formaldehyde causes eye, nose and throat irritations; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rashes; headaches; loss of coordination; nausea; damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous system; and severe allergic reactions. It has been linked to cancer.

Q 6: How can I detect whether myhome has significant concentrations of formaldehyde?

A: You may be able to detect it by its odor. Also, environmential testing firms, listed in the yellow pages of the phone directory, should be able to test for formaldehyde levels. Since such tests are costly, you should learn whether your home has possible sources of formaldehyde. Also, do-it-yourself test kits are available, but there is some question about their accuracy.

Q 7: What can I do to reduce formaldehyde problems?

A: In most cases, formaldehyde does not penetrate completely sealed plastic laminate and is at least partly blocked by coatings. Varnishes and special formaldehyde sealants are also available. Apply these coatings to all exposed edges and surfaces, such as the undersides of countertops, cabinet interiors and drawers. High humidity and elevated temperatures cause formaldehyde release, so you might want to control humidity through air conditioning and properly used and maintained dehumidifiers. Also, increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. When remodeling and in new construction, select low formaldehyde materials.

Q 8: What about other chemicals used in remodeling, such as paints, wood strippers and finishes, adhesives, waxes and cleaners?

A: The products to watch for are those containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are organic solvents that easily evaporate into the air. Some may be flammable. Following are some of the compounds listed on product labels: petroleum distillates, mineral spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, toluene and formaldehyde. Other remodeling products can be a hazard if they are used improperly.

 

http://www.microshield-es.com

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Houseplants and Indoor Air Quality, Fact or Fiction?

August 21, 2009

I should start by saying that I really do love a houseplant and there was a time when my home resembled a jungle.  I also noticed that it was increasingly difficult to maintain so many houseplants properly.  As time went on the number of houseplants was reduced slowly but surely as attrition took over and the little air scrubbers past away from lack of care.  I don’t recall the air quality as being better or worse to be honest but I do know that if I knew then what I know now I would have helped with the attrition.  I will get to that in a minute after we review what the EPA and NASA have to say about this touchy subject.

First the EPA acknowledges that over the past few years there has been some publicity suggesting that houseplants have been shown to reduce levels of some chemicals in laboratory experiments.  The EPA also points out that there is currently no evidence, however, that a reasonable number of houseplants remove significant quantities of pollutants in homes and offices.
 
The EPA also makes sure to remind us that Indoor houseplants should not be over-watered because overly damp soil may promote the growth of microorganisms which can affect allergic individuals.  I know you already want to jump ahead but let’s see what NASA has to say first.  Be patient.

They report that the foliage of indoor houseplants is capable of removing low levels of pollution; while the roots, assisted by activated carbon filters, removed air pollutants at higher concentrations.  In these tests NASA reports that these filters removed and biologically degraded pollutants before they accumulated.

I am clearly not a NASA scientist so it’s easy to see why I have trouble wrapping my mind around why the activated carbon filter assisted houseplants that remove biological pollutants aren’t listed as activated carbon filter assisted houseplants as opposed to just houseplants.  One would think that activated carbon filter assisted houseplants is truly much more NASA than just plain old houseplants, right?

Regardless of my humble opinion and inability to comprehend the forgotten role of the activated carbon filters and the whole controlled environment issues here is NASA’s list of the top house houseplants that were most effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide. (I’ll have to get back to you on where to purchase the activated carbon filters)
 
Bamboo palm
Chinese evergreen
English ivy
Gerbera daisy
“Janet Craig” Dracaena
Dracaena “Marginata”
Corn plant
 
While NASA is making us aware that houseplants are great at filtering out contaminants and adding oxygen back into the air, they seem to leave out the carbon assisted filters role, and that all of their testing was conducted in small controlled environment of a test chamber.  They also neglected to point out that to be effective at the lowest levels of any measured improvement NASA recommends 15 to 18 good-sized houseplants in 6 to 8-inch diameter containers for an average 1,800 square foot house.

John R. Griman (Chief of the Analysis Branch at EPA’s Indoor Air Division) calculates that at the most favorable conditions, it would take 680 plants in a typical house to achieve the same pollutant removal rate NASA reported they achieved in their test chamber.

Many of you may think that I am splitting hairs here but I’d like to share the findings that I’ve documented over the years.  I have conducted my share of indoor air quality assessments in homes and offices and prefer to document the temperature, humidity, particle levels, and any contributors to these areas such as aquariums, pets, those cute little water falls, and yes houseplants. 

There are many other contributors to elevated humidity and particle levels but the patterns of elevated humidity and particle levels are far too often found in homes and offices with several houseplants.  I have had several clients tell me that the large number of houseplants in their home or office was to them help improve their indoor air quality.  Then why call me?  I guess the plants just really weren’t helping. 

Would you believe that my first recommendation was to remove the houseplants? Well it was.  Would you believe that the air quality as monitored over the next few weeks was drastically improved?  Well it was.  Okay we implemented other means of improving the indoor air quality; I just thought I would file those with NASA’s activated carbon filters.

The truth is that I more often than not find houseplants over watered and often even dead and forgotten.  In many offices houseplants are the responsibility of the custodial service.  I’ve found that these individuals that are hired to maintain the houseplants are rarely trained on the frequency or correct amount of water to provide the plants. 

The improvement of indoor air quality is a reduction of airborne and settled particles and the elimination of environments that can support microbial growth and/or areas that may contribute to the airborne and settled particle levels of the indoor environment.  This would include children and pets, I’m kidding.  Children and pets are huge contributors to poor indoor air quality but we would never consider getting rid of them, would we?

Houseplants on the other hand can be a major contributor to poor indoor air quality simply because most of us will never care for our houseplants as a NASA scientists care for their houseplants during experiments.   This I have found to be very consistent in my field assessments.  A few well maintained houseplants are a great asset to any indoor environment but as few as one poorly maintained houseplant can be to sole source of poor indoor air quality. 

As for houseplants improving the indoor air quality of an indoor environment such as a home or office, I haven’t found that environment in any of my assessments over the years, not yet anyway.  I believe that far too many houseplants would be necessary to have a measured improvement in indoor air quality.  I also believe that the amount of time it would take to care for that many houseplants sways the pendulum back to the side of source rather than solution. 

I just haven’t found that houseplants can improve indoor air quality in a real world indoor environment.  I do find houseplants often poorly maintained and the source of poor indoor air quality in indoor environments.  So I would have to vote fiction on this one.

Enjoy your houseplants but please maintain them properly. 

John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
Microshield Environmental Services, LLC.

http://www.microshield-es.com

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Indoor Air Quality at Work

July 19, 2009

What Building Facility Managers Can Do to Promote Good Indoor Air Quality

Most of us work in an office and spend 8 hours a day in an environment that we have little or no control of.  Which leads us to ask the question “Who” is in control of the indoor environment where we work?

As an occupant of an office building, understanding the role of the building management in maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment is an important step in understanding how you can fit into the picture. EPA and NIOSH recommend that every building manager obtain and use the Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers.  The guide provides practical suggestions on preventing, identifying, and resolving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in public and commercial buildings.

The guide helps building managers:

  1. Designate an Indoor Air Quality Representative, who serves as the contact for indoor environment issues. The IAQ representative should be accountable for the quality of the indoor environment and should have the authority, knowledge, and training to oversee or carry out the following steps in a good indoor air quality management plan:
  2. 2.      Assess the current condition of the indoor air in the building by:
    1. identifying and reviewing records pertaining to the HVAC design and operation
    2. developing an indoor air profile of the building, identifying potential pollutant sources, if feasible
  3. Address any existing and potential indoor air quality problems.
  4. 4.      Educate building staff about indoor air quality management by:
    1. providing training opportunities
    2. establishing clear pollutant source management policies
  5. 5.      Operate and maintain the building and ventilation system for good indoor air by:
    1. establishing or reinforcing standard operating and maintenance procedures
    2. responding quickly to leaks, floods, and other accidents that occur in buildings to prevent indoor air quality problems from developing
  6. 6.      Manage potential pollutant sources such as:
    1. smoking
    2. remodeling and renovation materials and furnishings
    3. housekeeping and pest control products
    4. exhaust fumes from loading docks or garages
  7. Communicate with tenants and occupants about their roles in maintaining good indoor air quality.
  8. Establish clear procedures for responding to indoor air-related complaints.
  9. Keep a record of reported health complaints to aid in solving indoor air-related problems. This will help improve the chances of correctly diagnosing and then fixing problems, especially if a pattern in complaints can be detected.

You can download the guide at the EPA web site by following the link below.

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html

Microshield can help you with the implementation of the guide and provide the necessary training to successfully provide a healthy work environment.

www.Microshield-ES.com

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Microshield IAQ and the American Indoor Air Quality Council

July 17, 2009

The American Indoor Air Quality Council promotes awareness, education and certification in the field of indoor air quality.  Our mission is to establish credible certifications that provide value to certificants, their clients and the public.  It is their goal to serve the public interest with integrity as an independent certifying body.

As the Council grew, so did interest in starting similar organizations in other states. In 1998, the corporation changed its name to the American Indoor Air Quality Council, and began to grow nationally.  By September 2000, the Council had grown to over 500 members with 23 corporate sponsors.  By 2002, the IAQ Council had reached approximately 3000 members, 200 corporate sponsors and had 46 local chapters in 26 states and several international locations.

On January 1, 2006, a major event changed the scope of the Council’s activities. As part of a unification agreement with the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO), the Council no longer offers membership services, but instead focuses exclusively on certification programs.  At the end of 2006, the IAQ Council had 5351 certificants in nine disciplines related to IAQ consulting, investigation, remediation and administration.  Governance of the IAQ Council, The operations and governance of the IAQ Council function at three levels. Final executive authority is vested in a Board of Directors by the Council’s bylaws.

The Board of Directors in turn appoints a National Advisory Board to assist them in their decisions. The National Advisory Board is composed of both IAQ professionals and members of the public sector, and offers the Directors an independent perspective on issues facing the IAQ industry. The National Advisory Board also oversees the implementation of basic certification and operational guidelines common to all Council  certification programs.

Finally, each Council certification program is operated by a separate Certification Board, which presides over the awarding of certifications in its category. Certification Boards are composed of experts who have field experience in the values required for eh certification, and each of them holds the certification that he or she votes to award. Certification Board members develop and approve all examination materials and eligibility requirements, and review all application materials. They approve the awarding of certifications by unanimous vote.

http://www.microshield-es.com

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

What to Look For in an IAQ Professional

July 17, 2009

What to look for when Hiring an IAQ Consultant

Most of us spend 90% of our time in indoor environments. Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues impact the lives of people across the globe. Problems with poor air quality in buildings and homes can result in health concerns, liability issue, lost productivity, and decreased property values.

IAQ problems in non-industrial buildings such as homes, schools and offices are often caused by complex, inter-related issues. Diagnosing and fixing the sources of poor IAQ may require the professional expertise of one or more consultants or contractors. It is important that individuals be highly qualified to fully investigate, identify and/or mitigate the total problem according to recognized industry standards and guidelines. Verification of contracting or remediation work, if requested, should be conducted by an equally qualified third-party consultant.

Many firms are available today to help find solutions to IAQ problems. However, in most parts of the country the IAQ industry is not regulated. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you utilize a qualified professional.

The good news is, there is an easy way to make sure that only qualified individuals and firms deal with these complex problems. The largest organization of trades and professionals dealing with IAQ issues is the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA). Since 1995, IAQA has delivered the industry’s most prestigious and respected IAQ and mold training programs. Many IAQA course alumni with sufficient experience and knowledge have also become certified by the American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ), prestigious, independent certification body for the industry. These trained and certified professionals are available to resolve your IAQ issues.

Contact Microshield Environmental Services Today.

Microshield Environmental Services, LLC & John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
The most trusted names in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

www.microshield-es.com

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Beware of the “Free Mold Inspection”

July 17, 2009

Like any other industry, the mold remediation and inspection business has its share of scams, cons, and rip off artists who seek to profit from your lack of knowledge about mold.  

The worst perpetrators of mold scams are mold removal/remediation contractors who also offer mold inspections and mold testing services.  Their scam is creating non-existent mold problems and charging you thousands of dollars to fix them.

If you encounter a mold inspector who also does mold removal/remediation, (or visa-versa) Just Say NO! There are plenty of quality contractors available that don’t do both.

And especially watch out for contractors who offer “FREE MOLD inspections”. That’s a major red flag!

Many contractors offer “FREE” clearance testing also, (which is equivalent to grading their own test). Don’t fall for it! Clearance testing is crucial to the mold remediation process and should never be performed by a mold removal contractor waiting to get paid for his work.

The best way to avoid getting scammed is to avoid using mold removal/remediation contractors for mold inspections.  A certified inspector that is not in the mold removal business will have no vested interest in how your inspection and testing comes out.  The inspector’s position should always be unbiased, neutral, and without conflict of interest.  Be sure whoever you do choose isn’t looking for remediation work for their own company.  Sadly may unscrupulous companies use the “FREE MOLD INSPECTION” as a tool to justify their inflated remediation proposals.  These contractors play on your fear of mold and use their testing and inspection to foster and justify this fear.

If you have any questions or feel you may have a mold problem visit us at www.Microshield-ES.com

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Florida Mold Law; Senate Bill 2234

July 17, 2009

Florida Senate Bill 2234 was. This law will prevent conflicts of interest; require education and licensing amongst other requirements for mold inspectors and removal companies alike.   This law was designed to protect the consumers.    The law will be effective in 2010; until then there are no requirements.  “Caveat Emptor”  “Let the Buyer Beware” when hiring a mold inspection company.

These few basic tips and information can help you avoid getting scammed and ensure that your mold issues are handled ethically, honestly and professionally. Take the time to read it. If you have any questions, please call us.

1.    Make sure your mold inspector is not in the mold removal/remediation business.

We believe it’s a serious conflict of interest for the company you pay to “inspect” for mold also profits from the “removal” of mold. There are plenty of companies out there that do both, the question is; how can you ever truly be sure that they are not creating more work for themselves – work that doesn’t really need to be done? The opportunity for corruption is far too great. The only way to know for sure that you’re not being “set up” and scammed into spending thousands of dollars you don’t need to spend is to make sure the person you hire for mold inspections has no affiliation with any mold removal contractor.

2.    Check your mold removal/remediation contractor’s experienced and references.

AND CALL THE REFERENCES! Don’t take anyone’s word for it when it comes to shelling out thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars for remediation work. Ask for references for jobs that are at least 10 to 12 months old. Why? Because every mold remediation job looks great as soon as it’s finished. But if remediation work is not done correctly, it can take several months to realize it.  As a rule, if mold does not reoccur in that time, then the work was done correctly. A remediation contractor, who has nothing to hide, has no problem giving you references. If a contractor gets offend by your request, say Good-Bye!

3.    Never allow a contractor to provide clearance testing for his own remediation.

Many remediation contractors will offer to provide FREE clearance testing after they’re work is complete. Nice gesture, but don’t fall for it. The reason they do that is so they pass their own work and get paid. Also, they more than likely quoted you a firm price in order to get the work in the first place and if a third party inspector fails his post-remediation clearance test, he has to keep coming back until he gets it right. A “free clearance test” from a contractor offering to pass his own work is not a good deal for you. Always insist on an independent third party post-remediation clearance testing and make sure your agreement with the contractor states that he will come back and correct his work if it fails.  And don’t settle the account until you see the clearance report in writing and be sure to have a post-remediation clearance test that CLEARS       your home before you pay your remediation contractor. If you agree to make progress payments, make sure the final payment is a significant percentage of the total job price so the contractor is motivated to finish the job correctly.

4.   Ensure your contractor is a Florida Licensed Contractor.

Anyone can print “Licensed and Insured” on a business card but not everyone can actually pass the Florida Licensing Exam.  Many remediation contractors will tell you that they don’t need to be licensed but the truth is that each governing body of each Florida municipality has different requirements.  Some municipalities require that you be licensed if your remediation work involves any other licensed contractor such as an electrician, plumber or Air Conditioning Contractor.  Not many remediation jobs won’t involve an electrician or plumber.  Other municipalities require no license for those only conducting “repair” work or the removal and replacement of wallboard and cabinets.  Regardless of the current status of any Florida municipality Governor Crist has recognized the need to provide Florida citizens a law that requires the licensing of all mold inspectors and remediation contractors and will no longer allow a remediation contractor to conduct his own testing or clearance.  Senate Bill 2234 signed into law on June 28, 2007 effective 2010.

www.Microshield-ES.com

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Are you working in a Healthy Indoor Air Quality Environment?

July 17, 2009

Microshield IAQ For Buildings and Property Managers

Microshield Environmental Services specializes in providing Indoor Air Quality solutions that work. We take into consideration the whole picture, and then provide you as the property owner, options that greatly improve the air quality in your property.

According to the World Health Organization, 30% of buildings experience some form of sick building syndrome. Problems involving mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria, stale air, poor ventilation, odors, and microbes are commonplace.

For these problems, Microshield has the solution: a proactive, IAQ and HVAC Management Program.

Many commercial and industrial facilities are faced with the problem of Poor Indoor Air Quality, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). In many cases, poor ventilation, mold and bacteria, or excessive emissions lead to employee complaints of headaches, nausea, and general respiratory tract irritation, leading to decreased productivity. Sick building syndrome has recently received much media attention, and has been brought to the forefront of workplace safety concerns.

Microshield Environmental Services site inspections include:

  • Inspection of the structure inside and out with emphasis on ventilation system, building layout, and structures condition
  • Thorough inspection and evaluation of ventilation systems, and air flow patterns
  • Employee interviews and review of health records
  • Inspections for hazardous chemical usage and storage
  • Air sampling for biological aerosols, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and other irritants and pollutants
  • Evaluation of the moisture content of building materials and HVAC system throughout the building
  • Indoor Air Quality Home / Building Test

Based on the findings of our investigation, Microshield will recommend corrective actions, if necessary, as well as assist your organization in achieving environmental conditions that will provide optimum health and comfort for your employees. If a potentially serious indoor air quality problem is documented, Microshield can provide the following services:

  • Write specifications for, and oversee implementation of, required corrective actions.
  • Expert witness testimony during litigation.
  • Supply required Right-to-Know information to employees.
  • Expert Investigation services.

Visit us at www.microshield-es.com

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

What do you do if you have mold growing in your new home during construction?

July 17, 2009

In an industry choked with energy efficient, high capacity, low E, variable speed, high seer, energy saving, cost effective, options its easy to see why it quickly becomes overwhelming for the new home buyer to narrow their selection when it comes to builder options.

Homes are most definitely built more efficient and structurally sound as was evident in last years hurricane season. And yes Builders have successfully developed new building techniques and continually improved upon their design, function, and efficiency of the homes they build. But still many of the things builders can and should include in their homes they just don’t.

They continue to overlook many of the major issues confronting today’s home buyer. Primarily mold. Yes Mold. What exactly is available to today’s home builder or more importantly today’s home buyer? And why aren’t we more aware of these options?

Mold pretreatment is available. Its just that mold pretreatment is marketed directly to the builder. Its left up to the Buyer to ensure that their home has been mold pretreated.

I researched many new home mold pretreatment programs and found quite a few out there in web world. I found chat boards full of talk about this mold pretreatment or that. Talk about whether or not EPA registration was necessary.

It took me some time. I did my homework. I spoke to many builders and buyers. Talked with a lot of company brass. I even spent a lot of time discussing antimicrobials with many different chemists. But I kept coming full circle to Microshield Environmental Services.

So you have to ask yourself if its there, affordable, and effective, why aren’t they all using it.

Well I have to believe its us. The buying public. Today’s savvy home buyer. Yes that’s right. In today’s market if you want it you have to ask for it. So get out there and demand that your home that was exposed to the elements during construction be mold pretreated with Microshield.

I truly believe that in the very near future all homes will require a mold pretreatment just like they require a termite pretreatment. When it comes time to sell your home this may very well become an issue. So find a pro-active builder that cares about the homes they build and get a Microshielded home.

The research is easy you can just search the web for mold pretreatment or go straight to the Microshield Environmental Services website at http://www.microshield-pretreat.com/

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Do you have good Indoor Air Quality?

July 17, 2009

Indoor Air Quality

Good indoor air quality enhances resident health and comfort and should be an essential goal for any home or building. A high quality indoor environment requires careful design, construction, and choice of materials.  Indoor air quality requires design that incorporates adequate air exchanges, well designed ventilation and avoidance of mold through moisture control, all of which complement a strategy that achieves energy efficiency and building durability.

The most effective way to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants is to keep residents away from sources of pollution.  Ventilation design provides for adequate exchanges of fresh air. A well-designed building envelope keeps moisture and mold at bay. Clean construction practices and smart materials specifications reduce dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Attentive maintenance emphasizes non-toxic solutions.

To maintain your Indoor Air Quality you first need to know what your Indoor Air Quality is.  MicroShield can help you by providing the IAQ Healthy Home or Healthy Building Certification Test that measures 7 different Indoor Air Quality parameters.

  • Particle Allergens such as dust, dirt and pet dander. 
  • Chemical Pollutants
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Temperature
  • Relative Humidity
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Radon

By measuring these parameters over 3 days you can determine just how Healthy your Home is and what you need to do to improve your home or buildings IAQ. 

To attain the IAQ Healthy Home or IAQ Healthy Building Certification your homes or building must test with in the acceptable Indoor Air Quality Standard based on scientific literature produced by ASHRAE, UK Dept. of Health, World Health Organization, California Air Resourced Board, Indoor Air Quality Association, LEED, Lars Molhave, Indoor Air Quality Association, Health Canada and EPA.

Visit us at http://www.microshield-es.com/

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

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