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Whether you are searching for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing or an Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey, the experts at American Metropolitan Environmental, Inc. (AMEI) can help. However, before you proceed, it is important to understand the difference between IAQ & IEQ.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that no single test can comprehensively assess Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Likewise, there is no single device capable of measuring all air components within a property. Indoor air contains a wide range of elements, including—but not limited to—fibers, allergens, chemicals, mold spores, pollen, pesticides, insecticides, bacteria, viruses, cooking byproducts, gases, and many more. A thorough assessment requires multiple testing methods to identify various contaminants accurately.
However, as part of the inspection process of the structure, combined with specialized sampling methods, we can identify source(s) and evaluate for a variety of specific items such as surface fungal growth, airborne mould spores, asbestos containing building materials, airborne asbestos fibers, airborne fiberglass, particulate matter (PM), chemicals, etc.
According to the EPA, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
There are many sources of indoor air pollution. These can include:
- Fuel burning appliances
- Tobacco products
- Building materials and furnishings as divers as:
- Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies
- Central heating and cooling systems, and humidifier devices
- Excess moisture
- Outdoor sources such as:
o Deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation
o Newly installed flooring, upholstery or carpet
o Cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products
o Radon
o Pesticides & Insecticides
o Outdoor air pollution.
The relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are. In some cases, factors such as how old the source is and whether it is properly maintained are significant. For example, an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than one that is properly adjusted.
The Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) can be described as the conditions inside a structure, whether a residence, commercial property, multi-family dwelling, or industrial location. This can include the air quality as detailed above, but also the following:
- types of airborne compounds
- amount & effectiveness of air circulation
- relative humidity, dew point, and temperatures in spaces
- the dampness or moisture accumulation in building materials
- odors and fragrances
- asbestos containing building materials
- and so many other factors
Identifying these Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) conditions can enhance occupants’ overall well-being, reduce stress, preserve or improve the property’s structural integrity, support resale value, guide corrective actions, and potentially minimize owner liability.
Contact the IEQ Experts at American Metropolitan Environmental, Inc. (AMEI) today to help guide you in determining which direction is best to identified the concerns you may have with your property.
For additional information regarding specific concerns such as suspected methamphetamine contamination at a property, or possible exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or even Formaldehyde, we can help. We utilize accredited labs across the United States to obtain the proper sampling media and to properly analyze specific compounds. Click on one of the following links to obtain more information:
»Clandestine Labs
»VOC’s
»Formaldehyde