annual iaq audits

| HOME PAGE | AIR QUALITY SERVICES | CLEAN AIR PRODUCTS | IAQ LINKS | MOULD FACTS | ARTICLES | SITE MAP | CONTACT US |

IAQ Audits - What are they?

An audit is a snapshot of the current IAQ health of your building relative to five or more main indicators, usually:

Temperature and humidity directly impact occupant comfort and can be significant factors where biological contamination is present.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas most usually stemming from combustion, such as incinerators, vehicle traffic, and building heating systems. Elevated levels of CO can result in flu-like symptoms, such as headache and nausea.

Carbon dioxide is a normal human byproduct that is non-toxic below 5000 parts per million, but can build up in poorly ventilated buildings. Elevated levels of CO2 can cause lethargy, loss of concentration, and fatigue.

Airbourne particulates 5 microns in size and small pose the greatest threat to health due to their ability to stay airbourne for long periods of time and reach the deepest parts of our lungs. Dust can contain everything from toner and carpet fibres to pollen and dust mite feces. Dust is of particular importance to people with asthma and allergies.

These indicators are measured at several locations throughout the occupied spaces, usually once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Results are analyzed for high readings or negative daily trends that might point to a problem.

Likewise, the results are compared to standards established by Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The Real Benefit of Audits

Although a one-time audit will establish a window into your current building IAQ, the real benefit comes from consistent, year-after-year measurements. Charting these indicators over time will highlight any sharp changes resulting from failing HVAC systems, improper renovations, or changes in tenancy.

Annual audits also demonstrate “due diligence” when dealing with IAQ complaints or tenant/landlord disagreements. IAQ audits save building owners, property managers, and employers time and money, by dealing with small IAQ issues before they reach “epidemic” proportions.

At Enmedex, we use state-of-the-art equipment, maintained and calibrated to exact standards, to conduct our audits. Contact us for a no-obligation quote for your building.


| AIR QUALITY SERVICES | IAQ LINKS | NEWS & ARTICLES | SITE MAP |

Copyright 2003 Enmedex - Indoor Air Quality Specialists All rights reserved.