Air Quality FAQ

Questions About Indoor Air Quality

What kinds of problems can result from mold growth in a building?
Mold growth in buildings is caused by moisture: liquid flow (a leak), high humidity/condensation and/or capillary action (moisture through a block wall). Excess moisture can deteriorate structural components; adversely affect HVAC systems and cause mold (fungal) and bacterial growth. The mold and bacterial growth in structures and within HVAC systems is not hygienic and can be associated with health outcomes and impact building systems operations. 1Source can provide the structural engineers to assist in determining the extent of the problem.

What are some of the common health symptoms associated with mold and bacterial exposure in buildings?
Health effects associated with mold (fungi) include: infection, allergy, and toxic and irritant effects. Common complaints from occupants in problem buildings include: headache, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, skin rashes, asthma, general malaise, and central nervous system effects. Some molds are pathogenic and actually grow in and on people.

What some of the common causes and sources of odors in buildings?
The most common odors and their sources include: sewer gas/sulfur like from dry water traps or leaking sewer lines: must-earthy like from microbial volatile organic compounds released by fungi or bacteria: putrid like from new building materials; heavy alcohol like from plasticizers; lemon or pine like from fragrances in cleaning products: fish like from certain construction products and chlorine like from ozone generated from high voltage equipment.

What should be done if musty, earthy, mushroom, and moldy like odors are perceived?
Contact 1Source to conduct a survey to check for recent moisture intrusion and materials that have been wet. Likely there is mold growth, possibly hidden in the structure. Perform a visual inspection and sampling survey for the presence of microbiological contamination or growth. 

When are investigative IAQ surveys needed?
Investigative IAQ surveys are suggested when complaints or concerns already exist regarding the indoor environment. The purpose of investigative IAQ surveys is to identify or rule out the presence of indoor contaminants, their sources, causes and pathways and design, operation or maintenance issues regarding the building systems, primarily the HVAC systems.

During investigative IAQ surveys are other professionals needed to investigate issues?
Depending on the complexity and specific issues, an occupational health physician, building systems engineers, water treatment specialists, and remediation contractors may be needed to investigate and resolve indoor air quality issues. 1Source maintains a network of relationships with the above professionals so that they are available immediately to assist you.

What are the benefits of Proactive IAQ Surveys?
Simply stated, Proactive IAQ Surveys identify and eliminate potential problems preventing occupant complaints and illnesses and expenses that are not part of your budget! The walkthrough surveys are conducted in a professional, non-intrusive manner and provide recommendations that are realistic from cost and implementation standpoints.

Are there different types of Proactive IAQ Surveys?
Yes, 1Source recommends a two-phased approach. Phase 1: Walkthrough Evaluations where experienced professionals evaluates the building structure, HVAC systems, contaminant causes, sources, driving forces and pathways and interview maintenance staff and occupants. The purpose is to identify potential issues that could contribute to degradation of the indoor environment. Typically, corrective actions developed in Phase 1 are implemented and then Phase 2: Proactive IAQ Sampling is conducted. The Phase 2 sampling assesses the effectiveness of the recommendations implementation and documents the conditions of the building and operations of the HVAC system. 

What is a Planned IAQ Management Program?
1Source's approach for Planned IAQ Management includes the development of a site specific written manual to help safety and facility managers create and maintain a controlled environment. The written manual address preventive maintenance and emergency issues that could arise in the indoor environment, as well as, provides  response procedures to address occupant complaints and concerns and emergency situations.

What can be done to educate the occupants and facilities staff about Indoor Air Quality?
1Source provides two levels of training. The first level is for administrators, managers or safety committees and is designed to provide background information on indoor air quality theory, and management and the benefits of indoor environmental management. The second level of training is for the HVAC and/or maintenance staff and is designed to address the "nuts and bolts" of how to investigate and resolve IAQ issues from practical standpoints. Preventive strategies are also discussed in the training due to the importance of a proactive approach to maintaining acceptable IAQ.