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INDOOR AIR – A HOT TOPIC IN MANY
BUILDINGS
Indoor air studies have
been the largest area of increased business at RT this year. With more
building occupants sensitive to indoor air issues. There is no doubt that
property managers and building owners need to know how to respond to
indoor air complaints. OSHA will get involved where complaints are not
responded to.
Indoor air problems, when
investigated, typically fall into several categories:
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Lack of adequate
ventilation.
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Lack of adequate
outside air.
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Drawing in fumes or
odors from other nearby outside sources.
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Mold and mildew in
ducts or in building materials.
-
Offgassing of
chemical constituents from newly installed building products.
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Excessive ventilation
causing too much dry air.
RT has experience in all
of these areas, and, we have the expertise to identify problems and make
appropriate recommendations. Sometimes, the only problem is “stuffy air”
caused by temperature demand driven HVAC systems which “stall” when
temperatures are within the 68¡f - 78¡f range. Other times, tests reveal
lack of adequate air change, evidenced by elevated carbon dioxide
readings. In industrial and laboratory facilities, problems can be caused
either by the chemical materials used or by constant over ventilation
causing dry air.
RT has conducted indoor air studies in a
wide variety of building types, so we can frequently get to conclusions
quickly and make practical recommendations where improvements are needed.
If you have an indoor air problem, call Walter Hungarter at (610)
265-1510.
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