The quality of indoor air is typically worse than outdoors. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe situations where the occupants experience health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to the time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be readily identified. Cited causes or contributing factors of SBS include inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants, and biological contaminants. There are a number related issues with SBS and indoor air quality. Some mimic common cold & flu symptoms making recognition difficult.
Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no reactions at all may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens. Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air.
Hogan Associates will conduct a site assessment to look at various areas commonly associated with environmental problems and areas of concern to develop a strategy to determine what tests should be performed such as:
- Mold
- Dust Mites
- Pet Dander
- Cockroach
- Bacteria
- Carbon Monoxide
- Carbon Dioxide
- Relative Humidity
- Radon
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Formaldehyde