Indoor sources
Potential sources include building materials, which may release new compounds into the building through off-gassing or degradation of the materials’ fibers, tobacco, cooking and heating equipment, and fireplaces are examples of combustion sources that can generate particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Many different chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, are directly introduced into indoor air by cleaning supplies, paints, pesticides, and other frequently used goods.  Take a Tour of the IAQ House

External sources
Buildings can be exposed to outdoor air contaminants through open windows, doors, and ventilation systems.

The consequences of low indoor air quality
A number of health issues, including respiratory irritation and infections, eye irritation, rash and skin irritation, headaches, exhaustion, allergy attacks, reduced cognitive function, and the worsening of chronic health conditions, can be brought on by inadequate air exchange rates and extended exposure to indoor air pollutants.

What An Indoor Air Quality Survey Consists Of

1. A visual walk thru examination of the building is conducted while using a particle counter. The particle counter counts everything floating in the indoor air and sorts them according to size. The size indicates what it is and a high counts indicate what type of pollution we should be looking at.
2. A closer look at whatever the particle counter indicates and sampling where necessary. (The particle may be atmospheric dust, pollen, mold, dust mites, bacteria, viruses, etc.)
3. An IAQ Sensor is then used to measure and compare the indoor and outdoor air. Measuring and logging the temperature, dew point, relative humidity, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels.
4. A formaldehyde gas meter is used to measure formaldehyde levels.
5. A photo ionization detector is then used to check for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acetone, ammonia, benzene, chlorine, ethanol, toluene, vinyl chloride.
6. If indicated then samples are taken for laboratory analysis.
7. After receiving the laboratory results, the certified inspector compiles his conclusions, makes recommendations, and sends the final report to the client.

Choose from 8 levels of inspection:

1. Inspection & mold testing – Visual inspection with mold sampling (swab, lift tape, inner wall, air cassette)
2. Mold inspection with thermal infrared – Visual inspection, infrared scanning inside & out of the building, with mold sampling (swab, lift tape, inner wall, air cassette)
3. Physical inspection, thermal infrared scan, mold sampling & Allergen sampling (pollens, dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander or biological pollutants) for indoor air contaminants
4. Physical property inspection, thermal infrared scan, mold & allergen sampling plus scanning for the presence of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
5. Indoor Air Quality Evaluation with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, absolute humidity, dew point, and air exchange rate are logged and charted for detailed analysis.
6. Indoor Air Quality Evaluation Plus VOC testing using sorbent tubes, suma canister or photoionization detector to measure parts per million of specific volatile organic compounds.
7. On-site sample collection and laboratory testing
8. On-site testing with a suma canister and laboratory analysis