Indoor Air Quality Lab

Cinnaminson, NJ, January 17, 2017  

With winter season underway, most people now spend a considerable amount of time indoors. During this time of year, doors and windows of homes and offices are kept tightly shut which can quickly begin to impact a building’s indoor air quality (IAQ).

IAQ issues and complaints often come to light during the winter months. This can be due to a lack of fresh air, a dry indoor environment or because of an increased concentration of allergens and indoor pollutants. Fortunately, there are some simple steps people can take to help reduce the potential for indoor air quality problems in their homes or offices. They include the following:

• Change out dirty air filters in the HVAC system. This is also a potentially good time to have the system and air ducts checked to make sure they are clean and operating properly.
• If dry winter air is an issue, consider using humidifiers. However, be sure to maintain them properly. The improper use of these devices can lead to mold growth and support the presence of dust mites if humidity levels are too high.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
• Keep the use of candles to a minimum and be sure fireplaces are operating properly.
• Many pets spend more time indoors during winter months so be sure they are regularly bathed and keep them out of the bedrooms of people with allergies.
• Keep the indoor environment clean, remove dust and use a HEPA vacuum on a regular basis.
• Avoid creating fumes from the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and air fresheners that can pollute the indoor air.
• If possible, delay home improvement projects that create dust and put off projects that involve painting or staining until doors and windows can be opened.
• Regularly inspect for signs of water damage and mold growth, including in places that are out of sight, such as in attics, basements, crawl spaces and under cabinets.

“For those who suspect they may be suffering from indoor air quality problems, there are tests that can be performed to quickly identify issues that may be causing complaints and potential health concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL offers IAQ testing services for microbial, chemical and radiological issues, along with all of the sampling supplies needed and even easy-to-use test kits.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video with winter indoor air quality tips that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/EyNmsxu5o8s.

To learn more about indoor air quality, environmental or occupational testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For more information about test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.