IEQ Testing Services

Boston, Massachusetts, April 13^th , 2020

Dozens of students and faculty from a regional high school in Massachusetts were taken to a local hospital for observation earlier this year after they were overcome by a strong odor. The mystery odor was reported by multiple media outlets in the state that described people complaining of nausea, watery eyes, dizziness and a scratchy throat.

Cases of mystery odors in buildings of all types are quite common. These odors can in some circumstances be a nuisance, while in other cases they could potentially be putting building occupants at risk. Exposure to some odors can cause respiratory irritation, allergies and could even trigger an asthma attack in sensitive individuals with the chronic lung disease. At high enough concentrations, some chemical compounds can cause even more serious health concerns.

“When the source of an indoor odor is not readily apparent, air testing will often provide the information needed to identify the root cause of the odor,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Air testing can also identify the concentration of various gases and chemicals found so that the information can be used to determine if there are health concerns. Once the odor has been identified, it is often possible to develop a strategy to eliminate or mitigate the odor through mechanical means, filtration or changes in the contents and daily practices within a school, home or other type of building.”

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) professionals at EMSL Analytical, Inc. are working to identify mystery odors. With dozens of laboratories across North America, EMSL provides air sampling equipment, analysis and air monitoring instruments. EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about mystery and nuisance odors that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/9eDzaVWPBGY.

To learn more about air and odor testing services, or for access to sampling supplies and air monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.