Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, February 17, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published a new webpage on sources of indoor particulate matter (PM). The agency reports that it is especially concerned about tiny particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller. These particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs where they could cause serious health effects, including decreased lung function and other conditions.

Particulate matter found indoors includes particles that come from outdoor air and particles that are generated indoors. In a residential environment, EPA reports that PM can be generated by:

• Cooking;
• Some cleaning activities;
• Combustion activities – such as burning candles; use of fireplaces, unvented space heaters, and kerosene heaters; and by smoking tobacco or other products;
• Biological contaminants – such as animals, pests, plants and mold;
• Printers; and
• Indoor chemical reactions. 

EPA also states that indoor dust is settled PM from a variety of sources and may contain:

• Outdoor soil and dust that has been blown or tracked indoors;
• Biological particles, also known as biological contaminants, including pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and human skin flakes and hair;
• Particles from human activities, such as cooking, cleaning and burning candles;
• Particles from consumer and personal care products;
• Plastics, flame retardants and pesticides; and
• Sometimes industrial chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead. 

“These are just a few of the many potential sources of particulate matter and dust that can impact the indoor air quality of a home or building and potentially cause respiratory concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, there are ways to measure the amount of PM indoors and identify its composition. With this information, steps can be taken to improve the indoor air quality for everyone.”

Dedicated to identifying particulate matter exposure risks are the industrial hygiene and environmental scientists EMSL Analytical. Their laboratories, located across North America, provide air testing services, sampling supplies and the industry’s leading particle counters. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about common sources of indoor particulate matter that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/v3FEI5WNjCI 

To learn more about testing for PM or other airborne pollutants, 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 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, VOCs, 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.