Air Toxics Testing

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, May 29, 2024

In the built environment, a mystery odor could be everything from a nuisance to something that may signal potential short- or long-term health concerns for building occupants. These types of odors could even lower property values, and in commercial, industrial and institutional settings, may result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and higher employee turnover rates.

Mystery odors may be coming from mold, bacteria, sewer gas or off-gassing from building materials and household products. Additional sources could be from cigarette smoke or vaping, cooking, cleaning chemicals and pets. They can also be the result of inadequate ventilation, unsanitary conditions, water damage and vapor intrusion. Commercial and industrial properties may also suffer from off-gassing from manufacturing processes.

These odors could even be infiltrating a structure from an outside source. Odors can enter a building through air intakes, windows and doors. They could include vehicle exhaust or air pollution from a nearby factory, landfill or other source.

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

Dedicated to identifying mystery odors and other indoor air quality concerns are the professionals at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With dozens of laboratories across North America, EMSL provides testing services, sampling supplies and air monitoring equipment. EMSL even recently sponsored an educational video about mystery odors in the built environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/229MeNyYoNE 

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 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.