When it comes to indoor air quality (IAQ) there are concerns for everyone. IAQ is so important, not just for employee comfort, but for their health. Poor IAQ has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, all of which can lead to loss of work time and lower productivity. Some specific diseases have been linked to specific air contaminants or indoor environments, such as asthma with damp indoor environments and exposures to hazards such as asbestos and radon, which do not cause immediate symptoms but can lead to cancer after many years.
The biggest question employers face is how to provide a safe environment for their employees to work and thrive. The first step is knowing the cause of poor IAQ; the causes could be one or more of the following:
- Poor Ventilation
- Temperature Control Issues
- High/Low Humidity Levels
- Remodeling of Surrounding Areas
- Airborne Chemicals, Mold, Pesticides
- and others
Determining the cause of the problems can be done through a variety of environmental tests including:
- IAQ Assessment and Testing
- Legionella Assessments and Testing
- Industrial Hygiene Evaluations and Testing
- Asbestos Inspections (Pre-renovation/Pre-demolition)
- Pre-Abatement/Abatement Oversight and Monitoring
AET’s Environmental Division has been performing these tests and more for over 20 years, and carry multiple certifications for asbestos and air quality testing. With their experience they can determine the cause and provide an action plan for remediation, allowing employers to provide a healthy work environment and potentially an increase in productivity.
For more information on Indoor Air Quality and the various assessments and inspections AET provides please contact Bruce Boehm Carlson or Todd Lewis in AET’s Environmental Division.
