One of our favorite types of projects here at AirMD, a highly respected science-backed environmental testing agency, is conducting the various indoor air quality tests required for a building to gain LEED certification, including things like formaldehyde testing and testing for volatile organic compounds.

What Is LEED Certification?

LEED is an acronym that stands for:

• Leadership in
• Energy and
• Environmental
• Design

And, as the U.S. Green Building Council explains, “LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.”

To earn LEED certification, a new building must be able to demonstrate that the way it is constructed will help the environment, enhance energy efficiency and improve indoor environmental quality. Each building is rated is six different categories.

Why Would You Want LEED Certification?

There are definite advantages to having LEED certification, including:

• Economic benefits and the competitive edge gained by a variety of things such as an enhanced ability to attract tenants
• Meet ESG goals and maximize efficiency while decreasing operational costs and increasing the value of your property
• Health benefits from the improved indoor environmental quality and reduction in pollution and toxins in the air.

LEED certification tells the world that you believe that buildings can create a healthier, more sustainable future. It tells people that you believe that green building practices are things that are worth investing in. And, whether you are talking about new residential or commercial construction or upgrades or add-ons to existing structures, LEED certification means that the conditions in that building will be healthier and more sustainable.

“Green buildings are the foundation of something bigger: helping people, and the communities and cities they reside in—safely, healthily, and sustainably thrive,” the folks at the U.S. Green Building Council say.

If you would like more information about LEED Certification or about the indoor air quality testing required to earn certification, please call us at 1-888-GO-AIRMD (1-888-462-4763).

The post Will Your New Building be LEED Certified? appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

At AirMD, an environmental testing company, we rely on science every day to help protect the health and wellness of the families and businesses we serve. From indoor air quality testing to formaldehyde testing and mold inspections, our Boca Raton-based professionals provide useful information that can be trusted.

When we are at home, we all try to follow the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designed to help you clean and disinfect your home during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

• Cleaning your home with soap and water or other household cleaning products will reduce the number of germs, dirt and impurities that have collected on surfaces. (Now, do you see why you should change your kitchen sponge more often?)
• Disinfecting, on the other hand, will kill the germs in your house.

The products you use for cleaning and disinfecting are likely to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contaminate the air your family is breathing.

Simon Hahessy, AirMD’s Founder and Scientific Director, recommends storing your cleaning supplies in a garage or outside shed, if possible. “Research has shown that the air inside our homes is two to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. The VOCs we test for are one of the reasons for that.”

Cleaning & Disinfecting Tips

The following are among the CDC’s recommendations for keeping your home clean and free of germs:

• Be sure to pay special attention to high-touch areas such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
• It is best to use EPA-registered household disinfectants and be sure to follow the directions on the label. You may also want to consult the EPA’s guidelines for safe and effective use of disinfectants.
• Most importantly, do NOT eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. And don’t use them on your pets, either.

If you have questions about the science behind our environmental testing services, please contact us. We love science and we love talking about it!

The post Protect Your Family’s Wellness by Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Home appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

At AirMD, an environmental testing company specializing in indoor air quality testing and building assessments, we know that it’s easy for some of the biggest threats to your family’s health and wellness to sneak up on you. The reason is simple – some of the biggest threats that we test the indoor air quality of your home for are completely invisible airborne gases.

As Simon Hahessy, AirMD’s Founder and Scientific Director, explains, “According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality is a greater health hazard than outdoor air pollution with pollutants being up to two to five times higher indoors.”

Gases that Negatively Impact Indoor Air Quality

When conducting a commercial or residential air quality test, there are four principle types of airborne gases that our environmental testing experts screen for:

1. Formaldehyde
2. Volatile Organic Compounds
3. Carbon Monoxide
4. Carbon Dioxide

Formaldehyde Testing

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that can be found in the environment and in consumer products.

Your car’s exhaust as well as the output from power plants and incinerators can release formaldehyde and pollute the air. Research, however, has shown that you are more likely to encounter high concentrations of formaldehyde inside your home or workplace. That’s because a number of building materials and household products release the colorless gas, which is used in their manufacture.

You may be surprised to learn how many common products around your home or office contain formaldehyde, including:

• pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard
• glues and adhesives
• permanent-press fabrics
• paper product coatings
• certain insulation materials

“Formaldehyde is also a component of tobacco smoke and both smokers and those breathing secondhand smoke are exposed to higher levels of formaldehyde. One study found much higher levels of formaldehyde bound to DNA in the white blood cells of smokers compared to non-smokers,” the American Cancer Society points out.

Formaldehyde testing is just one aspect of the scientifically based Residential Wellness Air Quality Testing offered by AirMD. If you have concerns about the air your family is breathing, please contact us for more information about our environmental air testing services.

The post An Invisible Threat to Indoor Air Quality: Part I – Formaldehyde appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

If you’ve ever had a medical procedure in an outpatient surgical center, you don’t need us to tell you that these places keep their thermostats set to Brrrr! The reasoning behind this, we’re told, is that the cold temperature of the indoor air reduces the chances of infection. The science-oriented pros at AirMD, a leading provider of formaldehyde testing and mold inspections in Florida, have something to say about that.

Indoor Air Quality Testing for Healthcare Industry

When most people think about indoor air quality, they think about things like testing for VOCs, asbestos inspections and mold remediation. Boca Raton-based AirMD also works with the healthcare industry to test for bacteria, perform HVAC system assessments and run building diagnostics.

It may sound reasonable that keeping the environment cold would deter the growth of bacteria and reduce infection, but it’s not just about what’s good or bad for toxic growth. You have to factor the human body into the equation.

“One of the critical factors to preventing infection is the adequacy of blood flow and the supply of oxygen to tissues. When in a cold environment, the blood vessels of your skin constrict (that’s why your skin turns pale in cold weather). Your body constricts blood vessels in cold environments so as not to waste heat—a process called thermoregulation,” the experts at VeryWellHealth.com explain. “The second factor is that your immune system is actually weakened by hypothermia. Therefore, maintaining normal body temperature during surgery will help your body fight infection.”

Being Cold Isn’t Cool

The folks at VeryWellHealth.com, who have a theory that operating rooms are actually kept cool for the comfort of medical personnel – especially the surgeon, encourage you to lookout for your health if you’re in a cold treatment area by taking the following steps:

• Ask that the room be kept at a reasonable temperature.
• Let the staff know when you are cold and ask for warm blankets.
• Special warming devices can be used to keep you warm during surgery while not warming the entire room. Ask your anesthesiologist about using such a device.

If you work in the healthcare industry, we know the welfare of your patients is your top priority. If you want to be sure that your facilities are helping to promote healthy, please ask us about comprehensive Wellness Testing. As a scientific-based environmental testing company, AirMD can provide a clear picture through professional services – ranging from Asbestos Testing and Mold Inspections to Water Quality Testing – and prepare a detailed protocol to correct any issues that are discovered during the assessment.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD.

The post Chilling Information About Indoor Air Quality in Surgical Centers appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

A thorough indoor air quality assessment – including things like VOC testing, an asbestos inspection, formaldehyde testing and a mold inspection – is a good idea if employees of your company seem to be suffering ill health as a result of the time they spend on the job. Not every ailment contracted as the result of the poor indoor air quality in a workplace is as hard to pin down as Sick Building Syndrome.

With Sick Building Syndrome, the exact cause of the complaint can’t be specifically identified. There are a host of building-related illnesses, however, that can be accurately diagnosed and linked to specific contaminants in the air.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the term Sick Building Syndrome refers to “situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building.”

On the other hand, the EPA uses the term Building Related Illness when “symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.”

Often this condition is temporary, but some buildings have long-term problems. Frequently, problems result when a building is operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures. Sometimes indoor air problems are a result of poor building design or occupant activities.

Sick Building Syndrome VS Building Related Illness

Sick Building Syndrome is associated with the following conditions:

• The people who work in the building may suffer from headaches, itchy eyes, throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea and other complaints. They may be troubled by mental fogginess, fatigue and sensitivity to odors.
• Their symptoms generally ease when they leave the building.
• The specific cause of the symptoms isn’t known.

On the other hand, the EPA says the following characteristics indicate that you’re dealing with Building Related Illnesses:

• The symptoms are more specific. People who work in the building are complaining of symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, fever, chills and muscle aches.
• These symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes.
• Just leaving the building may not be enough to provide relief.

According to a paper on Indoor Air Facts and Sick Building Syndrome published by the EPA, “A 1984 World Health Organization Committee report suggested that up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality (IAQ).”

If you think your building might be one of that 30 percent – or if you’d like information about keeping the air in your building healthy so your building doesn’t join the list – give us a call at 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD or submit your question online. Our experts in VOC testing, asbestos inspections and mold remediation in our Boca Raton, FL headquarters will by happy to help you.

The post VOC Testing May Identify Building Related Illnesses appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

You’ve probably heard of Sick Building Syndrome. Sick buildings are one of the many reasons that the environmental testing services offered by AirMD – including VOC testing, formaldehyde testing and mold testing as well as asbestos inspections – are in such demand by businesses from Boca Raton and Miami to Orlando and Jacksonville.

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of working in a sick building, you know all too well how it makes you feel, but you probably don’t know why the building made you feel that way. (If you haven’t had the experience – trust us, you don’t want to.) That’s part of the problem with Sick Building Syndrome – no one is able to identify exactly what causes it.

What Makes a Building Sick?

Sick Building Syndrome is a relatively recent addition to the world of illness and disease. The problem began when we stopped opening the windows in the buildings where we live, work, shop and go to school. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, in an effort to save on energy consumption, new construction featured virtually air-tight environments.

What seemed like a good idea at the time had unintended consequences. Unfortunately, in addition to keeping air-conditioned or heated air in, these buttoned-up buildings can also trap a number of airborne contaminants.

As Occupational Health & Safety magazine explains, “Many paints, carpet fibers, furniture, and even wallboard off-gas noxious fumes, sometimes for years after installation. These products may emit formaldehyde, acetic acid, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals. Modern office equipment such as copiers and electrostatic air cleaners add to the problem by adding ozone to the mix. Mold or mildew from damp conditions also create air quality problems. Manufacturing processes and material-handling equipment may add hydrocarbons or smog, and many chemical cleaning agents give off harmful vapors. The result is a chemical stew in the air that makes people ill—with sick building syndrome.”

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

A long list of symptoms can be associated with Sick Building Syndrome, including but not limited to:

• Nasal congestion 
• Itchy eyes
• Headaches 
• Sinus infections
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Chronic fatigue 
• Mental fogginess
• Scratchy throat 
• Dry, irritated skin
• Upset stomach

How do you know if you have Sick Building Syndrome? Do you start to feel better on vacation or even over a long weekend? As WebMD says, “The telling factor is if the symptoms ease when workers are at home or on vacation.

Is It Time for Formaldehyde Testing in your Workplace?

According to an article by Sumedha M. Joshi in the Indian Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, “The sick building syndrome (SBS) is used to describe a situation in which the occupants of a building experience acute health- or comfort-related effects that seem to be linked directly to the time spent in the building. No specific illness or cause can be identified. The complainants may be localized in a particular room or zone or may be widespread throughout the building.”

“This feeling of ill health increases sickness absenteeism and causes a decrease in productivity of the workers. As this syndrome is increasingly becoming a major occupational hazard, the cause, management and prevention of this condition have been discussed in this article.”

If you aren’t the only one suffering from similar symptoms or if you notice increased rates of absenteeism, you may want to consider indoor air quality testing.

If you have questions about Sick Building Syndrome, please remember that the scientists at Boca Raton-based AirMD, a leader in VOC testing, asbestos inspections and formaldehyde testing as well as mold testing and remediation., are available to assist you.

The post Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

The experts at AirMD who conduct mold and asbestos inspections as well as formaldehyde and VOC testing aren’t the only one who are concerned about the quality of the air in your home and your office.

When you think about what kind of environment the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects, you’re probably thinking about rivers contaminated by toxic runoff or superfund sites, like the Davie landfill in Broward County, where inorganic compounds, heavy metals and VOCs had contaminated the soil and groundwater. You might be surprised to learn that the EPA also keeps an eye on the quality of the air inside your home, your office, your kids’ school as well as the places where you shop and other buildings.

The EPA and Indoor Air Quality

Why would the EPA be concerned about the quality of the air in our homes, schools and shopping centers as well as our places of employment?

The agency reports that, “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors,¹ where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.²”

Obviously, if there’s something wrong with the air we breathe 90 percent of the time, it’s going to have serious impacts on the public’s health. The EPA is also concerned because:

• People who are often most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution (e.g., the very young, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors.³
• Indoor concentrations of some pollutants have increased in recent decades due to such factors as energy-efficient building construction (when it lacks sufficient mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate air exchange) and increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners.

Threats to Indoor Air Quality

According to the EPA, the pollutants we should be concerned about include:

• Combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and environmental tobacco smoke.
• Substances of natural origin such as radon, pet dander, and mold.
• Biological agents such as molds.
• Pesticides, lead, and asbestos.
• Ozone (from some air cleaners).
• Various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a variety of products and materials.

What to Watch For

According to the EPA, the following symptoms can all be associated with indoor air pollutants:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

If you or your family have experienced any of these health issue and you’re concerned about the quality of the air in your home or workplace, contact AirMD, a leader in VOC testing, asbestos inspections and formaldehyde testing as well as mold testing and remediation.

The post EPA Reports on Indoor Air Quality appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

You would think that keeping your home clean would be one of the best things you could do to protect your indoor air quality and avoid the need for VOC testing or a mold inspection, right? Unfortunately, as the experts at AirMD, specialists in environmental testing and mold remediation in Boca Raton, FL, will tell you, that might not be the case.

Of course, not doing the house cleaning isn’t the solution. (It would be nice if we didn’t have to do it, though, wouldn’t it?!) What you’ll need to do to make sure you’re not releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals into the air your family is breathing is read the labels and understanding what is in the cleaning products that you’re using.

According to the American Lung Association, “Household and cleaning products—including soaps, polishes and grooming supplies—often include harmful chemicals. Even products advertised as ‘green’ or ‘natural’ may contain ingredients that can cause health problems. Some cleaning supplies can even be flammable or corrosive.”

That’s right. There is no law that says manufacturers have to list everything that goes into the products they are trying to sell you. Just because the label says something is an eco-friendly choice, don’t believe it. Do your own research!

How to avoid harmful VOCs and chemicals in cleaning and household products

Here are some tips from the American Lung Association that can help you keep the air in your home safe:

• Read all labels on cleaning supplies and household products before you buy them. Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants and flammable ingredients.
• Avoid using air fresheners altogether.
• Follow the directions and use products only as they are intended.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has put together a list of cleaning products you might use in your home or car that meet its Safer Choice requirements.
• As a safer cleaning alternative, warm water and soap often will do the trick, especially at home. Baking soda is good for scrubbing. A mix of vinegar and water can clean glass.
• When using cleaning or household products, keep the area well ventilated. Open windows and doors. Never use cleaning products in a small, enclosed space.

If you have concerns that your irritated eyes, scratchy throat, headaches or other health problems might be related to the quality of the air in your home, you can call the air quality experts at AirMD at 1 888 GO AIRMD (1-888-462-4763). We will help you determine if VOC testing is right for you. We offer professional residential and commercial services throughout the state of Florida, ranging from formaldehyde testing Jacksonville to mold removal in Miami.

The post Are there harmful VOCs in your household cleaning supplies? appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

If you have concerns about the quality of the air inside your home or business, we would be happy to send one of AirMD’s specialists out to check out the situation. We can then determine if mold testing, VOC testing, formaldehyde testing or even allergy testing would be appropriate. But wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t need us?

There are proactive steps you can take to keep your interior environment safe and healthy. One simple – and attractive – way to do that is to bring houseplants into your home or office. All plants will clean the air, but some are better at removing unhealthy chemicals like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

According to HGTV, among the Top Plants for Cleaning Indoor Air are:

• English ivy, which they report, “is a classically elegant choice that is also excellent for removing harmful chemicals found in the home. It can grow in full shade to full sun, can be trained into shapes, and with proper care, it is likely to survive for several years.”
• Bamboo palm (also known as a reed palm), is a great choice they say, because it doesn’t like too much direct sun and it has “the added benefit of aiding in the removal of harmful elements such as benzene and formaldehyde.”
• The Dragon Tree has a cool name and HGTV says, “With a leaf color that ranges from green to purple, this plant would be a gorgeous addition indoors or outdoors. It would also fit right in at the office, as it can tolerate low light.”
• Mother-in-law’s tongue (also known as a snake plant) is a good choice according to HGTV, because it, “can survive in some of the toughest conditions, including a wide variety of temperatures and light conditions.” Just don’t overwater it, they caution.

As the experts at HGTV point out, “Since Americans spend most of their time indoors, healthy air quality should be a top priority.” The environmental testing and consulting services we offer at AirMD can ensure that the indoor air you breathe is safe. Our dedicated professionals are ready to assist you – whether you are concerned about the need for mold removal in Boca Raton, Fl or asbestos inspections in Jacksonville.

Call 1-888-462-4763 for more information.

The post Houseplants can help maintain indoor air quality appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

During the 1970s, business owners weren’t worrying about formaldehyde testing, VOC testing or mold testing. Fuel shortages saw drivers forming long lines at gas stations around the country. But it wasn’t just car engines that were dependent on the petroleum that was suddenly in short supply. As the energy crisis gripped the nation and energy prices soared, businesses looked for ways to save money. 

Unfortunately, some of the steps taken to reduce energy consumption had unexpected consequences. As WebMD, “In the 1970s, there was a movement amongst builders and regulatory authorities to button-up buildings to save on fuels for heating and air conditioning. Many buildings became virtually air-tight.”

Heating and air conditioning bills went down, but so too did the quality of the air in these buttoned-up buildings giving rise to what has commonly been dubbed “Sick-Building Syndrome.”  

Indoor Air Pollution

According to WebMD, which drew of information provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, factors contributing to the pollution of the air circulating in such facilities include:

• Indoor combustion (heaters, ranges, smoking)
• Carbon monoxide buildup
• Volatile organic compounds (AirMD provides testing for these VOCs ) such as benzene, styrene, and other solvents
• Airborne-allergens and pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, and protozoans.
• New building materials (plywood, carpet glue) and fabrics (rugs, furniture) that “offgas” toxic fumes

The Centers for Disease Control adds to that list. “Indoor environments are highly complex and building occupants may be exposed to a variety of contaminants,” they say. Unhealthy gases and particles can be produced by a number of common items, including:

• Office machines
• Cleaning products
• Construction activities
• Carpets and furnishings
• Perfumes
• Water-damaged building materials
• Microbial growth (fungal, mold, and bacterial)
• Insects

But that’s still not everything. “Other factors such as indoor temperatures, relative humidity, and ventilation levels can also affect how individuals respond to the indoor environment,” the CDC says. “Understanding the sources of indoor environmental contaminants and controlling them can often help prevent or resolve building-related worker symptoms.”

Our experts have developed a system that allows businesses to effectively manage the indoor air quality of their facilities. The AirMD IAQ Environmental Management System is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary system that can help to prevent and/or minimize potential IAQ issues and also offer resources to assist with such problems in the event they do occur.

Eliminate the need to worry about scheduling asbestos testers one week and a mold inspection for your Florida-based business the next. AirMD’s comprehensive system will ensure the quality of your indoor environment, which may increase worker productivity and lower worker’s compensation costs.   

We also offer a variety of a la carte services, ranging from a mold inspection in Houston to mold remediation in Boca Raton, FL.

The post Mold testing is only one factor affecting indoor air quality in the workplace appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.