Temperature and humidity are two important parameters that affect thermal comfort, which in turn may cause potential problems to your indoor air quality.

Relative humidity levels below 25% are associated with increased discomfort and drying of the mucous membranes and skin. On the other end of the spectrum, high humidity levels (>60%) may result in condensation within the building structure and on interior or exterior surfaces. This may lead to the subsequent development of mold.

ASHRAE Standard 55-2009, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, presents guidelines that are intended to achieve thermal conditions that at least 80% of the occupants would find acceptable or comfortable. ASHRAE specifies a range between 25% and 60% as ideal.

Managing the relationship between temperature and humidity will control thermal comfort within the space and reduce the potential for the presence of biological contaminants including mold. Finding the right balance between the two is important. Mold contamination can cause health issues including respiratory problems, allergies, eye, nose and throat irritations. Indoor mold contamination in your home or workplace may be undetected until symptoms appear.

AirMD’s team of environmental consultants are equipped to assess whether or not your temperature and humidity levels are in harmony with each other for a healthier indoor quality environment.

On site, AirMD consultants will:

Determine if moisture is present in building materials;

Check for any evidence of high or low temperatures;

Check for local sources of heating or cooling;

Ensure that there is a balanced air distribution network;

Look for any obstruction of air circulation, among other key pieces of evidence.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

AirMD provides comprehensive environmental consulting nationwide.

Call us at 1-888-GO AIRMD with any of your indoor environmental questions and concerns, or to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants

For more information, please explore our website here at www.airmd.com

The post BALANCING TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

The results of poor indoor air quality not only cause health issues, but may adversely affect worker productivity. Furthermore, in some extreme cases, the threat of potential litigation from occupants and employees is a major concern for companies.

To create a healthier and more productive working environment for employees, we urge companies to integrate a system for continuous indoor air quality monitoring. At AirMD, our team of certified scientists has formulated a detailed IAQ Environmental Management System to educate business owners, building owners, and management about indoor environmental conditions and to reduce potential liability in commercial office spaces.

The benefits of implementing AirMD’s IAQ Environmental Management System include:

• Reduced likelihood of lawsuits
• Reduced potential for OSHA complaints
• Lower workmen’s compensation costs
• Reduced potential litigation costs
• Potential increase in property values
• Reduced absenteeism
• Increased worker productivity

————————————————————————————–

AirMD provides comprehensive environmental consulting nationwide.

Call us at 1-888-GO AIRMD with any of your indoor environmental questions and concerns, or to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants

For more information, please explore our website right here at www.airmd.com

The post Proactive Vs. Reactive appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

We’ve selected our TOP 10 quick and natural tips that you can easily start implementing. Turn these tips into good habits because being consistent is a must for improved and long-term good quality indoor air. Better yet, our tips are cost-effective so you don’t have to break the bank making your home environment safer and cleaner.

Besides these helpful tips, we recommend you get a detailed assessment of your current indoor living environment. Knowing the status of your environment will enable you to take the appropriate measures to improve your family’s health and quality of life. AirMD provides environmental consulting services and offers a Residential Evaluation to assess the overall condition of your indoor home environment. Testing can include measuring moisture levels, airborne particles, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), and much more. Our Residential Evaluation is a comprehensive first step toward creating a cleaner healthier home for your family. Upon completion of the analysis, AirMD’s team of scientists and experts will issue a written report enclosed with the test findings and recommendations.

Be INFORMED and PROACTIVE. Don’t wait, get started with our TOP 10 tips!

Tip 1: No smoking indoors. Tobacco smoke contains a plethora of indoor pollutants at high levels of concentration, so keep those cigarettes outside at all times.

Tip 2: Add greenery. 
Plants take the three most harmful indoor toxins and produce clean air. Some plants are natural purifiers, including Bamboo, Aloe Vera, Boston Fern, the English Ivy, and Garden Mums to name a few.This is a great solution for both at home and the office.

Tip 3: Clean your AC and dehumidifier frequently. Easy to forget, but these filters do need maintenance and upkeep. Also, make sure you are monitoring the humidity level on your dehumidifier so that it reads below 50% at all times. 

Tip 4: Remove carpets. They may add style to your interior living spaces, but carpets trap unhealthy particles.  If you can’t let go of your carpets, then vacuum often to keep them as pollutant-free as possible.

Tip 5: Get comfy and go barefoot. Shoes capture dust and dirt so take them off before entering your home. Plus, you’ll be more comfortable in your own home.

Tip 6: Wash your bedding in scorching water at least once a week. In doing so, you are reducing the exposure to allergens, including dust mites. It’s scary to think what could be creeping in our bedrooms, so use that washing machine and dryer as much as you can.

Tip 7: Air out your dry-cleaning. Dry-cleaning solvents are strong, hence toxic. To avoid bringing in the toxicity, let your clothes dry outside for a bit before hanging them up in your closet.

Tip 8: Look for products with “low VOCs.” Volatile organic compounds are found in many daily items we use, including cleaning and hair products, candles, and art supplies to name a few. Select low-emitting products with a third-party certified organization.

Tip 9: Cook with an open kitchen window. It’s always a good idea to have some natural ventilation flowing by opening windows to let the air in. Get into this habit by always cooking with an open kitchen window. 

Tip 10: Ventilate the bathroom. After you shower, ventilate the bathroom because the fans help reduce moisture.

______________________________________________________________________

AirMD provides comprehensive environmental consulting nationwide.

Call us at 1-888-GO AIRMD with any of your indoor environmental questions and concerns, or to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants

For more information, please explore our website right here at www.airmd.com

The post Natural + Easy Tips for Improved Indoor Air Quality appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Several weeks into the spring season and already people are enjoying warm weather and longer days of sunlight. The start of spring is also an excellent time to check the condition of a home or commercial property. Some basic preventive maintenance tasks performed now can help to ensure a property is in good condition and will provide a safe, healthy, environment for the months ahead.

Preparing a property for the upcoming hot summer temperatures can also help prevent costly repairs and increase the building’s energy efficiency. Equally important, these measures can help prevent indoor environmental issues associated with mold and moisture, indoor allergens, and other health and safety concerns.

The building science professionals at AirMD suggests the following recommendations for preparing a property for the spring and upcoming summer:

• Change filters in the HVAC system and have the air conditioner coils checked and cleaned by a qualified professional.  Also inspect the air ducts for the buildup of dust and debris.
• Clean outdoor air conditioning components and clear vegetation from around the area.
• Remove leaves and obstructions from gutters and downspouts and ensure water is draining away from the building.
• Check the siding for any damage or areas that moisture could enter.
• Check for any damage to the chimney, vents and roof, and be sure skylights are properly sealed.
• Check windows and doors for drafts and inspect and replace any worn weather stripping.
• Check and clean the clothes dryer vent and inspect the washing machine water supply hoses. Draining water heaters to remove sediment that may have built up.
• Check indoor and outdoor faucets for any leaks.
• Trim trees that could cause damage to the property with broken limbs.
• Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors and change out the batteries.
• Repair cracks in concrete, stucco or asphalt.

For those who suspect they may have indoor environmental issues in their home, school or work environment, the professionals at AirMD provide comprehensive indoor environmental quality assessments and testing services to identify and resolve problems in all categories of buildings.

To ask an AirMD scientist a question about this service please Click Here or to schedule an appointment call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD

The post Maintenance Tips for the Spring Season appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.