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Indoor Air Quality

    Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the product of numerous factors. The quality of an indoor environment is the result of interaction   between the building site, pollutant sources, the current ventilation system and operation, building furnishings, and the building occupants. Indoor air pollutants can be chemical, biological, or physical. The multiplicity of factors that affect indoor air quality     often make IAQ investigations complex. A well-defined IAQ objective and measurement program must be formulated in order            to gather meaningful observations and data. Only from a sound scientific approach can appropriate, cost-effective remediation strategies be developed.


     To provide a healthy indoor environment, it is essential to provide good indoor air quality. The US EPA defines good indoor air quality as:

  • Introduction and distribution of adequate volumes of ventilation air
  • Control of airborne contaminants generated from either an indoor or outdoor source
  • Maintaining recommended temperatures and relative humidity

     To provide a complete assessment of these parameters, Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.’s (IEC’s) program features a multidisciplinary approach. IEC team members incorporate a wide variety of professional disciplines, qualifications, and experience levels. This evaluation design allows for a comprehensive building assessment.

    IEC has certified consultants and scientists licensed through the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). IEC incorporates Indoor Air Quality protocols from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and original IEC, Inc. research effort.

     The typical IAQ evaluation will include an assessment of symptom expression, a walk-through of affected and non-affected    areas, inspection of the ventilation systems (air handling units, cooling coils, drain pans, supply plenums, outside air intakes), pollutant intrusion pathways, measurement of surrogate gases to evaluate air exchange, and measurement of temperature             and relative humidity to determine thermal comfort parameters. In most evaluations, this will be sufficient to determine             building-related problems. IEC can provide comprehensive sampling and analytical services in support of more complex              indoor air quality investigations.


Contact IEC today to learn more about services relating to your project needs.