Most people spend a large portion of their days in an indoor environment. Due to the amount of time spent indoors, the indoor air quality (IAQ) that we breathe is important for our health and safety. Indoor pollution and contaminants can enter a building from the outside environment or can be due to a source already located within a structure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes.” Some sources of indoor air pollution, such as building materials, furnishings, and household products like air fresheners, may release pollutants continuously. Other sources, related to activities carried out in the building, release pollutants intermittently. Yet other contaminants, such as mold, are typically the result of a water leak or water damaging event. The health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or possibly, years later. Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness or fatigue. Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. EMSL’s IAQ testing laboratory provides access to leading scientists who utilize the most advanced instrumentation in the industry. These services are available to the public, health professionals, government agencies, industry and environmental consultants.
