Indoor Air Quality Testing -
Hot Issue, Hot Topic
"Each year as winter approaches, people begin to close up and
tighten their homes, all in an effort to reduce energy. Yet at
the same time people also become concerned with their (IAQ) indoor
air quality," said Brian Baker, President of Custom
Vac Limited.
What many people do
not realize is that IAQ problems can and do exist at anytime spring;
summer; fall; and winter. Why then do the vast majority of consumers
only relate poor IAQ with wintertime? "This is because of our
cold climate area and the fact that homeowners are able to detect
the visible signs (moisture on cold window surfaces), which in
turn often cause and lead to structural damage. During the other
three months, the air is typically warmer and it's ability to
hold more moisture increases, so the visible signs of moisture
is hidden but almost all other pollutants are invisible and not
detectable with the naked eye, yet the vast majority of people
relate only moisture problems with poor indoor air", said Baker.
Air Sampling & Quality Testing
What about these air sampling devices that I've heard about, do
you use them for testing IAQ in homes? "Many people assume that
in this high-tech world there must be an "air quality instrument,"
some sort of air sampling device that will collect air samples,
list them all and print out a list of recommendations and/or products
to make the air better. After all with the vast array of products
on the market promising better IAQ this would seem quite logical
to assume.
However, while such equipment does exist to some extent in research laboratories, its application in the field would be impractical", said Baker. The main reason Baker stated that they do not air sampling devices was to date there are no established levels of many of the chemicals, molds, etc. found. In addition, molds are naturally found in the environment everywhere so testing does not add information to write a prescription to improve the indoor air. Does this mean that you suggest air sampling never be done? "No, in the case of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity we do test because there are established limits and guidelines", said Baker.
"There are no magic
instruments, hard written remedial measures, or one-size fits
all solution to resolve an IAQ issue(s), homeowners need to locate
and work with people who have taken the "Residential IAQ Investigator
Course" training offered by (CMHC) Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation," said Baker.
The reason for this
is that in practice, testing and measuring of indoor air involves
many different tools and interpretive knowledge. Even having some
knowledge of specific pollutants the task becomes even more difficult
because for many pollutants there are no acceptable or unacceptable
levels that have been set. This because a pollutant that affects
one person at a certain level may not even register as a complaint
with another person within the same indoor environment.
The IAQ Investigative Protocols
There is also the effect of combined pollutants, these may create
a problem yet be extremely difficult to determine as a cause for
complaints. In addition, as mentioned earlier the individual reaction
responses to certain chemicals, odors, etc can all be different
making it difficult to establish guidelines or recommendations.
This is where the IAQ investigation protocols established by CMHC
can be put to good use. The protocols can be very useful in determining
potential pollutant sources and establishing recommendations for
improvements. All IAQ investigations should begin with a simple
but thorough audit of all potential pollutants including those
from the building envelope; the mechanical systems; the occupants
and their activities; and adjacent spaces. Gord Cooke, P. Eng.
a CMHC trainer said recently, "In my experience trained investigators
can resolve over 80 per cent of IAQ issues without needing any
specific test equipment."
The objectives of a residential indoor air quality (IAQ) investigation
using the CMHC IAQ Investigative Protocol are to determine if
there is an outdoor air quality problem; to identify the causes;
and to recommend solutions. The ultimate goal is to advise the
client on the actions that should be taken to improve the air
quality of the dwelling. The inspection is an indoor air quality
investigation, not a health inspection. The elements of the residential
IAQ investigation are the pre-site interview, the site investigation,
and the analysis of the observations and preparation of the written
report to the client. (Source: CMHC course materials)
The RIAQ Investigative Course
The best part of having taken the "Residential Indoor Air Quality
Investigator Course" training from CMHC has been the interest
by everyone involved to help support the us (the field practicing
investigators). "Knowing that we have the support, access to the
latest information and research to assist us in making certain
that the recommendations that we make are being made in the clients
best interest, makes work in this area very satisfying," said
Baker.
Brian, having taken the "Residential Indoor Air Quality Investigator
Course" May 15, 2003 wants to make it very clear that while he
is in the HVAC business the code of practice and agreement he
entered into with CMHC at the beginning of the course, does not
allow him to compete with his competitors where he has been the
IAQ investigator. This assures the integrity of the investigator
and the investigative process. It also allows him to work in cooperation
with other contractors to help resolve their customers IAQ issues.
For more on IAQ visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
