Indoor air quality problems are widespread and becoming a significant problem for property owners and managers. The impacts of poor indoor air quality can vary from mild occupant discomfort to greatly increased absenteeism with associated loss of productivity. Employee lawsuits based on indoor air quality are on the rise.

Modern buildings often rely entirely on mechanical ventilation to remove pollutants and to bring in fresh air. Large increases in energy costs during the 1970's led to increasingly tight building construction and reduced outside air ventilation. The use of synthetic materials and proliferation of office equipment have also brought a host of potential pollutants into the work place. Considering these factors, it is not surprising that indoor air quality problems have risen dramatically in the 1980's and 1990's.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) problems can have a wide variety of causes, but are often related to improperly designed or operated HVAC systems. Many IAQ problems are due to elevated concentrations of common contaminants that, under normal circumstances, would cause no noticeable problems. In certain instances, IAQ problems are due to the migration or concentration of toxic or infectious agents. But under most circumstances, problems do not occur if building ventilation systems are properly designed and operated.

An IAQ survey is a systematic review of a building, its mechanical systems and uses to identify conditions that may lead to the concentration or movement of airborne contaminants and subsequent occupant discomfort or illness. Most IAQ problems can be solved without the need for expensive laboratory tests.

Novus has the skills to identify and solve most indoor air problems. With in-depth expertise in all aspects of building design, operation and maintenance, we can rapidly pinpoint potential sources of indoor air quality problems and suggest cost-effective solutions.

A complete indoor air quality survey can have a number of components. The following is a list of possible tasks that can be included in an IAQ survey:

• Collect Baseline Data & Develop Building Profile
     -  Review building construction documents
     -  Review HVAC design documents and parameters
     -  Review operating documentation
     -  Review record of IAQ complaints

• Building Inspection
     -  Review layout of rooms and ventilation systems, noting
        changes from original plans
     -  Identify pollutant pathways
     -  Identify potential pollutant sources
     -  Review & measure building operation parameters

• Data Review
     -  Outline proposed solutions
     -  Outline proposed solutions
     -  Implement solutions
     -  Follow-up survey and/or measurements to verify results

• Develop Long-Term IAQ Management
     -  Appoint IAQ Manager
     -  Establish log for IAQ complaints
     -  Establish task force to address problems