Our Health & Safety Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

Overview

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term used to describe the physical and chemical characteristics of air inside buildings including airborne constituents, with special concern for the impact on occupant health and comfort. Poor indoor air quality can be linked to employee concerns such as complaints of stuffiness, headaches and eye irritation. IAQ issues are commonly referred to as building related illness (BRI) or sick-building syndrome (SBS).

Baseline IAQ Surveys

Baseline IAQ assessments are used to determine the state of the air quality in a particular indoor environment where IAQ monitoring has not been completed or has not been completed recently.


Indicator measurements of building performance can be assessed to determine if a building is performing poorly. Important indicator measurements may include:

  • Air and Surface Temperature
  • Relative Humidity
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) measurements as a means of checking adequacy of ventilation
  • Surface Moisture
  • Particulate Matter
  • Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC)
  • Carbon Monoxide to check for leakage of combustion devices within the building.

Following the completion of an assessment, a report will be issued including assessment results and recommendations for IAQ improvement if required.

Mould Assessment and Testing

Mould belongs to the kingdom fungi (along with mushrooms and yeasts) and have very specific temperature, nutrient and moisture requirements for growth. Indoor mould growth is typically associated with high humidity, dust, moisture levels and water damage or intrusion. Certain mould can cause adverse health effects; including hypersensitivity diseases (allergies), infectious diseases, toxic effects, and irritation of the respiratory tract. Often, occupants of homes are suffering from numerous symptoms commonly associated with or caused by indoor mold growth.


Mould assessments should always include a visual inspection of the indoor area of concern as well as gathering information regarding the building history, current or previous moisture issues, understanding air flow patterns, and an inspection of the windows and HVAC systems. The outdoor environment should also be inspected by assessing outdoor siding, flashing and eavestrough systems.

Surface Sampling

If visible mould is detected during a visual inspection surface sampling may be completed.


Norpro H&S is available to collect surface samples of mould containing materials for analysis by a third-party accredited laboratory. Collected samples may also be dropped off to our office during regular business hours. Surface sampling methods may include:

  • Bulk Samples – Eg. drywall material, wallpaper, pieces of carpet, etc. Bulk samples can be analyzed by either direct microscopic examination (DME) or culturing.
  • Tape-lift Samples - Tape samples are usually analyzed by DME but could also be analyzed by culturing.
  • Surface Swabs - Swabs could be analyzed by direct microscopic examination (DME) or culturing. 

Air Sampling

If a visual inspection does not identify mould, but there you have reason to believe that there may be inconspicuous mould growth present within a building, air testing for Mould may be completed. Non-viable (total spore count) air sampling is completed using specific sample media for the rapid collection and analysis of mould spores. This analysis involves spore counting and identification of different categories of mold spores within the area of concern versus identified control environments (outdoor environment, or indoor areas with no confirmed concerns) to determine if there is an indoor mould growth source.

Mould Remediation Support

Norpro H&S works closely with mould remediation companies to provide project management on abatement projects providing:


  • Pre remediation assessments
  • Final visual inspection following remediation
  • Clearance air sampling following remediation, prior to building re-occupancy
Need to ask something?

FAQ About Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Services

If you have visible mould on a surface, identifying the species present can help alleviate unnecessary concerns, and also help in the decision making process for remediation.

Standard turnaround time (TAT) for the lab is 3-5 business days. However, if results are required sooner, they can be produced within 2-3 days. In these cases, with rush analysis, the analysis fees are more expensive.

Testimonials

“ We have had the pleasure of working with Norpro on several occasions for indoor air quality assessments. Their prompt and professional service made the entire process seamless and productive. The team members took the time to listen to our concerns, meticulously review all necessary documentation, and truly understand our specific needs. The assessments were carried out in a timely manner, with very thorough reporting and actionable, manageable recommendations for controls. Norpro’s communication with our team was not only efficient but also insightful, ensuring proper mitigation of the concerns at hand. I highly recommend Norpro for their expertise, dedication, and commitment to delivering exceptional results. ”

— Luci Wurdemann, Algoma University

Get In Touch

If you would like to work with us or just want to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

1-800-461-5114
healthandsafety@norpro.ca
1-800-461-5114
healthandsafety@norpro.ca