Probe has extensive experience conducting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. IAQ assessments qualify and quantify contaminants such as: carbon monoxide and dioxide, formaldehyde gas, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, natural gas such as methane, radon gas, asbestos fibers, environmental bacteria, fungal mold and over 100 volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Probe also provides specialized IAQ assessments for clientele with unique needs.

With over 16 years experience of providing high quality environmental consultation and an on staff Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE), Probe will help solve your IAQ problems today.

The specific indoor air pollutants which Probe will test for are:

1. Carbon Dioxide, CO2:

Carbon dioxide is a good indicator of ventilation in a building or area of a building. Due to the fact that the human respiration process produces carbon dioxide, the levels of this gas can be measured to determine if it is accumulating in one or more areas of the test site. If buildup occurs, it is highly likely that the area is not being properly ventilated.

2. Carbon Monoxide, CO:

Carbon monoxide also contributes to indoor air quality problems. Due to the fact that this gas is odorless and tasteless, it may be present inside a facility with no indication of its presence. Carbon monoxide is generated from many combustion sources such as automobiles, gas fired boilers and appliances; and even burning cigarettes. In low levels, carbon monoxide can cause headaches, fatigue and other nonspecific symptoms.

3. Formaldehyde, HCHO:

Formaldehyde is a well known indoor air pollutant. It is used in building materials such as plywood, paneling, and particle board, as well as other building products and furnishings. Elevated levels of formaldehyde are often indicated by eye, nose, and upper respiratory irritation.

4. Ozone, O3:

Ozone is a form of oxygen that has three atoms per molecule rather than two atoms found in oxygen; it decomposes quickly and turns into regular oxygen. Ozone is now known to be one of the most powerful disinfectants. Ozone is generated as a result of electrical discharges such as where concentrated electrical equipment, i.e., elevator rooms, electrostatic air filters on furnaces, ozone generators, etc.

When generated, it seeps into all building space, cracks and crevices, as well as furnishings such as carpets, drapes, etc., with normal air currents.

5. Oxygen, O2:

Oxygen (O2) depletion is usually associated with the presence of H2S and CH4. Probe will monitor the levels of O2 with a meter in conjunction with the measurements for H2S, CH4, and CO.

6. Hydrogen Sulfide, H2S:

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is usually associated with and found in the presence of methane gas (CH4) and this may also be indicative of a natural gas source. H2S is a highly corrosive and toxic gas which has a distinctive "rotten egg" odor at low levels. However, H2S tends to deaden the human olfactory sense, thus persons in the presence of H2S for prolonged periods no longer smell the gas. Probe will use a meter to measure for this gas.

7. Natural Gas such as Methane CH4 - Lower Explosive Limits:

Methane (CH4) is a component of natural gas thus when present it is indicative of a possible natural gas leak. However, other sources such as decomposition of organic matter generate methane gas. Methane gas has explosive limits, both lower and upper limits. Probe will monitor for this gas's lower explosive limit in an attempt to determine a source or origin of the gas.

8. Nuisance Dust:

Nuisance dust results from construction or maintenance activities both inside and outside of the building, and has been identified as a respiratory tract irritant.

9. Temperature and Humidity:

Temperature and humidity, when not properly controlled, can contribute to complaints of nose and throat irritation and soreness, and skin irritation. High humidity may also contribute and support the growth of fungal molds and spores.

10. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) TO-15:

Volatile organic compounds or VOCs result from the off gassing of vapors from various chemicals, compounds and furnishings stored, used or installed in the building. The vapors or gases are organic in the nature and contribute to diminished indoor air quality. Testing for VOCs identifies the presence of 69 VOC's in the area's air.

The TO-15 method is used frequently in situations where unidentified odors are present and or the source of odors is not known.

11. Non-Viable Molds and Spores Tape Lift:

Fungal Molds which find a suitable location and surface for growth and which offers food, moisture, and darkness, will establish itself and will grow or amplify. When the mold matures it will produce spores which will be emitted. When these spores are present in our indoors, air quality diminishes. By employing air and surface sampling techniques, Probe can determine their source and control.

12. Radon Gas Testing:

Radon gas is known to seep into a building through openings in the floors and walls and may travel through porous blocks and other materials from contact with soils. Radon gas is a known carcinogen and at levels above 4 pCi/L is suspected to contribute to between 14,000 and 21,000 additional cancer deaths per year. Probe will test for radon gas with a continuous radon gas monitor using the EPA "48 Hour Closed House Condition" protocol.

13. Asbestos Fiber Levels:

Asbestos fibers maybe found in buildings were asbestos containing materials (ACM) are presented and have been disturbed and damaged. Asbestos is odorless, colorless, tasteless invisible material which is a known carcinogen. Test for asbestos is undertaken with PCM and or TEM. TEM which is Transmission Electron Microscopy is state of air and can detect small asbestos fibers and can distinguish between asbestos and non asbestos materials. PCM which is Phase Contrast Microscopy can not distinguish between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers.

14. Full Particle (Airborne) Identification:

Airborne particles such as particles from cotton fibers, cellulose, fiberglass, dander, dust mites and other unusual materials such as carbon black, metal oxides, and minerals in the air spaces can be responsible for occupant complaints of itching, skin irritation, nose, and eye and respiratory tract irritators and odors.
 


"...A foul odor emanating from our basement was making us sick...Probe inspected and spotted an uncapped sewage line in our basement. This was impressive because approximately ten other contractors and inspectors (including city inspectors) had tried and failed to locate the source of the smell... the problem was skillfully resolved. No homeowner could ask for more..."

- Howard Krausse, Environmental Survey,
  December 18, 2004

 
 

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