Indoor air quality is critical to the health and safety of building occupants. The threat of airborne viruses, like SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, only highlights the need for proper IAQ. The path towards creating a safe indoor environment involves inspection and testing. However, not all commercial IAQ testing companies are equal.
Many of these IAQ testing companies in Massachusetts outsource their field crews. It is far better to use a company that employs its field technicians. Better still is a company that has its A2LA accredited and CDC Elite environmental lab.
Commercial Air Quality Testing Companies
Not all indoor air quality testing companies provide the same level of service. Expertise and innovation have created a huge gap between indoor air quality testing companies across the US. Therefore, building and facilities managers must choose wisely. Cutting corners on this important part of building health puts people at risk.
For all commercial concerns, poor indoor air quality is a health risk
For businesses, it affects morale and safety and for schools, it can affect student learning. For all commercial concerns, poor indoor air quality is a health risk. That said, not all indoor air quality testing companies in Massachusetts are up to the task, especially if they are outsourcing their fieldwork.
Vetting Air Quality Testing Companies
Choosing the best among indoor air quality testing companies is not difficult if users know what to look for. Here are four factors to consider when assessing commercial air quality testing companies.
1. In-house Environmental Lab
Gauging and improving the indoor air quality of a building requires a team of professional technicians. Some indoor air quality testing companies in Massachusetts outsource this task to a third party. As a result, a level of trust is removed.
Therefore, it is better to use a company that employs its field technicians to perform IAQ services from initial inspection and testing to remediation and monitoring. This requires a complete plan of action. A company with an in-house environmental lab is preferable. This ensures the presence of mold, bacteria, and gasses gets detected. Remediation and monitoring follow the IAQ diagnosis.
2. Air Quality testing Companies Have Field Employees Working Directly For the Company
No state or federal IAQ standards or certification requirements exist. Of course, this makes it difficult to know what users will get from commercial air quality testing companies that outsource their field teams.
However, a company that employs its field technicians leads to a more streamlined, better-executed process.
3. Certification and Experience
IAQA commits itself to the resolution of indoor environmental challenges and elevating the credibility of its members
When choosing among indoor air quality testing companies, consider their training requirements, accreditation, and certification. For example, Pure Air Control Services is a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association.
The IAQA commits itself to the resolution of indoor environmental challenges and elevating the credibility of its members. PACS also employs ACAC Certified Indoor Environmental Consultants (CIEC) and Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) for commercial businesses and home testing as well.
4. Environmental Laboratory Testing
Unlike many IAQ testing companies, our A2LA/CDC Elite environmental lab uses cutting-edge technologies to test the environmental samples collected by our field teams. Also, well-trained staff and cutting-edge technologies assist our technicians in performing non-disruptive biosurveillance.
The EDLab clears buildings using risk assessment and provides assurances to building occupants that their safety is a priority. This is something that many indoor air quality testing companies in Massachusetts cannot do.
Building Sciences
Building Sciences services help facilities managers create safe and healthy and safe environments
In addition to meeting the above criteria, the Building Sciences services help facilities managers create safe and healthy and safe environments.
Choosing a quality IAQ testing company is important for commercial businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities as well as the customers, students, and patients they serve. Building Sciences includes a host of services to help meet these goals.
Building Health Check
A Building Health Check includes mold assessments, allergen and dust screening, contaminant source and risk assessments, as well as other environmental tests. Testing is the first step to creating safe, healthy buildings.
HVAC Hygiene Assessment
An HVAC Hygiene Assessment tests airflow, energy efficiency, and building tightness. Samples collected from the AHU get assessed by technicians at our EDLab. The EDLab also conducts baseline environmental testing for bacteria, fungi, as well as SARS-CoV-2.
Building Remediation Sciences
Pure Air Control Services uses several methods to improve ventilation and create proper IAQ. These systems include the PURE-Steam method to hygienically clean the HVAC unit with 350° F steam. The PURE-Duct method cleans supply and returns ductwork, while HVAC New Life uses an anti-microbial coating and an ECM Fan Array Retrofit to improve ventilation.
PURE-Decon disinfects the AHU with EPA-certified electrostatic DEP sprayers that kill harmful microbes. Our IAQ Guard system provides around-the-clock monitoring of environmental conditions. When our remote team detects a problem, we act fast to find a solution.
