Indoor Air Quality
Bersch Consulting Ltd. provides inspections and analytical services to identify indoor air quality concerns. We provide inspections for Indoor air quality concerns including but not limited to:
Mold
Total respirable particulates (dust)
Metals
Volatile organic compounds
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Formaldehyde
Radon
We have access to the sampling equipment necessary to assess any monitoring for all the contaminants listed using Air, Swab, and Bulk Samples. Along with our current accreditations, the company is engaged in training for certification through American Council for Accredited Certification for the designation of “Council Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI)”.
Our Process
We conduct research to determine possible sources for the concerns noted within an indoor environment.
We will make suggestions for the most probable causes of reported symptoms with recommendations for monitoring/testing.
Following inspection/testing, we will provide recommendations to address any concerns identified as well as corrective measures necessary to address those concerns.
Bersch Consulting Ltd. works with a NVLAP accredited laboratory for partner sample analysis.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
(Mold, Dust and More)
Mold
Fungi in buildings may cause symptoms of allergies (wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and eye irritation), especially in persons who have a history of allergic diseases (such as asthma and rhinitis). Except in widespread fungal contamination that is linked to illnesses throughout a building, building-wide evacuation is not necessary. Trace levels of fungi are present almost everywhere in the indoor and outdoor environments.
Air samples are collected via Air-O-Cell cassette. This non-culturable method of sampling draws a measured volume of air through the cassette. This method allows for the collection of all spores (both viable and non-viable) and particulate matter in the air.
To date, there are no regulations regarding acceptable levels of airborne fungal spores indoors. However, the general industry standard when conducting air monitoring for airborne fungal spores is that the genus of fungi found indoors should be lower than those found outdoors.
Total Respirable Particulates (Dust)
A human’s lungs are constantly exposed to fumes, dust, and particulates as one breathes. The lungs have mechanisms to protect themselves and remove particles from the respiratory system. However, excessive or extremely small particles may result in disease or displaced lung function. For example, exposure to tin oxides can cause the disease known as Stannosis and inhaling moldy hay, straw, and grain can cause what is known as “Farmer’s Lung”.
Samples are collected and analyzed in accordance with the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, Fourth Edition, NIOSH 0600 Method – Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Respirable. Results are compared to permissible exposure levels set forth by OSAH, ACGIH, and NIOSH.
Welding Fume – Metals
Welding fumes are a mixture of metallic oxides, silicates and fluorides released as a result of the practice of welding. Short term exposure can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, dizziness, nausea, and coughing (lung irritation). Long term exposure to welding fumes can cause lung damage and various types of cancers (lung, larynx, and urinary tract cancers). For example, long term exposure to manganese fumes can cause Parkinson-like symptoms. Gases such as argon, helium and carbon dioxide can displace oxygen in the air leading to suffocation and asphyxiation.
Samples are collected and analyzed in accordance with the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, Fourth Edition, NIOSH 7300 Method – Elements by ICP. Results are compared to contamination limits set forth by Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Some examples include paints, cleaning supplies, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and soaps, deodorants, perfumes and colognes.
Airborne VOCs may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea and in severe cases they may cause damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, nausea, fatigue and dizziness.
Samples are collected and analyzed in accordance with the USEPA METHOD TO-15 - Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GS/MS). Results are compared to permissible exposure levels set forth by OSAH and NIOSH.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, invisible gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of any carbon-containing material. Common sources include emissions from heating and cooking appliances (e.g., boilers, water heaters, fireplaces), vehicles, portable generators, gas powered tools, welding, fires and explosions, natural gas space heaters and tobacco smoke. CO raises concern as an indoor air pollutant due to its harmful effects when inhaled, including death.
CO interferes with the ability of blood to carry oxygen to tissues within the body. CO displaces the oxygen from the blood and prevents further uptake of oxygen. The nerves and heart are extremely sensitive to a lack of oxygen and are affected by CO exposure most quickly and severely.
Samples are collected and analyzed in accordance with the with Fixed Gas Analysis by Using the Draeger CMS (Chip Measurement System). Results are compared to permissible exposure levels set forth by OSHA and WorkSafe BC.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a colourless, odourless, non-flammable gas produced by metabolic process and by combustion of fuel. It is a natural constituent of the air humans breathe. CO2 has an average outdoor concentration of 300 to 400 ppm. Indoor levels are generally slightly higher than the outdoor levels due to building occupants exhaling CO2.
Low concentrations of CO2 are not harmful. However, high concentrations can be dangerous. It can affect respiratory function and cause stimulation followed by depression of the central nervous system. CO2 displaces the oxygen in the air. With that, there is less oxygen in the air available to breathe. Symptoms of an oxygen depleted environment include rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, clumsiness, emotional upset and fatigue. As less and less oxygen become available nausea and vomiting, collapse, convulsions, coma and death can occur. Symptoms occur more quickly with physical effort. A lack of oxygen can cause permanent damage to organs including the brain and heart.
Samples are collected and analyzed in accordance with the with Fixed Gas Analysis by Using the Draeger CMS (Chip Measurement System). Results are compared to contamination limits set forth by Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas commonly found in low levels within indoor air environments. When present in high levels, formaldehyde can be detected as a strong odour. It generally enters indoor environments via activities involving burning (such as smoking cigarettes) and off-gassing from household products and building materials. Sources of formaldehyde include adhesives, smoke (from fireplaces and wood-burning stoves), tobacco smoke, finishes (paints, varnishes, floor finishes), vehicle exhausts, household products (wall paper, paper products, cardboard products) and manufactured wood product (particle board, medium density fibreboard, hardwood laminate flooring, hardwood plywood).
Low levels of formaldehyde are common in indoor environments. However, high levels can have potentially dangerous health effects. It is an irritant and can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat. Long term exposure to high levels can cause breathing problems and in rare cases cancer of the nasal cavity.
Samples are collected and analyzed in accordance with the Formaldehyde Analysis by HPLC/UV of Passive Monitoring Badges via modified NIOSH 2016, Issue 2, 3/15/03). Results are compared to permissible exposure levels set forth by OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is an odourless, tasteless, colourless gas that escapes from the ground. When it enters an enclosed space (such as a basement) it can accumulate to high concentrations that can become a health concern. The main source of most radon in a home is from the soil on which the house is located. Radon enters a home via any opening where the home has contact with soil (ex. cracks in the foundation, floor drains, cavities inside walls, etc.).
The only known health risk associated with long-term exposure to elevated radon is an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The level of risk is dependent on the concentration of radon and the duration of exposure.
There are currently no regulations that govern an acceptable level of radon within Canadian homes or buildings. Sample results are compared to the guidelines developed by the Federal Provincial Territorial Radiation Protection Committee and adopted by the Government of Canada.