“Healthy Building Science was very professional, knowledgeable, and responsive to our needs. Our employees are thankful for the improved air flow and air quality.”

-Facility office manager

Indoor Air Quality Testing Project Summary:

A manufacturing facility in the Bay Area contacted Healthy Building Science (HBS) to assess the air quality in their facility’s production space, design studio and corporate offices. Onsite testing of air quality parameters and laboratory testing for airborne contaminants provided a baseline of pre-existing conditions at the facility. The test results were analyzed and discussed with the head of the facility. While all tested parameters were found to be at acceptable levels, HBS found ways to improve the company’s indoor environments. Specific indoor air quality goals were agreed upon, and a game plan created. After renovations, all areas of the facility were tested again; HBS found a drastic reduction of airborne contaminants and improvement in air quality throughout the facility.

IAQ Testing Manufacturing Facility

IAQ Inspection & Testing Process:

Two site inspections (pre-renovation and post-renovation) were performed by HBS inspectors. TVOC (the summation of volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde concentrations, airborne particulate counts, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity were tested throughout the facility.

Recommendations:

Based on findings from the first inspection, HBS recommended a variety of solutions to dilute contaminants with fresh air and improve air flow pathways to remove contaminants throughout the building. The company followed the recommendations and significant quantitative improvements to air quality ensued.

TVOCs provide a general depiction of the indoor air quality; they can be from off gassing materials or can be generated from industrial processes in a facility. After renovating the facility and implementing improvements recommended by HBS, the concentration of TVOCs dropped by as much as 84%. Furthermore, all chemicals identified in the TVOC tests were detected at concentrations less than 1% of EPA and OSHA recommended concentrations. The facility also benefited from a decrease in carbon dioxide, airborne particulates, and formaldehyde levels after improvements were made.

Manufacturing Facility

Results:

• Significant reduction in airborne contaminants and measurable improvements to indoor air quality.
• Improved ventilation and added comfort to the workplace.
• Reduction of noticeable odors.

Commercial IAQ Assessment  – Team

HBS team included David Sasse & Kevin Cordes