Professional Assistance in Solving Indoor Air Quality Problems

Many indoor air quality problems (IAQ) problems are simple to resolve when facility staff have been educated about the investigation process. In other cases, however, a time comes when outside assistance is needed. Professional help might be necessary or desirable in the following situations, among others:

• Mistakes or delays could have serious consequences (e.g., health hazards, liability exposure, regulatory sanctions).
• Building management feels that an independent investigation would be better received or more effectively documented than an in-house investigation.
• Investigation and mitigation efforts by facility staff have not relieved the IAQ problem.
• Preliminary findings by staff suggest the need for measurements that require specialized equipment and training beyond in-house capabilities.

CAABC Certified Companies can help in the investigation of indoor air quality problems. Their skills and expertise can provide you with a complete picture of a facilities HVAC system's operation.

It is particularly important to contact your local or Provincial Health
Department if you suspect that you have a serious building-related illness potentially linked to biological contamination in your
building.

If available government agencies do not have personnel with the appropriate skills to assist in solving your IAQ problem, they
may be able to direct you to firms in you area with experience in indoor air quality work. Note that even certified professionals
from disciplines closely related to IAQ issues (such as industrial hygienists, ventilation engineers, and toxicologists) may not have the specific expertise needed to investigate and resolve indoor air
problems.

Individuals or groups that offer services in this evolving field should be questioned closely about their related
experience and their proposed approach to your problem.